Senior Electrical Engineer

Kimley-Horn • Chicago, IL

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Kimley-Horn’s Chicago, IL is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to join and help grow our MEP practice. In this role, you will lead electrical engineering design and technical execution of building systems for a variety of project types, particularly data center projects. You will coordinate with multiple disciplines from concept through construction. As a senior technical leader, you will guide electrical design teams, provide mentorship for junior and mid-level engineers, and serve as a key resource for project delivery. You will also help define design approaches, resolve complex technical challenges, and uphold quality throughout the design process to meet client needs.

Requirements

• Considerable experience in mission critical facilities and data center projects.
• Strong foundation in electrical power distribution, lighting, grounding/bonding, and low-voltage systems for buildings.
• Strong knowledge of applicable codes and standards (NEC, NFPA, IECC, local amendments, etc.); ability to interpret AHJ and utility requirements.
• Proven ability to produce clear, complete design documentation (drawings, one-lines, specs, narratives, and calculations).
• Proficiency with Revit, BIM 360, AutoCAD and PDF mark-up tools (e.g. Bluebeam); familiarity with electrical analysis tools is a plus (e.g. SKM, ETAP, etc.)
• Experience coordinating multi-discipline teams and integrating vendor equipment, controls, and utility interfaces.
• Demonstrated ownership of technical quality, schedules, and budgets; able to prioritize and deliver under deadlines.
• Construction-phase experience reviewing submittals/RFIs, supporting site observations, and resolving field issues.
• Ability to mentor others, review work, and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• 10+ years of experience in electrical engineering for building systems, including design and construction administration.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (or related accredited engineering program) is required.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with complex facilities (e.g., data centers/mission-critical, healthcare, laboratories, industrial, or higher education) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical engineering scope from concept through construction, including planning, analysis, design, documentation, and construction administration.
• Prepare and/or oversee electrical calculations (load, redundancy requirements, resiliency requirements, feeder sizing, voltage drop, short circuit/arc-flash inputs, lighting) and document assumptions.
• Develop electrical drawings, one-lines, specifications, and schedules compliant with NEC, NFPA, IECC, local codes, and client standards.
• Coordinate with other disciplines, utilities, vendors, and contractors to resolve design and construction issues.
• Lead QA/QC and design reviews to ensure accuracy, constructability, and alignment with scope, schedule, and budget.
• Design and specify power distribution and standby/critical power systems (switchgear, panels, UPS, generators, ATS), grounding/bonding, and lighting/controls as applicable.
• Review submittals, RFIs, and shop drawings; incorporate AHJ and utility requirements; support field issue resolution.
• Participate in client/project meetings; communicate risks and decisions; drive open items to closure.
• Mentor junior engineers/designers and review work for technical quality and professional development.
• Champion code compliance and safe, reliable designs across all phases of delivery.
• Contributes to the development and maintenance of internal design resources, including design guides, technical memos, calculation templates, and related tools.
• Actively engages in the data center engineering community to expand expertise, stay current on emerging technology trends, code requirements and client needs; and pursue ongoing professional development (e.g., attends conferences, technical seminars, and contributes to industry panel discussions or publications, etc.).

Benefits

• Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to-1 company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
• Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
• Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior