
Director of Electrical Engineering
OTJ Architects, Washington, DC, United States
Position: Director of Electrical Engineering
Location: Washington, DC
Job Description
OTJ is looking for a Director of Electrical Engineer who is PE certified. This role focuses on the planning, design, and execution of electrical systems for a wide range of building and infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate has strong technical expertise, experience, and a collaborative mindset suited for multidisciplinary AEC environments.
Responsibilities
- Lead and grow the electrical engineering department, including staffing plans, organizational structure, and succession planning
- Establish and enforce engineering standards, best practices, and quality control procedures
- Partner with executive leadership to set short‑and long‑term strategic goals for the electrical discipline
- Represent the electrical engineering practice internally and externally, including client meetings and industry events
- Provide high‑level technical guidance and review for complex electrical designs and system solutions
- Serve as Engineer of Record (EOR) for electrical design projects, including sealing and signing construction documents
- Design and document electrical systems for commercial, institutional, healthcare, higher education, mixed‑use, and/or government facilities
- Develop power distribution, lighting, fire alarm, low‑voltage, emergency power, and critical systems designs
- Produce and review drawings, specifications, calculations, and technical narratives
- Coordinate closely with architects, structural, civil, and MEP engineering teams throughout design development and construction
- Ensure compliance with all applicable codes and standards (NEC, NFPA, IEEE, ASHRAE, local AHJs)
- Resolve complex technical challenges and risk issues across projects
- Oversee multiple projects across markets (e.g., commercial, institutional, healthcare, data centers, federal, infrastructure)
- Support project planning, fee development, scope definition, and resource allocation
- Ensure electrical scopes are delivered on time and within budget
- Act as a senior technical and client liaison, supporting business development and repeat work
- Collaborate with leadership and business development teams on proposals and pursuits
- Help identify new market opportunities and service offerings
- Support financial performance of the department, including utilization and profitability
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering
- 10+ years of progressive electrical engineering experience, including leadership roles
- Active PE license in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC
- Strong working knowledge of NEC, NFPA, IECC, ASHRAE, and local jurisdictional codes
- Proven experience overseeing complex electrical systems and multidisciplinary projects
- Strong knowledge of industry codes, standards, and permitting processes
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage priorities, and influence at the executive level
- Excellent communication, leadership, and client‑facing skills
- Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and electrical calculation tools
- Experience coordinating within BIM and multidisciplinary design teams
Benefits
- Fully paid medical coverage
- Long‑term disability coverage
- Dental, vision, and supplemental insurance plans
- Employee ownership (100%)
- Generous 401k/Roth contribution
- Flexible spending and commuter benefits
- Professional development reimbursement: fees, time off to study, lunch and learns, CEUs
- Leadership training opportunities
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
OTJ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.
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