Description

Head of Electrical Engineering

Location: Costa Mesa, CA (In-office)

Reports To: Principals/Partners

Direct Reports: 2-3 (staff engineer, drafter, entry-level engineer)

About Us

We are a specialized electrical consulting engineering firm with a singular focus: delivering high-quality electrical, lighting, and fire alarm design solutions. Our expertise spans across healthcare, multifamily, and commercial projects, with healthcare and K-12 education being our fastest-growing sector. We pride ourselves on deep technical expertise, collaborative teamwork, and long-standing client relationships.

Role Overview

The Head of Electrical Engineering will lead our electrical engineering team, providing technical excellence, project leadership, and strategic oversight across multiple sectors, with a strong emphasis on K-12 education and healthcare facility design and retrofits. This role will mentor a small team of engineers, ensure the highest quality of project delivery, and contribute to expanding our healthcare portfolio.

This is a leadership role requiring both technical mastery and business acumen. The right candidate will be able to lead complex electrical design projects, engage directly with clients, and mentor the next generation of engineers.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Lead the design and review of electrical engineering drawings, specifications, and calculations for lighting, power distribution, low-voltage, and fire alarm systems.
• Provide technical expertise on schools and healthcare-related projects (retrofits, equipment upgrades, room changes, expansions, and new wings).
• Ensure designs comply with all applicable codes, standards, and client requirements.

Project & Client Management

• Serve as the primary technical contact for education and healthcare clients, fostering trust and long-term partnerships.
• Oversee multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring budgets, schedules, and quality standards are met.
• Represent the firm in client meetings, design reviews, and construction administration phases.

Team Leadership

• Supervise, mentor, and develop a small team of engineers and drafters.
• Provide guidance, training, and feedback to elevate technical capability and client service.
• Foster a culture of accountability, excellence, and collaboration.

Business Contribution

• Support business development by contributing technical expertise in proposals and presentations.
• Help grow the education and healthcare book of business through client engagement and thought leadership.
• Work closely with principals to refine processes and identify opportunities for operational improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field required; Master's preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive electrical engineering experience, including healthcare and/or education projects.
• Proven experience leading teams and managing multiple projects.
• Strong knowledge of NEC, NFPA, Title 24, and healthcare design standards.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Revit, and industry-standard design software.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and client management skills.

Performance Expectations (Success in This Role Looks Like)

• Within 6 months, has taken ownership of key healthcare projects and established trust with top clients.
• Team is consistently delivering high-quality, on-time electrical design packages with minimal revisions.
• Employee engagement and retention within the engineering team improves under your leadership.
• Firm's healthcare portfolio grows, supported by your expertise and client relationships.
• Measurable improvements in project efficiency, client satisfaction, and technical delivery.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000+ (commensurate with experience; potential flexibility up to $225K for exceptional candidates).
• Equity opportunity available for the right candidate.
• Competitive benefits package (health, dental, retirement contributions, PTO).
• Professional development support and licensing fees covered.