Lead Electrical Design Engineer

Job Description

Are you an experienced electrical engineer interested in leading complex design and construction projects that support critical infrastructure and make a meaningful impact on communities?

At CDM Smith, you will provide technical leadership and oversight for moderately to highly complex electrical systems, including power distribution, protection and generation systems, facility power, and renewable energy solutions. You will guide multidisciplinary project teams, review and approve designs, mentor developing engineers, and collaborate with clients to deliver solutions that meet project requirements, applicable regulations, and industry standards.

• Work independently and provide oversight and expert technical guidance for moderately to highly complex electrical designs, including electrical master plans, power systems, protection and generation models, facility power systems, and sustainability and renewable energy systems.
• Review designs for compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, industry standards, firm policies, and established practices. Approve and sign completed designs, as authorized.
• Conduct site reviews and technical studies to confirm existing conditions and ensure designs align with project requirements and site‑specific criteria. Revise design requirements as needed.
• Contribute to the firm’s Technical Knowledge Management program by developing white papers, technical guidance, design documentation, studies, and other materials related to new or specialized applications. Prepare technical paper and designs for publication in industry journals.
• Collaborate with sales staff to develop proposals and responses to requests for proposals. Review proposal content for alignment with firm standards, industry best practices, and applicable regulations.
• Meet with current and prospective clients to understand their existing and future design needs and support the development of appropriate technical solutions.
• Attend conferences, symposia, and other industry events to enhance the visibility of the firm’s expertise, services, and capabilities in collaboration with sales staff.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and mentorship to junior staff. Supervise and review the work of junior engineers and support their professional development and growth within the discipline and firm.
• Perform other duties as required.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Electrical Technology, or a related discipline.
• Professional Engineer license.
• 12 years of related electrical engineering experience.
• Equivalent directly related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required depending on project needs, workload, and business demands.

• Experience providing technical leadership for electrical power‑system projects in the water, wastewater, industrial, federal, or transit markets.
• Experience designing and reviewing medium‑ and low‑voltage power distribution systems.
• Experience with substations, switch gear, transformers, motor control centers, emergency power, standby generation, grounding, and related facility electrical systems.
• Familiarity with applicable industry and federal codes and standards, including NEC, NFPA, NESC, IEEE, and UFC requirements.
• Experience performing or reviewing load‑flow, short‑circuit, protective‑device coordination, arc‑flash, and related power‑system studies.
• Hands‑on experience with SKM Power Tools, ETAP, or similar power‑system analysis software.
• Experience reviewing and approving electrical designs as a licensed Professional Engineer.
• Experience developing engineering standards, technical publications, white papers, or industry presentations.
• Experience supporting technical proposals, client development, and multidisciplinary project teams.

• Expert knowledge of electrical engineering design principles, practices, and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership and oversight for complex electrical engineering projects.
• Expert knowledge of computer‑aided design and drafting practices, including…