Staff Electrical Engineer (High Voltage)

Kforce is seeking a Staff High Voltage Electrical Engineer to support major EPC initiatives in San Francisco, CA. This role involves designing and delivering high-voltage electrical systems for industrial substations (69kV to 345kV), integrating with transmission and MV distribution. Key responsibilities include assessing and improving existing substation designs, developing comprehensive design packages, executing grid simulations, and ensuring code compliance. The engineer will act as Electrical Engineer of Record and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimize substation layouts and support construction and commissioning.

Must Have

• Lead engineering and design of AC high-voltage systems for industrial substations (69kV to 345kV)
• Assess and improve existing substation designs for reliability and stability
• Develop comprehensive design packages including single-line diagrams, physical layouts, grounding designs, protection & control schemes, and relay coordination
• Execute grid simulations and stability analyses using tools like PSSE, PSLF, PSCAD, EMTP, and ASPEN OneLiner
• Conduct short circuit, load flow, arc flash, and fault studies
• Create relay settings using SEL AcSELerator or equivalent platforms
• Act as Electrical Engineer of Record (EOR) for assigned projects
• Lead NEC, NESC, IEEE, and NFPA code compliance reviews
• Collaborate with civil and structural engineers to optimize substation layouts
• Interface with utilities, ISO/RTOs, and regulatory bodies for interconnection and permitting
• Support construction and commissioning teams through field engineering and troubleshooting
• Review vendor packages, RFIs, and shop drawings
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
• Active or reciprocity-eligible Professional Engineer (PE) license (obtain Nevada PE within 2 months)
• 10+ years of high-voltage electrical engineering experience, ideally within EPC or heavy industrial environments
• Demonstrated experience with transmission-level design, protection engineering, and full lifecycle project execution

Good to Have

• HVDC system and converter station design
• Strong knowledge of protection systems, SCADA architectures, and substation automation
• Field experience supporting construction, testing, and commissioning of high-voltage systems
• Highly proactive, detail-driven, and comfortable working in fast-paced industrial or EPC environments

Perks & Benefits

• Medical/dental/vision insurance
• HSA
• FSA
• 401(k)
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• ADD insurance

Description

Kforce has a client in San Francisco, CA that is seeking a Staff High Voltage Electrical Engineer - EPC. Summary: We are seeking a Staff High Voltage Electrical Engineer to support major EPC initiatives and help shape the next generation of industrial power infrastructure. In this role, you'll play a pivotal part in designing and delivering high-voltage electrical systems that directly support our mission. Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the engineering and design of AC high-voltage systems for industrial substations ranging from 69kV to 345kV, including integration with upstream transmission and downstream MV distribution
• Assess and improve existing substation designs to strengthen reliability, operability, and overall grid stability
• Develop comprehensive design packages including single-line diagrams, physical layouts, grounding designs, protection & control schemes, and relay coordination
• Execute grid simulations and stability analyses using tools such as PSSE, PSLF, PSCAD, EMTP, and ASPEN OneLiner
• Conduct short circuit, load flow, arc flash, and fault studies to validate system performance and compliance
• Create relay settings using SEL AcSELerator or equivalent platforms
• Act as Electrical Engineer of Record (EOR) for assigned projects
• Lead NEC, NESC, IEEE, and NFPA code compliance reviews and provide guidance to multidisciplinary teams
• Collaborate with civil and structural engineers to optimize substation layouts, foundations, and site development
• Interface with utilities, ISO/RTOs, and regulatory bodies to support interconnection, permitting, and compliance
• Support the construction and commissioning teams through field engineering, troubleshooting, and test oversight
• Review vendor packages, RFIs, and shop drawings for accuracy and alignment with project requirements

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
• Active or reciprocity-eligible Professional Engineer (PE) license (Must obtain Nevada [and preferably South Carolina] PE within 2 months of starting)
• 10+ years of high-voltage electrical engineering experience, ideally within EPC or heavy industrial environments
• Demonstrated experience with transmission-level design, protection engineering, and full lifecycle project execution

Advanced skill with:

• PSSE, PSLF (load flow & stability)
• PSCAD, EMTP (electromagnetic transient simulation)
• ASPEN OneLiner (fault & relay coordination)
• ETAP or SKM (power system modeling)
• SEL AcSELerator (relay settings)
• AutoCAD, Navisworks, Bluebeam, Microsoft Office

Preferred Experience:

• HVDC system and converter station design
• Strong knowledge of protection systems, SCADA architectures, and substation automation
• Field experience supporting construction, testing, and commissioning of high-voltage systems
• Highly proactive, detail-driven, and comfortable working in fast-paced industrial or EPC environments

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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