Lead Electrician - Houston, TX

Watco • Houston, TX

20h • Onsite

About The Position

The Industrial Lead Electrician will lead the maintenance, troubleshooting, and reliability of 480V three-phase electrical distribution systems, motor controls, transformers, and automated manufacturing equipment. The ideal candidate brings advanced expertise in NFPA 70E, three-phase power systems, PLCs, and VFDs, with a strong focus on electrical safety, equipment reliability, and minimizing production downtime.

Requirements

• Must possess valid driver’s license and be insurable by company insurance provider to drive and operate company vehicles and equipment as necessary
• Active Master Electrician License in good standing with state/local licensing authority
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive electrical experience in commercial, industrial, or residential settings
• Minimum 5 years specifically handling 480V 3-phase systems
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid TWIC card
• OSHA 30 NFPA 70E Electrical Safety Certification

Nice To Haves

• Thermography Level I certification is highly preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead the installation, testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of 480V three-phase electrical distribution systems, including MCCs, transformers, switchboards, busways, and main circuit breakers
• Perform phase balancing, phase rotation testing, power quality analysis, power factor correction, and harmonic filtering to ensure reliable electrical system performance and prevent equipment damage
• Install, configure, parameterize, and troubleshoot VFDs, soft starters, motor starters, contactors, overload relays, and three-phase induction motors
• Troubleshoot industrial automation systems by interpreting PLC ladder logic, I/O modules, sensor loops, control circuits, and electrical schematics to quickly identify and resolve equipment faults
• Serve as the electrical safety lead, ensuring compliance with NFPA 70E, arc-flash requirements, electrical safe work practices, and appropriate PPE Category 2–4 requirements
• Lead and enforce Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures for multi-source 480V electrical systems during equipment overhauls, maintenance activities, and emergency repairs
• Perform preventive and predictive electrical maintenance, including infrared thermography, Megger insulation resistance testing, phase rotation checks, and power quality testing on production equipment
• Apply advanced knowledge of NEC Article 430 (Motors and Motor Controllers) and Article 450 (Transformers) to ensure proper installation, protection, troubleshooting, and maintenance of industrial electrical equipment
• Lead electrical safety practices in accordance with NFPA 70E, including arc-flash risk assessment, approach boundaries, energized work requirements, and proper selection and use of electrical PPE
• Provide technical leadership and direction to electricians and maintenance personnel, coordinating troubleshooting, repairs, and electrical maintenance activities to maintain safe and reliable plant operations
• Performs other duties or ad-hoc projects as assigned by leadership

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED