Electrical Engineer

Company Description

Cerdia International GmbH, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, is a global leader in cellulose acetate tow production, a key material for cigarette filters. With a history of innovation since 1912, Cerdia supports its clients with high-quality products and superior technical services. The company operates across four production sites in Germany, Brazil, Russia, and the United States, employing approximately 1,100 professionals globally. Cerdia is committed to developing innovative applications and processes that meet the growing demand for safer tobacco products. The Kingsport, TN facility plays a vital role in delivering on Cerdia’s mission to remain at the forefront of acetylation and customer-focused solutions.

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site role for an Electrical Engineer based in Kingsport, TN.

The Electrical Engineer is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of electrical systems and equipment within the facility. This role supports plant operations by providing technical expertise, driving reliability improvements, supporting capital projects, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical support for plant electrical distribution systems including substations, transformers, switchgear, MCCs, motors, VFDs, and instrumentation critical to chemical processes.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex electrical and control system failures impacting production, safety, or environmental compliance.
• Lead root cause failure analysis (RCA) investigations for electrical incidents and implement corrective and preventive measures.
• Develop, implement, and optimize preventive and predictive maintenance programs for critical electrical assets to maximize plant uptime.
• Monitor and analyze electrical system performance data, identifying trends and recommending reliability improvements.
• Support capital and process improvement projects: assist in scope definition, cost estimation, electrical design, equipment selection, installation oversight, and commissioning.
• Review and maintain one-line diagrams, control schematics, panel layouts, and electrical drawings for accuracy and compliance.
• Ensure compliance with electrical codes and standards such as National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 70/NEC), OSHA regulations, API standards, and company safety policies.
• Maintain arc flash hazard analysis programs and ensure compliance with Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE 1584) and chemical plant safety standards.
• Participate in Process Hazard Analyses (PHA), Management of Change (MOC), and safety audits with a focus on electrical and instrumentation systems.
• Assist with coordination of electrical contractors during shutdowns, turnarounds, or outage activities.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to electricians and maintenance technicians on process-related electrical systems.
• Support energy management and power quality initiatives, including motor efficiency improvements, harmonic mitigation, and electrical load optimization.
• Maintain accurate records of electrical equipment, maintenance history, inspections, and reliability metrics.
• Participate in reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) efforts, criticality assessments, and risk reduction initiatives specific to chemical plant operations.

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Qualifications and Experience:

• Education:

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field required.

• Experience:

1-3 years of electrical engineering experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or chemical plant environment.

• Experience with power distribution systems (low and medium voltage).
• Experience troubleshooting motors, VFDs, and process instrumentation.
• Familiarity with arc flash studies and electrical safety standards (NFPA 70E preferred).
• Experience supporting capital projects and plant shutdowns preferred.
• Knowledge of NEC, IEEE, and industry electrical standards.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings and schematics.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and maintenance management systems (CMMS).