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Power Systems Engineer
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Actalent
Houston, TX (In Person)
$150,800 Salary, Full-Time
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Job Description
Job Title:
Power Systems Engineer Job Description We are seeking a senior Electrical Power Systems Leader to shape the power infrastructure strategy for hyperscale and AI-focused data centers, including multi-building campuses and programs exceeding 1GW. This role is the top technical authority in power systems, responsible for setting the vision, defining standards, and ensuring execution excellence from concept design through commissioning and operational handoff. The ideal candidate is a highly respected engineering leader with HV expertise, advanced knowledge of protection and controls, and hands-on operational experience capable of influencing executive stakeholders, utilities, EPC firms, OEMs, and site operations teams. Responsibilities Lead the design and architecture of HV electrical distribution systems for data centers, spanning the full utility-to-rack power path, including substations, switchgear, transformers, secondary distribution, and critical power interfaces. Develop and standardize scalable, repeatable reference designs to support power-dense facilities across multiple regions and vendor ecosystems. Ensure all design decisions are grounded in core principles of availability, reliability, maintainability, safety, and effective operational response during abnormal conditions. Own the protection philosophy, including relay coordination strategies and system selectivity for HV systems within mission-critical environments. Drive the adoption and implementation of IEC-based digital substation and switchgear architectures, includingGOOSE/MMS
protocols and best practices for consistency and quality. Develop and validate Sequences of Operation (SoO) and control narratives to support normal operations, failover scenarios, maintenance activities, and system recovery. Serve as the technical lead for utility engagement, including interconnection requirements, protection and metering schemes, power quality considerations, and operational coordination for large-load facilities. Guide designs that enable flexible grid connectivity and advanced resiliency strategies, including self-generation, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and islanding where applicable. Partner closely with construction and commissioning teams to plan and execute acceptance testing, energization, integrated system testing, and operational readiness activities. Lead troubleshooting efforts and perform root-cause analysis for complex system behaviors involving switchgear, protection relays, and controls. Essential Skills 10+ years of experience as an Electrical Power Systems Engineer Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Systems Engineering Experience working in data centers, facilities, utility, or Power Generation infrastructures Expertise in HV distribution, switchgears, protection and controls, relay schemes, and control systems integration Familiarity with ANSI/UL, IEC, and validating Sequences of Operations (SoO) Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience with hyperscale data centers and digital switchgear Knowledge of GOOSE, MMS, Power Monitoring Systems, PMS, SCADA, and Integrated systems testing Work Environment This is an onsite position. The role offers high autonomy, real technical ownership, and the opportunity to shape standards that scale across regions and fleets. You will work with a team that values engineering rigor, operational reality, and principled leadership, contributing to building infrastructure for the next generation of AI-scale computing where power density and reliability are mission-defining. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $75.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:- Medical, dental & vision
- Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
- 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
- Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
- Short and long-term disability
- Health Spending Account (HSA)
- Transportation benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Houston,TX.