Sr. Electrical Engineer - Power Systems

Role Overview

We're looking for a Senior Electrical Engineer - Power Systems to own the electrical architecture of Arbor's supercritical CO power plants-from the first conceptual one-line through generator selection, synchronization and protection design, utility interconnection, procurement, installation, and first synchronization to the grid.

As Arbor's first electrical engineer, you will set the architecture for multi-unit plants of 10-50 MW turbine-generators, both grid-tied at transmission level and in islanded behind-the-meter configurations. This is a hands-on role: you will design, specify, procure, and commission the equipment yourself, and bring in third-party engineering when the schedule demands more hands, not because the work is outside your reach.

You'll partner closely with turbomachinery, controls, process, and test engineers in a fast-paced, first-of-a-kind hardware environment, building the electrical discipline that delivers carbon-neutral baseload power.

Responsibilities

• Own the power system architecture for multi-unit grid-tied plants and islanded microgrid configurations: single-line diagrams, generator step-up and medium-voltage distribution topology, auxiliary power, and DC/UPS systems.
• Lead generator, excitation, synchronization, and load-sharing design, including system behavior during load steps, faults, breaker operations, motor starting, and loss-of-generation events.
• Develop the protection philosophy and coordination strategy for generators, transformers, medium-voltage switchgear, and large motors, and produce or review relay settings and time-current coordination.
• Own utility interconnection from feasibility screening through interconnection agreement and compliance, including NERC MOD-026/027 and PRC-019/024 and IEEE 2800 requirements.
• Perform and direct load-flow, short-circuit, arc-flash, motor-starting, and transient stability studies in ETAP, PSCAD, PSS®E, or equivalent.
• Specify and procure major electrical equipment-generators, step-up transformers, switchgear, medium-voltage motors and VFDs, MCCs, and UPS-and manage vendor design reviews, factory acceptance tests, and installation.
• Own or direct hazardous-area classification, grounding, and lightning protection design for facilities handling natural gas, oxygen, and high-pressure CO.
• Define scope for and review third-party electrical engineering when additional capacity is needed, and lead electrical commissioning through first fire, full-speed no-load, and synchronization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related engineering field.
• 8+ years of experience in power-generation, industrial, or utility electrical systems, including medium-voltage generation and distribution and transmission-level interconnection.
• Hands-on commissioning or startup experience with a generating plant or large industrial electrical system.
• Demonstrated ability to take electrical equipment from concept through specification, procurement, installation, and energization.
• Working fluency in generator protection, excitation, and synchronization, and in power system studies (load flow, short circuit, arc flash, motor starting, coordination) using ETAP, SKM, PSCAD, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 70E, NESC, IEEE, and NERC standards applicable to generating facilities.
• Proven ability to own technical development of complex hardware from concept through validation in fast-paced settings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with islanded power systems, load shedding, and generator paralleling in oil & gas, LNG, industrial-gas, or microgrid applications.
• Gas-turbine or reciprocating-engine generator package experience, including static excitation, generator protection panels, and neutral grounding.
• Utility interconnection studies and RTO/ISO or CAISO/WECC process experience.
• Advanced degree (M.S.) in Electrical Engineering with a power systems emphasis.
• Background in startup environments or first-of-a-kind hardware development.

Benefits & Compensation

• Pre-IPO stock options
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (Arbor covers 90% for employees)
• Basic life insurance fully covered
• Health savings account (HSA) with matching
• Flexible savings account (FSA)
• Unlimited PTO
• 12+ company holidays, including Earth Day!
• 401(k)
• Commuter benefits
• Annual learning and development stipend
• And more!

Base Pay

$165,000 - $185,000 USD/year. The salary is subject to the applicant's skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location.