Principal Electrical Engineer - Power & Utilities

Burns Engineering provides professional engineering design and project management services for transportation, facilities, and infrastructure projects. We help clients attain strategic goals through successful large-scale infrastructure projects. Our full-service capabilities include mechanical, electrical, civil, structural, transportation, and energy consulting engineering. Recognized as a Top Workplace by Philly.com, an ENR Top 500 Firm, an MEP Giant by Consulting-Specifying Engineer Magazine, and a Hot Firm by Zweig, we are industry experts, proven leaders, and innovative thinkers who prioritize client success and enjoy making a difference.

About the role

The Principal Electrical Engineer performs technical oversight of complex engineering projects within the power and utilities sector. This role involves solving high-level technical challenges, guiding project execution, and advancing the company’s capabilities. The position may include responsibility for developing niche technical services, supporting high-profile clients or projects, and contributing to the company’s strategic goals.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate project work with engineering staff and consultants.
• Troubleshoot and provide design and/or construction solutions.
• Apply advanced engineering techniques and analyses.
• Select and apply appropriate engineering software based on current technology.
• Perform complex engineering tasks efficiently and accurately.
• Assist in recruiting, retaining, and developing top industry talent.
• Establish and maintain productive relationships with employees, clients, and stakeholders.
• Conduct individual investigations into complex technical problems.
• Ensure quality control through project reviews at various design stages.
• Provide subject matter expertise to clients on technical issues.
• Represent the firm at technical conferences and client meetings.
• Support the performance management process by providing feedback for evaluations.
• Work with the Project Manager to determine technical staffing needs.
• Ensure financial and technical project success while maintaining high client satisfaction.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Informally supervise tasks for CAD Operators, Designers, Junior Associates, Engineers, Engineer IIs, Senior Engineers, and Principal Engineers as directed by the Project Manager.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Minimum 15 years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Substation and power experience; protection and control (P&C) experience is a plus.
• Electrical system modeling experience.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.

Locations: Austin, TX or Philadelphia, PA.