The Electrical Project Engineer is responsible for the independent design, coordination, and documentation of electrical systems for building projects across various market sectors. This role requires strong technical capability, sound engineering judgment, and effective communication skills to support project delivery through all phases—from conceptual design through construction administration.
The Electrical Project Engineer plays a key role in ensuring engineering quality, meeting project schedules, supporting client relationships, and mentoring junior designers and CAD operators.
Responsibilities include developing electrical plans, calculations, specifications, and cost estimates for building projects; designing power distribution, lighting, lighting controls, fire alarm and life safety, telecommunications, low-voltage, special systems, and emergency/standby power systems; preparing voltage drop, short-circuit, load calculations, and equipment sizing; conducting site investigations, field observations, and documentation of existing electrical systems; reviewing and evaluating substitute products and equipment for compliance with design intent; coordinating electrical design with mechanical, plumbing, structural, and architectural disciplines; interfacing with clients, architects, contractors, and other project stakeholders; reviewing submittals and shop drawings for compliance with contract documents; preparing design narratives, reports, meeting minutes, and written correspondence; responding to RFIs, reviewing change orders, and supporting bidding and construction phases; conducting site visits, observing construction progress, and witnessing system startup and testing; reviewing commissioning and project close-out documentation; supervising, coordinating, and reviewing work of Designers and CAD Operators; mentoring junior engineers and designers and supporting QA/QC and peer review processes; and assisting Project Managers with manpower planning, scheduling, and resource coordination.
Qualifications and experience include a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or equivalent; preferred: Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or Engineer-in-Training (E.I.T.) actively working toward licensure; 3–7 years of relevant electrical engineering design experience in building systems; familiarity with applicable codes and standards including NEC, IECC, NFPA, and IBC; and experience with commercial, healthcare, institutional, or multifamily projects preferred.
Travel to project sites may be required on an occasional basis up to 15%. Locations include Buffalo, New York and Rochester, New York.
The expected base salary range for this role is $72,500 – $87,360 USD per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location. This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S.-based benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with company match; paid time off and company holidays; wellness programs and employee assistance resources; and professional development support.
Founded in 1975, Salas O'Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.
Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.
Salas O'Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O'Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.