Protio is building a next-generation, domestic large power transformer manufacturing platform critical to grid reliability, energy security, and the energy transition. We are seeking a Lead Engineer / Engineering Manager to join our headquarters in the Woodlands, TX and play a foundational role in shaping this platform from the ground up.
You will serve as Protio’s technical authority and Owner’s Engineer for the development of our Large Power Transformer (LPT) manufacturing facility, while supporting broader industrial energy and infrastructure initiatives across the company.
On a day-to-day basis you will be working at the intersection of engineering, manufacturing, utilities, EPC partners, and executive leadership, you will ensure technical rigor, capital discipline, and execution certainty from detailed engineering through EPC execution and commissioning.
Engineering Governance & Technical Authority
• Act as Protio’s Owner’s Engineer and technical authority for large industrial and power manufacturing projects.
• Lead and govern Feasibility, FEL-1, FEL-2/FEED, and pre-EPC engineering for LPT production facilities.
• Enforce the Design Basis Memorandum (DBM) and core technical assumptions throughout project development.
• Define and control project scope, technical boundaries, and long-term expansion strategy.
Capital Discipline & Execution Rigor
• Review and challenge EPC, OEM, and vendor engineering deliverables to prevent scope creep and over-design.
• Provide technical input to CAPEX, OPEX, schedule, and risk assessments.
• Support hazard reviews, design-risk assessments, constructability reviews, and early-phase operability planning.
External Leadership & Partner Interface
• Lead technical engagement with EPCs, utilities, OEMs, and technology partners.
• Support early utility qualification strategy, test-laboratory definition, and standards alignment (IEEE / ANSI / IEC).
• Represent Protio as a credible technical counterpart to regulators, customers, and strategic partners.
Executive & Cultural Leadership
• Translate complex engineering decisions into clear, actionable recommendations for executive leadership and the Board.
• Help establish a culture of engineering discipline, transparency, collaboration, and accountability.
• Contribute directly to building a resilient domestic manufacturing platform essential to grid reliability and the energy transition.
YOUR SKILLS, THE TEAM, TOGETHER WE ARE MAKING A GLOBAL IMPACT BY REDEFINING AND TRANSFORMING INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING.
To do well in this position, you need be energized by building world class next gen industrial platforms. You operate with high autonomy, sound judgment, and the confidence to make consequential technical decisions in an environment where engineering discipline directly impacts billions of dollars in capital.
You enjoy working where:
• You wear multiple hats and shape the rules as you go.
• Decisions matter and have visible impact.
• You help solve real infrastructure bottlenecks facing the energy system.
You are a self-starter who thinks independently, challenges assumptions, and pursues better solutions while supporting colleagues, partners, customers, and the communities impacted by your work.
Furthermore, you should have:
• B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, or a related engineering discipline.
• 10+ years of experience across large power transformer manufacturing, heavy electrical equipment OEMs, industrial manufacturing facilities, EPC execution for power or heavy-industrial plants, and/or utility-facing engineering roles, with demonstrated experience acting as an Owner’s Engineer, Engineering Manager, Discipline Lead, or Technical Authority on large capital projects.
• Deep understanding of large power transformers (grid and/or GSU), high-voltage systems and testing, heavy manufacturing and assembly processes, and facility- and equipment-sizing trade-offs. • Strong working knowledge of IEEE / ANSI standards (IEC familiarity a plus).
• Proven ability to evaluate CAPEX, schedule, and technical risk trade-offs with a commercial mindset. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex technical issues to non-technical stakeholders.
• Confident challenging EPCs, OEMs, and vendors when required.
• Collaborative, decisive, and results-oriented.
Why This Role Matters
This position sits at the core of Protio’s mission to rebuild critical industrial capacity in the United States. You will help define how large power transformers are designed, manufactured, tested, and delivered for decades to come and directly impacting grid reliability.
Benefits
Protio offers a comprehensive benefits package including paid holidays and vacation, competitive medical, dental, and life insurance, and retirement plans. Additional benefits may include relocation support and long-term incentive opportunities commensurate with seniority and impact.