Electrical Power Engineer, Owner's Representative

Electrical Power Engineer, Owner's Representative (Part-Time Contract)

Capital project: Unit substation replacement | Kalamazoo, MI (hybrid, on-site during execution)

Type: Contract (W2), part-time at first, then full-time on-site during execution

Duration: About 21 months (Sept 2026 to end of Q2 2028)

Start: Immediate. The client wants a candidate onboarded as soon as possible.

Rate: $100–$125/hr, depending on experience and licensure (negotiable)

Our client is replacing a unit substation at its Kalamazoo, Michigan manufacturing site. They need an experienced electrical power engineer to act as Owner's Rep for the rest of the project. You'll represent the owner's interests across design, bidding, and construction, from long-lead equipment selection through installation and load transfer.

Their current electrical resource retires in January 2027. You'll overlap with that person and take over the electrical side of the project.

What the project involves

• Replace Sub #2 and Sub #1 with a single new unit substation, with a temporary panel carrying loads during the transition.
• Complete the civil, architectural, structural, and electrical design.
• Run separate competitive bids for the CAS and electrical packages.
• Execute the work in phases: temp panel install, load transfer, demolition, construction, equipment installation, final load transfer, and final demolition.

Phase / Timing / What you'll do:

Transition

Starts now, through Nov/Dec 2026

• Learn the FEL2 design, equipment specs, and scope. Support RFIs for the bid that opened Sept 14. Take part in the technical bid evaluation for the MV switchgear, transformer, LV switch, and supplemental panel (expected shortly after Oct 16).

FEL3 Basic Study

Through late Q2 2027

• Join the engineering design cycle. Attend the on-site kickoff in Michigan and the weekly Teams calls. Join milestone design reviews. Review and comment on schedule, budget, constructability, and risk. Support the electrical contractor bid, including site walk-downs, RFIs, and bid tab analysis.

FEL4 Execution

From about late July 2027 to end of Q2 2028

• Be on-site 5 days a week during CAS and electrical work. Join daily calls with the site construction manager and electrical lead. Audit safe work permits. Act as the single point of contact for RFIs when the PM is off-site. Support contractor red-lines.

FEL4 scope is still being defined. Timing is preliminary and may shift with site operations.

What you'll do day to day

• Review and comment on design documents, specifications, and project plans.
• Advise on equipment specs and evaluate vendor bids technically.
• Answer RFIs and communicate with the engineer of record, vendors, Syensqo employees, and the Project Manager.
• Review each contractor's daily report: safety issues, headcount, hours worked, work completed, and roadblocks.
• Take part in the weekly safety culture, including short safety topics at team meetings.

Required

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering (or a closely related field).
• Substantial experience in industrial electrical power.
• Hands-on knowledge of:
• Medium voltage switches
• Medium and low voltage transformers
• Low voltage switchgear
• Basic panel construction (for the supplemental panel)
• Arc flash analysis and arc flash reduction techniques
• Experience in the FEL2 to FEL3 transition on capital projects.
• Prior work as an owner's rep, owner's engineer, or on the owner's side of an engineering project.
• Strong written and verbal communication. You'll be the technical voice for the owner.
• Willingness to complete the client's contractor safety training and work on-site in Kalamazoo, including full-time during execution.

Preferred

• Experience in chemical, specialty materials, or manufacturing plants.
• Experience with bid tab analysis and bid evaluation.
• Experience running or auditing safe work permits.
• Experience with live-plant tie-ins and phased load transfers.

Why this role

• Senior technical role with real influence over equipment selection and project decisions.
• A long engagement of about 21 months through commissioning.
• Part-time at first, which suits a semi-retired or independent consultant.
• A supportive handover from the retiring electrical resource.
• A client with a strong, safety-centered culture.