Lead Electrical Designer - KOE

Houston, TX 77079

Employment Type: Contract to Perm Job Category: Civil Engineering Job Number: 57741748 Compensation: $60-70 / hour

Job Description

Title: Lead Electrical Designer – Oil, Gas & Chemical
Location: Houston, TX 
Hire Type: Contract-to-Hire
Compensation: $60.00 - $70.00/hour (DOE) 

Benefits: As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, 3 medical plans to choose from, dental & vision plans, 401(k), and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.

About the Opportunity:
Sterling Engineering is seeking a Lead Electrical Designer to support Kiewit's Oil, Gas & Chemical (KOE) Group in Houston, TX. This role is ideal for an experienced electrical designer with a strong background in refining or petrochemical facilities, SmartPlant 3D (SP3D), one-line diagrams, schematics, cable tray, and duct bank design. The selected candidate will lead design efforts, provide technical guidance to junior designers, support field activities, and develop high-quality electrical designs for complex industrial projects. 

Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead electrical design activities for refining and petrochemical projects.
  • Develop and review one-line diagrams, schematics, grounding plans, interconnect drawings, cable schedules, and power layouts.
  • Design cable tray systems, duct banks, and electrical equipment layouts.
  • Create and modify electrical drawings using SmartPlant 3D (SP3D) and AutoCAD.
  • Perform 3D electrical modeling and ensure designs comply with company and industry standards.
  • Serve as a field resource by supporting site walkdowns, construction activities, and resolving field design issues.
  • Review vendor documentation, RFIs, engineering changes, and as-built drawings.
  • Lead and mentor a small team of designers while coordinating with engineers, project teams, and construction personnel.
  • Analyze, inspect, and construct electrical designs while maintaining quality, schedule, and project objectives. 
Qualifications:
  • Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology or High School Diploma with a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience.
  • 10–20+ years of electrical design experience in the refining or petrochemical industry.
  • Experience leading small design teams and mentoring junior designers.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently while coordinating with multidisciplinary project teams.
  • Experience performing electrical equipment layouts within electrical buildings.
  • Knowledge of electrical quality standards and industrial design practices. 
Software:
  • SmartPlant 3D (SP3D) – Preferred
  • AutoCAD (Advanced)
  • MicroStation (Preferred)
  • Navisworks
  • Microsoft Office Suite
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Meet Your Recruiter

Alex Martyn
Technical Recruiter

Alex is a Recruiter at Sterling Engineering, supporting the Energy and Infrastructure Division. As someone new to both recruiting and Sterling, Alex brings enthusiasm, curiosity, and a relationship-first approach to helping candidates navigate new career opportunities.

Alex’s passion for recruiting stems from the opportunity to help others achieve continued career growth, long-term happiness, and professional success. Alex enjoys building new relationships every day and takes pride in connecting with candidates to better understand their goals, strengths, and next steps.

Outside of recruiting, Alex enjoys sports and spending time outdoors, making it easy for candidates to connect on both a professional and personal level. Whether talking through career goals or sharing favorite teams, outdoor activities, or personal interests, Alex values creating genuine conversations that help build trust throughout the recruiting process.

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About Houston, TX

Discover exciting job opportunities in the vibrant region around Houston, Texas! Known for its thriving economy, diverse industries, and endless growth prospects, Houston offers an enticing landscape for career-minded individuals. With world-class museums like the Museum of Fine Arts and a rich culinary scene showcasing Tex-Mex delights, BBQ joints, and food trucks serving up local flavors, Houston is a melting pot of culture and creativity. Home to the renowned Space Center Houston, the historic Astrodome, and professional sports teams like the Rockets and the Astros, this region exudes energy and excitement. Embrace the charm of this dynamic area while exploring job listings that could lead you to a fulfilling career right here in Houston!