Electrical Engineer (PE) - Technical Leadership | Complex Federal & Industrial Projects
We're partnering with a highly respected, design-focused engineering firm seeking a Electrical Engineer (PE) to take on a true technical leadership role supporting complex federal, industrial, and infrastructure projects.
This is not a production-heavy position or a purely managerial role. You'll step into a "working leader" capacity-owning electrical system design decisions, mentoring junior engineers, and leading projects that require real engineering judgment and problem-solving at a systems level.
If you're looking for work that goes beyond repetitive commercial design and into technically challenging, high-impact projects, this is a strong opportunity to grow your influence and impact.
What You'll Be Doing
Lead electrical design efforts from concept through construction administration
Make key system-level technical decisions impacting project delivery and performance
Design and review electrical systems across a range of complex facilities
Work on power distribution systems, including medium voltage (12kV+), transformers, switchgear, and utility coordination
Mentor and guide junior engineers, ensuring strong design quality and decision-making
Collaborate cross-functionally with architectural, mechanical, structural, and civil teams
Support construction phase work including submittals, field coordination, and design adjustments
What Sets This Role Apart
True ownership - you'll be trusted to lead electrical design decisions, not just execute tasks
Project diversity - exposure to federal, industrial, and technically complex facilities
Depth over repetition - work goes far beyond standard commercial or tenant improvement design
Leadership track - opportunity to influence projects, mentor teams, and grow into long-term technical leadership
What We're Looking ForRequired
Active Professional Engineer (PE) license (must be able to stamp drawings)
10-20+ years of electrical engineering experience in a consulting environment
Strong experience with:
Power distribution systems
Medium voltage (12kV+)
Transformers, switchgear, and utility integration
Proven ability to own projects and technical decisions independently
Experience across multiple facility @types (not limited to one niche)
Ability to perform calculations, design systems, and guide technical outcomes
Preferred
Experience with federal, military, or regulated project environments
Experience in industrial or complex facilities (labs, infrastructure, secure facilities, etc.)
Exposure to campus-wide power distribution or substation design
Work Environment
Based in Irvine, CA (onsite with flexibility after onboarding)
Collaborative, team-oriented environment with high technical visibility
Opportunity to work closely with leadership and influence project outcomes
Compensation
$150K - $190K+ depending on experience
Strong consideration for candidates bringing advanced technical depth or federal project experience
Important to Know
This role is best suited for engineers who:
Enjoy solving complex technical challenges
Want to lead, not just contribute
Have experience beyond a single project @type or industry niche
It is not a fit for candidates focused only on production drafting, narrowly scoped project work, or early-career development roles.
Ready to Learn More?
If you're a licensed PE looking to step into a high-trust, leadership-driven engineering role, we'd love to connect
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Irvine, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $95.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Irvine,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
