Senior Power Systems Engineer

Ethos•Irvine, CA

12h

About The Position

Ethos is seeking a Senior Power Systems Engineer to join its expanding Data Centre Group. The role supports the design and delivery of resilient electrical infrastructure for mission-critical facilities, working within multidisciplinary engineering teams and providing specialist expertise in power system modelling, analysis, and electrical network design. The position focuses on reliability, resilience, and operational performance across large-scale data centre developments, while helping deliver innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges for clients worldwide. The engineer will carry out power system studies and develop electrical network models, calculations, and technical reports. They will contribute to design and quality assurance, coordinate with clients and project stakeholders, and provide technical leadership across complex projects. The role also includes mentoring junior engineers, supporting professional development, and helping improve internal standards, templates, and digital engineering practices.

Requirements

Degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering, or a related discipline.
At least 3 years of experience in electrical or power systems engineering within a building services consultancy, engineering consultancy, or industrial environment.
Good understanding of European and UK electrical standards, including IEC, BS, IS, and EN standards.
Strong knowledge of electrical distribution systems from HV through MV and LV.
Experience using ETAP or equivalent software such as DIgSILENT PowerFactory or SKM to develop complete electrical network models.
Experience with load flow analysis, short circuit studies, protection coordination and selectivity studies, time-current coordination development, arc flash hazard analysis, harmonic analysis, power quality assessments, equipment duty verification, and cable ampacity and derating studies.
Experience designing or reviewing HV, MV, and LV distribution systems; primary and secondary substations; transformers; switchgear; busbar systems; standby generators; UPS systems; DC and emergency power systems; earthing and bonding; lightning protection; generator synchronisation and load sharing; ATS; and STS.
Experience with ETAP, AutoCAD, Revit, and Microsoft Office.
Familiarity with BIM workflows.
Ability to communicate clearly and work with clients and multidisciplinary project stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Experience delivering projects in data centres, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, healthcare, industrial, or other mission-critical facilities.
Knowledge and experience in grid connection and embedded generation assessments, including static and dynamic stability analysis, transient stability studies, harmonic assessments, voltage flicker analysis, and transformer inrush current studies.
Experience with power system study software such as SKM, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, ETAP, or similar.
Understanding of grid code requirements and utility connection processes.
Experience performing electrical calculations and developing designs in accordance with relevant IEC standards.
Experience with power quality and harmonic analysis.
Experience in protection system design, settings development, and coordination studies, including exposure to transformer and bus differential protection, REF, and directional protection schemes.
Experience creating and maintaining ETAP digital models throughout the project lifecycle and aligning them with design revisions and as-built information.
Experience with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
Understanding of data centre power resilience architectures (N, N+1, 2N, 2(N+1), Distributed Redundant), utility grid connections, fault level management, critical power infrastructure, operational resilience principles, and energy efficiency and power system optimisation.
Knowledge of Python, MATLAB, or scripting for engineering automation.
Willingness to pursue professional accreditation or Chartership.

Responsibilities

Develop detailed ETAP models for complex electrical distribution networks.
Support the design of resilient medium- and low-voltage distribution systems for mission-critical facilities.
Produce engineering calculations and technical reports.
Review protection settings and coordinate relay philosophies.
Review vendor ETAP models and manufacturer data for technical compliance.
Validate electrical equipment ratings against calculated system duties.
Review technical calculations, reports, and design deliverables as part of quality assurance processes.
Identify opportunities to improve design efficiency through standardisation and digital engineering tools.
Support the development of internal ETAP standards, templates, and modelling procedures.
Liaise with clients, utilities, contractors, and equipment manufacturers to resolve technical issues throughout project delivery.
Mentor and coach junior engineers, support their professional development, and deliver online training sessions where appropriate.
Participate in client meetings, manage client expectations, and maintain professional relationships through clear communication and timely responsiveness.
Prepare comprehensive technical and non-technical reports, communicating findings and recommendations accurately and clearly.
Provide technical and strategic input and leadership across complex engineering projects.
Monitor, evaluate, and report on project performance and client satisfaction, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and alignment with project objectives.
Perform electrical power system studies including load flow, short circuit, protection coordination, arc flash, and harmonic studies.
Perform cable sizing calculations in accordance with relevant international standards, including IEC 60502-2 and IEC 60364-5-52.