Senior Electrical Engineer

Location: Bay Area/South Bay/Peninsula region in California, with proximity to one of ColeBreit Engineering’s California offices in Santa Cruz, Monterey, or Napa, CA preferred.

Summary/Objective

This position is responsible for leading a discipline in a project context from beginning to end, technical mentoring of staff, and may include managing staff as appropriate.

Position Responsibilities

• Incorporate the requirements of applicable codes and standards into the project design.

• Design basic to very complex electrical systems with minimal guidance. Systems include normal, emergency, and backup power electrical distribution systems, lighting, and lighting control systems.

• Perform field investigations relevant to the design of electrical systems.

• Coordinate with utility providers: understand, properly apply, and communicate standards to the design and construction team.

• Analyze project electrical load requirements (existing and new) to inform electrical system design approach, sizing, and requirements.

• Perform electrical calculations, including demand and connected load estimates, voltage drop, short circuit, and energy code calculations.

• Design and specify all components of an electrical distribution system, including low and medium-voltage electrical equipment, feeders, grounding/bonding systems, and end-use power connections that adhere to utility company requirements, the AHJ, and all applicable codes.

• Size, select and specify backup power systems, including generator, UPS, and ATS systems. Coordinate location and requirements of equipment room/yard with other disciplines.

• Layout all electrical and IT equipment rooms and account for working clearances and construction limitations.

• Calculate lighting photometric utilizing industry-standard computer programs. Design, specify, and layout lighting and lighting control systems. Develop a sequence of operations control diagrams to meet project performance, design, and energy code requirements.

• Coordinate, collaborate and communicate project requirements and space requirements for electrical systems with the project architect, contractor, or other engineering disciplines inside and outside ColeBreit Engineering.

• Coordinate and integrate the requirements for interconnection of project alternative energy systems: PV, battery storage, and cogeneration systems.

• Edit two-dimensional drawing files in AutoCAD and three-dimensional models in Revit (preferred).

• Write and edit project specifications, including writing additional sections and/or paragraphs for unique project requirements.

• Write and edit advanced system control sequence of operations, diagrams, and point lists.

• Adhere to ColeBreit Engineering design and technical standards, incorporate quality control processes.

• Represent the design team to the construction team and AHJ.

• Respond to Contractor questions and show an understanding of potential future impacts the responses may have on the design team.

• Review and comment on Contractor product data submittals and shop drawings.

• Conduct construction site walk-throughs and write clear and concise field observation reports.

• Conduct independent quality control checks on electrical designs of projects.

• Ensure that project budgets are adhered to, keeping an eye out for scope creep.

• Maintain strict adherence to confidentiality of client and business operations information.

• Safely use all equipment and materials. Follow established safety procedures, use appropriate safeguards, and observe common-sense safety rules in all on-the-job activities.

• Serve as project lead, discipline lead, and engineer of record as required.

Business Development

• Maintain sufficient and effective sales efforts and company promotion to keep personnel productively engaged.

• Assist and/or prepare proposals from business development activities and coordinate such activities with appropriate management and project management staff.

• Participate in various networking opportunities to promote the company brand.

Talent Management

• Recruit potential employees, review resumes, and interview appropriate candidates for hire.

• Work with Firm Leadership to develop programs for staff development, continuing education, and employee training. Promote the company's interests and provide avenues of individual advancement in technology, responsibilities, and position, including mentoring junior staff for career advancement.

• Contribute to a collaborative work environment, and promote cooperation, commitment, and accountability within the team to achieve short- and long-range team goals in line with the company's mission, vision, and values.

• Communicate clearly, actively listen and build relationships of trust both internally and externally.

• Maintain and develop professional and technical knowledge by participating in/utilizing in-house educational training/materials and establishing and maintaining professional networks.

• Communicate any known violation of any office policy, code, safety policy, or law immediately to leadership.

• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position may include the responsibility of supervising other team members, as assigned.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in the office in which they are assigned.

Travel

This role operates in a professional office environment with regular use of computers and related equipment.

Local and regional travel (within 100 miles) is expected for project meetings and site visits. Occasional overnight travel may be required based on project needs. Hybrid work flexibility is available depending on project requirements and team coordination needs.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field required.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license in Electrical Engineering, with registration in California —or ability to obtain within 90 days—required.

• 8+ years of progressive MEP design experience, including commercial, residential, healthcare, or institutional projects.

• 2+ years in a leadership capacity (discipline lead, project management, or EOR role) demonstrating technical and team leadership.

• Advanced proficiency in Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD required.

• Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills; ability to present information clearly to diverse audiences.

• Experience with load simulation software (EnergyPro, Trane TRACE, or Carrier HAP) preferred.

• Working knowledge of Bluebeam and California Building Code compliance highly preferred.

• Active involvement in professional organizations (ASHRAE or equivalent) preferred.

Competencies and Attributes

• Technical Expertise – Demonstrates advanced command of mechanical and plumbing systems, serving as the firm’s go-to technical resource.
• Leadership & Mentorship – Leads by example, developing junior staff and fostering collaboration across teams.
• Accountability – Takes full ownership of assigned projects and deliverables.
• Client Focus – Builds strong relationships through reliability, communication, and solution-oriented thinking.
• Adaptability – Navigates ambiguity and evolving processes with professionalism and composure.
• Growth Mindset – Pursues ongoing learning and contributes to innovation within the discipline.
• Team Orientation – Embodies ColeBreit’s “No Jerks Allowed” culture, prioritizing collaboration and mutual respect.

Core Values Alignment

Team First – Want to Grow – Driven to Perform. ColeBreit Engineering fosters a people-first culture that values collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement. Our team members are accountable, approachable, and committed to delivering technical excellence and meaningful client partnerships.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of the employee's activities, duties, or responsibilities to do this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.