Director of Electrical Engineering

OTJ Architects; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully paid medical coverage

Long‑term disability coverage

Generous 401k/Roth contribution

Professional development reimbursement

Job summary

A leading architecture firm in Washington, DC seeks a Director of Electrical Engineering with over 10 years of experience and a PE license. This role involves leading the electrical engineering department, ensuring project quality and compliance, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Candidates should have expertise in electrical system design and project management. The position offers comprehensive benefits, including fully paid medical coverage and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive electrical engineering experience, including leadership roles.
• Active PE license in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow the electrical engineering department.
• Establish and enforce engineering standards and quality control procedures.
• Serve as Engineer of Record for electrical design projects.

Skills

Leadership

Electrical system design

Technical communication

Collaboration in AEC environments

Power distribution design

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Job description

Position: Director of Electrical Engineering

Location: Washington, DC

Job Description

OTJ is looking for a Director of Electrical Engineer who is PE certified. This role focuses on the planning, design, and execution of electrical systems for a wide range of building and infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate has strong technical expertise, experience, and a collaborative mindset suited for multidisciplinary AEC environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow the electrical engineering department, including staffing plans, organizational structure, and succession planning
• Establish and enforce engineering standards, best practices, and quality control procedures
• Partner with executive leadership to set short‑and long‑term strategic goals for the electrical discipline
• Represent the electrical engineering practice internally and externally, including client meetings and industry events
• Provide high‑level technical guidance and review for complex electrical designs and system solutions
• Serve as Engineer of Record (EOR) for electrical design projects, including sealing and signing construction documents
• Design and document electrical systems for commercial, institutional, healthcare, higher education, mixed‑use, and/or government facilities
• Develop power distribution, lighting, fire alarm, low‑voltage, emergency power, and critical systems designs
• Produce and review drawings, specifications, calculations, and technical narratives
• Coordinate closely with architects, structural, civil, and MEP engineering teams throughout design development and construction
• Ensure compliance with all applicable codes and standards (NEC, NFPA, IEEE, ASHRAE, local AHJs)
• Resolve complex technical challenges and risk issues across projects
• Oversee multiple projects across markets (e.g., commercial, institutional, healthcare, data centers, federal, infrastructure)
• Support project planning, fee development, scope definition, and resource allocation
• Ensure electrical scopes are delivered on time and within budget
• Act as a senior technical and client liaison, supporting business development and repeat work
• Collaborate with leadership and business development teams on proposals and pursuits
• Help identify new market opportunities and service offerings
• Support financial performance of the department, including utilization and profitability
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering
• 10+ years of progressive electrical engineering experience, including leadership roles
• Active PE license in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC
• Strong working knowledge of NEC, NFPA, IECC, ASHRAE, and local jurisdictional codes
• Proven experience overseeing complex electrical systems and multidisciplinary projects
• Strong knowledge of industry codes, standards, and permitting processes
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage priorities, and influence at the executive level
• Excellent communication, leadership, and client‑facing skills
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and electrical calculation tools
• Experience coordinating within BIM and multidisciplinary design teams

Benefits

• Fully paid medical coverage
• Long‑term disability coverage
• Dental, vision, and supplemental insurance plans
• Employee ownership (100%)
• Generous 401k/Roth contribution
• Flexible spending and commuter benefits
• Professional development reimbursement: fees, time off to study, lunch and learns, CEUs
• Leadership training opportunities

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

OTJ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.