Job Title: Electrical Engineer
Job Description
This role leads electrical and control systems design for multidisciplinary engineering projects across sectors such as oil and gas, refining, water and wastewater, pipelines and terminals, and renewable or energy transition initiatives. The Electrical Engineer develops detailed power system studies, prepares construction drawing packages, and supports the full project lifecycle from concept through commissioning. The position is highly client-facing, combining office-based engineering work with periodic site visits to collaborate with stakeholders and ensure practical, safe, and reliable solutions.
Responsibilities
Lead electrical and control systems design efforts for multidisciplinary engineering projects.
Develop detailed engineering studies and calculations, including short circuit analysis, load flow studies, motor starting analysis, protective relay coordination, and arc flash evaluations.
Direct and review the development of construction drawing packages for medium- and low-voltage power systems, grounding systems, lighting systems, and instrumentation and control systems.
Partner closely with clients, project teams, and stakeholders to develop innovative and practical engineering solutions tailored to project needs.
Oversee equipment selection and specification for switchgear, transformers, motor control centers, variable frequency drives, control panels, and related electrical infrastructure.
Perform system modeling and analysis using industry-standard power system software such as ETAP and SKM.
Participate in project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and cost control activities to support successful project delivery.
Support startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and performance testing of electrical and control systems.
Review vendor proposals, technical submittals, calculations, and equipment documentation to ensure technical accuracy and compliance with project requirements.
Interface with regulatory agencies, contractors, and clients throughout project execution to coordinate design, construction, and compliance activities.
Mentor junior engineers and designers, contributing to a collaborative, knowledge-sharing culture within the team.
Perform electrical power distribution design for systems typically ranging from 4160 V down to 480 V and low-voltage systems.
Prepare electrical drawings, including single-line diagrams, and ensure alignment with applicable codes and standards.
Manage or support smaller projects, typically single-discipline studies or projects in the range of approximately $10,000 to $50,000, acting as project manager when appropriate.
Conduct field walks and site visits with clients during project kick off, and as needed during execution, to verify existing conditions and support constructability.
Apply knowledge of NEC requirements, grounding, lighting, instrumentation, and control systems to ensure safe and compliant designs.
Collaborate with internal engineering consulting teams serving refineries, pipelines, terminals, water and wastewater facilities, and energy utility clients.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
6+ years of experience designing medium- and low-voltage power distribution systems.
Experience in electrical power distribution, including systems typically from 4160 V down to 480 V and low-voltage systems.
Strong knowledge of electrical system design and applicable NEC requirements.
Strong understanding of grounding systems, lighting systems, instrumentation, and control systems.
Knowledge of electrical construction practices and their application to industrial and infrastructure projects.
Experience performing power system studies and electrical engineering calculations, including short circuit, load flow, motor starting, relay coordination, and arc flash analysis.
Proficiency in developing electrical drawings, including single-line diagrams.
Experience working in an engineering consulting environment.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a client-facing role.
Ability to travel locally to project sites for field investigations and inspections.
Valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Approximately 7-15 years of overall experience in electrical engineering, ideally around 10 years, with substantial experience in electrical power distribution.
Experience within energy, utility, industrial, or critical infrastructure environments such as oil and gas, refining, pipelines and terminals, water and wastewater, and renewable or energy transition projects.
California Professional Engineer (PE) license, preferred.
Experience with ETAP, SKM, or similar power systems analysis software.
Knowledge of PLC and DCS systems and their integration with electrical and control systems.
Familiarity with API 500 and industrial facility design requirements.
Experience with instrumentation and controls in industrial environments.
Proficiency with AutoCAD for electrical design and documentation.
Ability to lead or manage smaller projects (approximately $10,000 to $50,000), particularly single-discipline studies.
Experience in small- to medium-sized engineering consulting firms with a strong technical culture is highly valued.
Combined experience in both electrical and control systems is ideal; candidates with heavy electrical experience will also be considered.
Work Environment
The role offers a blend of office, remote, and field-based work. Engineers typically spend part of the week in the office, with designated in-office days to support collaboration and mentoring, and may work from home on other days as appropriate. The position is heavily client-facing, with approximately 5-10% of time spent at project sites or in the field, including walking facilities with clients at the start and end of projects or as required by specific assignments. Work involves industrial and infrastructure environments such as refineries, pipelines, terminals, water and wastewater facilities, and energy utilities, where adherence to site safety practices and appropriate attire is expected. The company operates as a small- to medium-sized consulting firm with a strong, supportive culture that emphasizes collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional growth. Engineers use industry-standard tools such as ETAP, SKM, AutoCAD, and related software to perform studies, develop designs, and support project delivery across multiple sectors.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Fountain Valley, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $135000.00 - $175000.00/yr.
We offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance; long-term disability coverage; a 401(k) with profit sharing; and, for this position, performance-based incentives. Profit Sharing up to 20% of salary.
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Fountain Valley,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 9, 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.
