Electrical Engineering Manager - Industrial & Power

Job Description

We are seeking a senior Electrical Engineering Manager / Technical Discipline Manager (TDM) to lead, oversee, and grow our national electrical engineering practice. This role is responsible for managing Regional Technical Leads (RTLs) and electrical engineering teams across the United States, while providing technical leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for complex industrial, petrochemical, oil and gas, power, utility, and substation projects.

The Electrical Engineering Manager serves as the senior technical authority and discipline leader for the Industrial Unit, ensuring technical excellence, consistency, quality, and compliance across all projects. This role plays a critical part in expanding electrical capabilities across Industrial EPC, EPCM, and design-only delivery models, while supporting both project execution and long-term practice growth.

Preferred locations include Wadsworth, OH; Columbus, OH; Pittsburgh, PA; Philadelphia, PA; and CDM Smith offices in New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and Georgia. Other CDM Smith U.S. locations may be considered based on candidate qualifications.

Key Responsibilities:
Practice, People, and TDM Leadership:
Provide national leadership for the electrical engineering discipline, serving as the Technical Discipline Manager (TDM) for the Industrial & Power practice.
Oversee and support Regional Technical Leads (RTLs) and electrical engineering teams nationwide.
Establish and maintain discipline standards, design criteria, tools, and best practices across regions.
Lead, mentor, and develop engineering leaders and staff, supporting performance management, technical growth, and succession planning.
Drive growth of the electrical group through strategic hiring, capability development, and resource planning.
Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, technical excellence, safety, and quality.

Technical Oversight, Authority, and Quality:
Serve as the senior technical authority for industrial electrical systems, including:
Medium- and high-voltage power distribution systems
Substations, switchyards, and protection & control systems
Industrial and utility electrical infrastructure
Provide technical oversight, review, and approval of complex electrical designs, studies, calculations, specifications, and deliverables.
Ensure consistency and quality across EPC, EPCM, and design-only projects.
Act as the escalation point for complex technical issues, risk management, and constructability challenges.
Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local codes, regulations, client standards, and firm procedures.
Lead or support QA/QC reviews and continuous improvement initiatives across the discipline.

Project Delivery and Client Engagement:
Support delivery of large, complex Industrial and Power projects, including EPC and design-only engagements.
Collaborate with Project Managers to ensure scope, schedule, budget, risk, and quality objectives are met.
Provide technical leadership on projects such as:
Power plant coal-to-gas conversions and energy transition projects
Greenfield and brownfield substations
Utility and infrastructure projects, including water and wastewater facilities
Industrial and process facilities, manufacturing plants, and heavy industrial sites
Engage directly with clients to understand technical needs, resolve challenges, and strengthen long-term relationships.
Support proposal development, including technical approaches, execution strategies, staffing plans, schedules, and cost estimates.

Strategy, Growth, and Industry Presence:
Contribute to national electrical strategy, including service offerings, tools, staffing models, and market alignment.
Support business development efforts and strategic pursuits in industrial, power, and utility markets.
Represent the firm at industry conferences, client meetings, and professional forums.
Support development of internal technical guidance, white papers, lessons learned, and discipline standards.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering, or Electrical Technology or related discipline

Professional engineering (PE) license

15 years of related experience

Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands

Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree

Preferred Qualifications

Proven experience leading and managing electrical engineering teams, including senior or regional leaders

Experience serving as a Technical Discipline Manager (TDM) or equivalent technical authority

Experience overseeing Industrial EPC and EPCM projects
Substation experience, including industrial and utility applications

Understanding of FEL and FEED project delivery processes
Experience with design-build and progressive design-build delivery methods

Strong organizational and leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities

Ability to obtain professional licensure in multiple states

Experience developing engineering estimates and supporting project budgeting and scheduling

EEO Statement

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Why CDM Smith?

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Join Us! CDM Smith - where amazing career journeys unfold.

Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it's a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.

Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

Skills and Abilities

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Expert knowledge of electrical engineering principles and design practices

Expert knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations

Expert knowledge of engineering design tools, including power system studies

Knowledge of computer-assisted design and drafting (CADD) 3D and 4D software and practices

Proficiency with Microsoft business software, including Excel and Word

Background Check and Drug Testing Information

CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as "CDM Smith") reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.