Electrical Engineering Manager

Job Description Job Title: Electrical Engineering Manager Reports To: Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Manager Location: East Chicago, IN (Northwest Indiana) Compensation: 110-135k Our client is an independent provider of industrial energy solutions, specializing in the generation of electricity, steam, and utility services through the ownership and operation of on-site energy facilities under long-term agreements. Their operations focus on capturing waste heat and byproduct fuels to produce highly efficient combined heat and power systems, delivering reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy solutions to industrial partners. Position Summary: The Electrical Engineering Manager is responsible for leading all electrical engineering, instrumentation, and control system functions within a power generation and industrial energy environment.

This role combines technical leadership with hands-on operational oversight, ensuring the reliability, performance, and compliance of electrical and automation systems. The manager leads technical teams, drives preventive maintenance and continuous improvement initiatives, and collaborates closely with operations and engineering leadership to support plant objectives. Key Responsibilities: Lead and manage the electrical engineering, instrumentation, and controls team, including technicians and support staff.

Develop and implement training programs to enhance technical capability across electrical, automation, and control disciplines. Maintain an on-site presence within a power plant environment, providing hands-on technical support as required to ensure safe and efficient execution of work. Plan, prioritize, and oversee maintenance strategies for electrical, automation, and control systems to optimize steam and electrical power production.

Promote and enforce a strong safety culture by ensuring compliance with safety policies and addressing unsafe conditions or practices. Build and maintain effective working relationships with operations teams, including union operators and skilled trades. Oversee installation, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, testing, and calibration of electrical and process control systems, ensuring proper documentation and system reliability.

Collaborate with Area Managers on routine electrical and mechanical engineering initiatives as well as special projects and system upgrades. Supervise troubleshooting and maintenance of DCS and PLC platforms, including Bailey Infi-90, Rockwell ControlLogix, and Schneider Electric Modicon systems. Utilize plant data historians (eDNA and PI) to analyze system performance and support operational troubleshooting.

Provide oversight for plant workstations, control room computers, and related equipment. Support annual budgeting activities for maintenance-related materials, spare parts, and capital improvements. Schedule and manage preventive maintenance and calibration programs for field instrumentation.

Identify critical spare parts and improvement opportunities and communicate recommendations to management. Provide technical mentorship and guidance to the engineering and I&C teams to support continuous development. Ensure all activities are executed in accordance with plant procedures, environmental regulations, and internal operational standards.

Perform additional responsibilities as required and mutually agreed upon with management. Qualifications and Experience: 5-10 years of progressive experience in electrical engineering, instrumentation, and controls, including leadership or supervisory responsibility. Demonstrated experience managing electrical, instrumentation, and automation systems within industrial energy, power generation, utilities, or heavy industrial environments.

Strong proficiency with PC-based tools and software, including Microsoft Office (Excel and Outlook required). In-depth knowledge of industrial automation and process control systems, including DCS and PLC platforms such as Rockwell / Allen-Bradley and Schneider Electric Modicon. Working knowledge of industrial networking and communication protocols including Modbus, OPC, and HART.

Meet Your Recruiter Erik Butzen Technical Recruiter Erik Butzen is a skilled and compassionate Senior Recruiter passionate about empowering individuals to advance in their careers. With two years of dedicated service at Sterling, Erik has already significantly impacted the organization's talent acquisition efforts. Having honed his expertise over five years in the field of recruiting, Erik possesses a deep understanding of the industry's intricacies.

His journey began with the desire to assist individuals in finding opportunities that would propel their professional growth forward. As a Senior Recruiter, Erik takes great pride in his ability to help people make meaningful advancements in their careers. Whether it's guiding a candidate through the interview process, providing valuable insights into the job market, or matching the right talent with the perfect role, Erik is committed to positively impacting the lives of those he interacts with.

One of Erik's most valuable pieces of advice to both hiring managers and fellow recruiters is to ask a lot of questions. Understanding the needs and expectations of both candidates and employers is essential to finding the best fit for both parties. 630-310-6963 [email protected] Connect on LinkedIn 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. As one of the most respected names in engineering staffing, Sterling has hundreds of opportunities with top employers.

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