Director of Electrical Engineering

OTJ Architects•Washington, DC

8d•$150,000 - $175,000•Hybrid

About The Position

OTJ is seeking a PE-certified Director of Electrical Engineering to lead the planning, design, and execution of electrical systems for building and infrastructure projects. The role combines department leadership and strategic planning with senior technical oversight, project delivery, client engagement, and business development in a multidisciplinary architecture, engineering, and construction environment. The Director will lead and grow the electrical engineering department, establish engineering standards and quality controls, and partner with executive leadership on strategic goals. The role includes serving as Engineer of Record for electrical projects, sealing and signing construction documents, overseeing complex designs, and coordinating with architectural and engineering disciplines. The Director will manage project resources, schedules, budgets, and department performance while supporting client relationships, proposals, and new business opportunities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
10 or more 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.
Candidates must meet U.S. citizenship requirements for potential support of federal government projects.

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 at client meetings and industry events.
Provide high-level technical guidance and review for complex electrical designs and system solutions.
Serve as Engineer of Record 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 with architects, structural, civil, and MEP engineering teams throughout design development and construction.
Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards, including NEC, NFPA, IEEE, ASHRAE, and local AHJs.
Resolve complex technical challenges and project risk issues.
Oversee multiple projects across markets, including commercial, institutional, healthcare, data centers, federal, and 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 the department’s financial performance, including utilization and profitability.
Perform other duties as assigned.