Principal Electrical Engineer

NV5•Walnut Creek, CA

About The Position

Principal Engineers are experienced team leaders who support NV5’s national service lines in multiple specialty areas: gas line and facility solutions, electricity transmission, electricity distribution, or civil/structural. Engineers in this role display a technical mastery of their area of expertise. They oversee the quality of others’ work, plan and conduct work that requires keen judgement, and devise new approaches to solve design problems and oversee projects. They are expertly versed in leading engineering teams in planning, engineering, design, construction and utility industry consulting on complex projects for local and national clients. They serve as the Engineer of Record for projects. Solid written and verbal communication skills are essential. Engineers at this level are actively involved in the process of bringing in work for the firm. They plan, schedule, and conduct or coordinate detailed phases of the engineering work a project of considerable scope, or oversee the quality of deliverables on a major project. Principal Engineers perform work that may include a variety of complex features such as conflicting design requirements, unsuitability of conventional materials, and difficult coordination requirements. This position requires a broad and deep knowledge of precedents in the specialty area and a good knowledge of related specialties. A Principal Engineer may often serve as a contact for clients, contractors, and other professionals. This role is a management-level position. Principal Engineers may serve as a project leader, but will not always have direct staff reports. Must be able to give direction to less-experienced designers and engineers and assist in staff development.

Requirements

Positive attitude, ability to work collaboratively with others
Valid driver’s license
Current Professional Engineering license/certification
Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, such as Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Construction Management
Good verbal and written communication skills
Strong problem-solving skills
A minimum of 15 years’ experience in consulting engineering or utility design, Civil Engineering, or Electrical Engineering, depending on role
Experience using Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project scheduling software
For civil engineering roles, at least 15 years of experience within the electrical/utility field with continuous growth in responsibility
For mechanical engineering roles, at least 15 years’ experience in consulting engineering or district energy systems with design, construction, and startup experience in some or all of the following: Chilled water plants, Heating hot water plants, Steam plants, District utility distribution systems in large plant and/ or campus settings, Electrical power generation plants
Experience with piping projects
For mechanical engineering roles, a familiarity with building mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in relevant field such as Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Business Administration

Responsibilities

For mechanical engineering roles, lead and contribute to engineering teams in the delivery of central plants and district energy systems; planning, design, commissioning, energy optimization and consulting on complex projects.
For gas engineering roles, work in teams on the delivery of gas facilities, distribution and transmission lines and develop technical project documentation
Be responsive and proactive, managing engineering activities to comply with budgets and schedules; identify departures or issues early to meet client expectations for technical excellence, budget and schedule
Perform work that involves plans, investigations, surveys, structures, or equipment.
Will be assigned to project teams and may make major design recommendations
Coordinate all design work with other team disciplines
Participate in training and mentoring staff as appropriate
Demonstrate proficiency in relevant software applications, such as Revit, AutoCAD, AutoCAD Civil3D, AutoCAD Electrical Design Suite, MicroStation with Substation or Plant add-in, ETAP or SKM, as well as business operations software including Microsoft Office
Design, manage, and assist in production of construction documents, including plans, specifications, and quantity takeoffs
Provide quality assurance checks on drawing packages and calculations prepared by others
Participate in business development activity including preparation of proposals for new work
Develop and maintain client relationships
Demonstrate proficient knowledge of relevant local codes and industry standards
Demonstrate proficient knowledge of appropriate electrical, building mechanical and plumbing systems
Analyze and solve construction and operational problems
For civil engineering roles, demonstrate strong design capabilities such as: Site design, horizontal control, mass grading, detailed grading design experience
Utilities design and storm drain system design skills
Drainage analysis
Public improvements design skills, including coordination with grading, drainage, and utilities design, for site specific development or subdivision work
Roadway design, public and private
Interpretation of field survey data
As needed, produce sketches and system schematics for complicated design tasks
May attend construction meetings and produce site observation reports and final punch lists
May prepare addendums, proposal requests and change orders; initiate additional service requests and coordinate with project managers for client submittal
May prepare engineering opinion of probable cost for mechanical or electrical systems and review construction manager/contractor cost estimates
For electrical roles, may provide value engineering and review drawings for compliance with company standards
Participate in technical and professional societies, including presenting technical material at conferences
Interpret and apply client, company, and field standards as needed