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Principal Electrical Engineer

NV5
$180,000.00 - $210,000.00 / yr
life insurance, 401(k)
United States, California, Walnut Creek
3050 Citrus Circle (Show on map)
Aug 07, 2026

Principal Electrical Engineer




Job ID
2026-12472

# of Openings
1

Location
US-CA-Walnut Creek

Category
Engineering

Type
Regular Full-Time



Overview

Principal Electrical Engineer/Engineering Manager:

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 considerate 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.



Responsibilities

    For mechanical engineering roles, lead and contribute to engineering teams in the delivery ofcentral plants and district energy systems; planning, design, commissioning, energy optimizationand consulting on complex projects.
  • For gas engineering roles, work in teams on the delivery of gas facilities, distribution andtransmission lines and develop technical project documentation
  • Be responsive and proactive, managing engineering activities to comply with budgets andschedules; identify departures or issues early to meet client expectations for technicalexcellence, budget and schedule
  • Perform work that involves plans, investigations, surveys, structures, or equipment. Will beassigned 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 plumbingsystems
  • 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
    Principal Engineer/Engineering Manager
  • 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


Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • 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

Desired Qualifications:

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

The pay range for this California position is $180,000- $210,000 per year; however, base pay offered may be higher or lower depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience of the candidate. Full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. This information is provided per California Senate Bill 1162. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via the NV5 careers site.

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k) and professional development/advancement opportunities.

NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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