Lead Electrical Engineer

Virginia Tech; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech in Blacksburg is seeking a Lead Electrical Engineer to design and maintain electrical distribution and substation systems, oversee project design, write specifications, prepare cost estimates, and coordinate multiple utility projects.

The role requires advanced degree in electrical engineering (or a bachelor's with related experience), extensive distribution experience, NEC/NESC knowledge, driver’s license, and strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree or equivalent experience in electrical engineering.
• Extensive experience with electrical distribution systems.
• Working knowledge of NEC and NESC codes.
• Virginia Land Disturbance Certificate within 3 months.
• Experience with PCs and office software.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain electrical distribution and substation systems.
• Oversee design work, write specifications, and prepare cost estimates.
• Coordinate multiple utility distribution projects of varying complexity.
• Direct installation, maintenance, and operation activities for substations and distribution networks.
• Test and supervise relaying, controls, and communication systems; provide customer support on technical issues.

Skills

Electrical distribution systems

National Electrical Code knowledge

National Electrical Safety Code

Virginia Land Disturbance Certificate

Valid driver's license

Analytical/problem solving

Interpersonal & communication skills

Supervisory experience

AutoCAD proficiency

Education

Advanced degree in electrical engineering

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Job Description

Reporting to the VTES Engineering Manager, the Lead ElectricalEngineer will design and maintain electrical distribution andsubstation systems. Responsibilities include: oversight of the designing, writing specifications, preparing cost estimates and managing and coordinating multiple electric utility distributionsystem projects of varying types and complexity; designing, coordinating and directing installation, maintenance and operation activities related to substations, control systems, primary and secondary distribution systems, and street lighting systems to ensure a cost effective, safe and reliable electrical system; designing, testing, troubleshooting and supervising the installation of relaying, controls and communication systems; and providing customer service concerning technical issues. Perform other duties as requested or assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree(s) in electrical engineering or related field OR bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and related workexperience equivalent to an advanced degree.
• Extensive experience with electrical distribution systems.
• Working knowledge of National Electrical Code and NationalElectrical Safety Code.
• Must have or be able to obtain a Virginia Responsible LandDisturber Certificate within 3 months of employment.
• Experience using personal computers and a variety of officesoftware.
• Valid driver's license.
• Must have the ability to analyze and resolve technicalproblems.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Solid understanding of substation relaying, metering, and controlsystems.
• Experience with SEL protective relay systems.
• Enhanced relay coordination experience.
• Extensive experience using AutoCAD.
• In-depth Knowledge of substation relaying, metering, and computercontrol systems.
• Experience utilizing and understanding electrical and civilengineering drawings.
• Previous supervisory experience.

Pay Band

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Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Budget max up to $117,000 commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

September 3, 2026

Additional Information

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

This position has been designated by the university as essential to university operations. As emergency personnel, you will be required to report to work during emergency situations and authorized closings.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Facilities HR at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.