Principal Electrical Engineer

Arcadis•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

Arcadis has an immediate need for two Senior/Principal Electrical Engineers with experience in designing electrical power systems to join our teams in both California and Arizona. Using technical capabilities and collaborating with our experienced team of professionals, these engineers will provide technical and design consulting services with a focus on electrical power distribution, motor controls, lighting, and grounding design to support projects for our Resilience Water Business Line. The Senior/Principal Electrical Engineers will also manage tasks and oversee the work of junior staff. The ideal candidates must be performance-driven, possess a strong educational background and must be able to work productively, both independently and as a contributing member of a collaborative team. The Senior/Principal Electrical Engineers will support water and wastewater projects through all phases of planning, design, and construction, collaborating closely with clients and project teams to deliver successful outcomes. Responsibilities include developing project and task scopes, schedules, and budgets, while progressively supporting and demonstrating strong project management capabilities to ensure assignments are delivered on time and within budget. The position involves leading and coordinating electrical design across multiple projects, with a focus on medium‑ and low‑voltage power distribution, motor controls, lighting, and grounding systems specific to water and wastewater facilities. The Senior/Principal Electrical Engineers establishes design criteria; performs engineering calculations; and develops one‑line diagrams, control schematics, and construction plans and specifications. Close, highly interactive coordination with the Control Systems group is a key component of the role. During construction, the Senior/Principal Electrical Engineers will provide engineering support by reviewing equipment submittals and shop drawings, responding to contractor RFIs, and conducting field inspections. This includes identifying deviations from design, performing QA/QC reviews of completed work, and monitoring safety compliance. The role also requires performing or overseeing power system analysis using ETAP, SKM Power Tools, or similar software, including responsibility for power studies and arc flash hazard analyses. Occasional travel (approximately 5–10%) is required to support project needs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology, preferably with an emphasis on power.
15 years minimum of relevant work experience
Registered Professional Electrical Engineer in California for California position.
Registered Professional Electrical Engineer in Arizona for Arizona position.
Solid working knowledge of the National Electrical Code.
Basic understanding of AutoCAD.
Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, MS Project and Outlook).
Demonstrated experience with the municipal water and wastewater industry with a strong understanding of client needs and the ability to build and maintain effective client relationships.
Solid working knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and applicable NFPA codes, applied consistently across complex engineering projects.
A collaborative professional with a clear desire to mentor and develop junior staff-level electrical engineers and technicians. Possesses excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, enabling effective coordination with multidisciplinary teams to deliver projects on time and within budget.
Highly organized and adaptable with the ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously While maintaining quality, meeting deadlines, and supporting overall project objectives.

Nice To Haves

Solid working knowledge of Process and Instrumentation Diagrams, Field Instrumentation, and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) as they relate to electrical design.
Active participation in regional and/or national professional associations
Experience using ETAP, SKM Power Tools or other power systems analysis software.
Supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Developing project and task scopes, schedules, and budgets
Leading and coordinating electrical design across multiple projects
Establishing design criteria
Performing engineering calculations
Developing one‑line diagrams, control schematics, and construction plans and specifications
Reviewing equipment submittals and shop drawings
Responding to contractor RFIs
Conducting field inspections
Performing QA/QC reviews of completed work
Monitoring safety compliance
Performing or overseeing power system analysis using ETAP, SKM Power Tools, or similar software
Performing power studies and arc flash hazard analyses