Director of Electrical Engineering

OTJ Architects•Washington, DC

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

OTJ is looking for a Director of Electrical Engineer who is PE certified. This role focuses on the planning, design, and execution of electrical systems for a wide range of building and infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate has strong technical expertise, experience, and a collaborative mindset suited for multidisciplinary AEC environments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering
10+ years of progressive electrical engineering experience, including leadership roles
Active PE license in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC
Strong working knowledge of NEC, NFPA, IECC, ASHRAE, and local jurisdictional codes
Proven experience overseeing complex electrical systems and multidisciplinary projects
Strong knowledge of industry codes, standards, and permitting processes
Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage priorities, and influence at the executive level
Excellent communication, leadership, and client‑facing skills
Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and electrical calculation tools
Experience coordinating within BIM and multidisciplinary design teams

Responsibilities

Lead and grow the electrical engineering department, including staffing plans, organizational structure, and succession planning
Establish and enforce engineering standards, best practices, and quality control procedures
Partner with executive leadership to set short‑ and long‑term strategic goals for the electrical discipline
Represent the electrical engineering practice internally and externally, including client meetings and industry events
Provide high‑level technical guidance and review for complex electrical designs and system solutions
Serve as Engineer of Record (EOR) for electrical design projects, including sealing and signing construction documents
Design and document electrical systems for commercial, institutional, healthcare, higher education, mixed-use, and/or government facilities
Develop power distribution, lighting, fire alarm, low-voltage, emergency power, and critical systems designs
Produce and review drawings, specifications, calculations, and technical narratives
Coordinate closely with architects, structural, civil, and MEP engineering teams throughout design development and construction
Ensure compliance with all applicable codes and standards (NEC, NFPA, IEEE, ASHRAE, local AHJs)
Resolve complex technical challenges and risk issues across projects
Oversee multiple projects across markets (e.g., commercial, institutional, healthcare, data centers, federal, infrastructure)
Support project planning, fee development, scope definition, and resource allocation
Ensure electrical scopes are delivered on time and within budget
Act as a senior technical and client liaison, supporting business development and repeat work
Collaborate with leadership and business development teams on proposals and pursuits
Help identify new market opportunities and service offerings
Support financial performance of the department, including utilization and profitability
Other duties as assigned