Principal Electrical Engineer - San Diego or Irvine, CA

Stantec; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 141,500 - 212,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision plans

Wellness program

Employee stock purchase program

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Stantec seeks a Principal, Electrical Engineering in California, responsible for leading electrical engineering in the San Diego area. The role involves strategic business development, managing engineering teams, and overseeing project design and delivery.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, at least 15 years of professional experience, and a Professional Engineering license. Strong knowledge of sustainable design principles is preferred.

Qualifications

• Outstanding client service skills and ability to lead practice members to deliver an exceptional standard of service.
• Strong managerial skills with ability to hire, engage, develop, and retain top-tier talent.
• Comprehensive understanding of building project components, project management, and delivery systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic and tactical plans to grow Stantec's sector engineering practice.
• Manage team, ensuring technical excellence and delivery standards.
• Oversee design documentation and production workflow for significant projects.

Skills

Client service skills

Managerial skills

Business acumen

Business development skills

Understanding of building project components

Project management

Knowledge of applicable codes and standards

Sustainable design principles

Public speaking skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

15+ years related professional experience

Professional Engineering license

Tools

NFPA Codes knowledge

Job description

Your Opportunity

As a Principal, Electrical Engineering, you will bring deep knowledge and thought leadership that is client-facing, strategic, and transparent, and of technical excellence. You will lead the electrical engineering practice in the San Diego area, contributing to the overall strategic and tactical leadership of the Stantec Buildings engineering team. This client‑facing role requires leadership in strategic projects, advancement of the overall engineering practice, team growth and development, business development, and collaboration with other disciplines.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Business Development/Strategy – approximately 25% of time: Build Stantec’s sector engineering practice in the San Diego area, partner with other Principal leaders, interface with leaders across North America, execute strategic and tactical business and marketing plans, grow top‑line revenue, develop industry relationships, assist with annual business planning, develop presentation materials, represent the firm through publications and public speaking, and develop project proposals.
• People and Practice Management – approximately 20% of time: Hire, develop, grow and lead a team of engineering project managers, designers, and production staff; forecast staff needs; hold team members accountable for technical excellence and delivery standards; manage financial performance, quality control, and project delivery; ensure compliance with Stantec PM Frameworks.
• Project Design and Delivery – approximately 40% of time: Work with PMs and SMEs on key projects to deliver client drawings, specifications, presentations, and reports; manage significant‑scope projects; apply building engineering knowledge; oversee design documentation and production workflow; act as QC and/or independent technical reviewer.
• Technical Leadership – approximately 15% of time: Maintain awareness of operational, technical, or regulatory changes; update health sector engineering specifications; oversee design delivery process; coordinate with other disciplines; provide oversight for continuing education and certification; maintain current knowledge of technologies and trends.

Your Capabilities and Credentials

• Outstanding client service skills and ability to lead practice members to deliver an exceptional standard of service.
• Strong managerial skills with ability to hire, engage, develop, and retain top‑tier talent.
• Strong business acumen to develop strategy, prepare and manage budgets, and analyze business results.
• Business development skills to identify prospects, nurture relationships, cross‑sell services, and negotiate.
• Comprehensive understanding of building project components, project management, and delivery systems.
• Ability to manage clients, projects, fee, scope, and teams to achieve budget, schedule, and deliverable objectives.
• Familiarity with producing project‑related documents and standards required of a Project Manager.
• Ability to integrate design elements with other disciplines.
• Strong knowledge of applicable codes and standards.
• Technical understanding and working knowledge of building systems for healthcare, higher education, science and technology, mission‑critical facilities, and commercial/workspace markets.
• Strong knowledge of the Health Sector market is preferred.
• Deep understanding of sustainable design principles.
• Outstanding consulting and public speaking skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Fundamental understanding of NFPA 70, 72, 99, 101, 110 and/or FGI Guidelines as they apply to hospitals and related facilities.
• Deep knowledge preferred for fire alarm and detection systems and healthcare technology systems.
• Experience managing risk and scope on projects.
• Passion for coordinated design across disciplines.
• Dedication to sustainable design principles within project constraints.
• Experience collaborating with contractors in alternative delivery processes such as Design‑Assist, Design‑Build, and IPD.
• Valid driver’s license with a good driving record.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
• 15+ years related professional experience.
• Professional Engineering license.
• Project Management Professional certification a plus.
• LEED AP Credential preferred.

Typical Office Environment

Work primarily with computers and remain sedentary for long periods of time. Field work may include exposure to the elements, including inclement weather.

Pay Range

• Locations in CO, HI, IL, MD & Various CA, NJ Areas: $141,500.00 - $212,200.00 Annually
• Locations in WA, DC & Various CA, MA areas: $151,700.00 - $227,600.00 Annually

Benefits Summary

Regular full‑time employees will have access to health, dental, and vision plans, a wellness program, health care and wellness spending accounts, a group registered retirement savings plan, an employee stock purchase program, a group tax‑free savings account, life and AD&D insurance, short‑term/long‑term disability plans, emergency travel benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional membership fee coverage, and paid time off. Temporary/casual employees will have access to a group registered retirement savings plan, an employee stock purchase program, and a group tax‑free savings account.

Location

United States | CA | San Diego

Schedule

Full time

Travel

Yes

Equal Employment Opportunity

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. At Stantec, reasonable adjustments can be requested during the recruitment process. The company has a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.