Physical Electrical Engineer / Principal Engineer

Dewberry; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 178,000 - 228,000; Full time

Job summary

Dewberry is seeking a Physical Electrical Engineer to lead the design of medium and high voltage substations, building and mentoring a high-performing team. The role focuses on technical leadership and delivering impactful projects for utilities, government entities and private institutions.

The candidate will oversee project design packages, ensure safety and constructability, and drive design standards while supporting Dewberry's growth in its substations practice.

Qualifications

• BS in electrical engineering.
• 20+ years of experience in medium/high voltage substations.
• PE license required.
• Experience designing medium/high voltage substations and producing design deliverables.
• Strong leadership and staff development skills.
• Familiarity with NEC/NFPA Life Safety Codes.
• Experience with Exelon, National Grid, PSE&G, ConEd preferred.

Responsibilities

• Meet with clients to develop and capture new business.
• Coordinate with Energy PMO leadership and client managers.
• Develop responses to RFQs and proposals, including cost proposals.
• Serve as Project Manager for complex and high-volume projects.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams and manage project budgets.
• Provide training and mentoring to staff.
• Oversee quality control and adherence to quality management standards.

Skills

Leadership

PE license

Substation design

Project management

Mentoring

Education

B.S. Electrical Engineering

Job description

Job Description

Dewberry is expanding its Energy Market Sector and seeking a Physical Electrical Engineer to lead the growth of our medium and high voltage substation design practice. This is a unique opportunity to build and mentor a high-performing team while delivering impactful projects for some of the nation's leading utilities, government entities and private institutions.

Backed by the Energy Project Management Office and a network of more than 76 electrical engineers, the successful candidate will provide technical and strategic leadership in the design of medium and high voltage substations, including equipment layouts, bus configurations, grounding, conduit systems, cable routing, lightning protection, and electrical clearances. The role includes overseeing construction drawing packages, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring designs meet safety, operational, and constructability requirements.

Beyond technical expertise, this leader will play a key role in developing talent, establishing design standards, fostering innovation, and driving the continued growth of Dewberry's substation capabilities. Experience with protection and control systems is necessary and will further support success in this leadership role.

Dewberry is a leading, market-facing professional services firm with more than 60 locations and 2,500 professionals nationwide. What sets us apart from our competitors is our people. At Dewberry, we seek out exceptional talent and strive to deliver the highest quality of services to our clients. Whether you’re an experienced professional or a new graduate, you’ll have the chance to collaborate with the best and brightest and work on innovative and complex projects at the forefront of the industry. Our commitment to excellence stems from our personal integrity and from other defining attributes, which we call “Dewberry at Work,” that haveinspired our employees to be successful for more than a half-century.

Responsibilities

• Meet with prospective and existing clients to develop and capture new business;
• Coordinate with Energy PMO leadership and energy client managers;
• Develop responses to requests for proposals and qualifications, including cost proposals;
• Serve as Project Manager for complex and volume-based projects;
• Collaborate proactively and productively with other groups and company offices;
• Manage project financials and cash flow;
• Collaborate with and manage multi-discipline teams;
• Assist with training and mentoring staff;
• Engage with project deliverables including quality control reviews and quality management system adherence;
• Serve as subject matter expert for internal team members;
• Technical and quality oversight of all project work;
• Establishing/improving standards;
• Adherence to project design schedule and project budgets.;
• Monitor staffing (talent and capacity) and advise Energy PMO and Business Unit Manager on current and future needs;
• Work with operations and HR to recruit, develop, and retain top energy talent;
• Promote Dewberry’s culture, values, and commitment to long‑term client and employee success.

Required Skills & Required Experience

• BS in electrical engineering.
• 20+ years of experience including relevant experience working on medium and high voltage substation design projects.
• PE is required.
• Must have experience designing medium and high voltage substation electrical systems and producing design deliverable
• Proven leadership skills delegating to engineering and design staff.
• Must be a self-starter with initiative, drive and determination.
• Experience with regulated utility substation design standards for Exelon operating companies, National Grid, PSE&G, ConEd and others preferred.
• Candidate must have a good working knowledge of the National Electric Code (NEC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Life Safety Codes, and other related Codes.
• Good verbal, written and interpersonal skills are essential for coordination with other disciplines, and client interface.

• At this time, Dewberry will not sponsor a new applicant for work authorization.
• Dewberry is an Equal Opportunit Employer.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation.

Notice to Third Party Recruiters: Dewberry only compensates job placement recruiters that have a valid Dewberry-approved written agreement in place for recruiting services. Dewberry does not compensate third party recruiters for unsolicited job placement candidate information.

Salary Range

The projected range for this position is $178,000 - $228,000 annually. Depending upon other factors, i.e., skills, experience, location, market conditions, the range may vary slightly.