Principal Electrical Engineer

Principal Electrical Engineer / Senior Staff Electrical Engineer

Job Type: Full Time (Exempt)

Location: Novi, MI (Metro Detroit)

Reports To: Director of Electrical Products

Work Environment: Fully air-conditioned, climate-controlled production facility

Brooks Utility Products is a leading manufacturer specializing in high-quality products for the electric utility industry. Tracing its roots back to 1873, the company has a long history of innovation, including an early relationship with Thomas Edison that led to the manufacturing of seals for electric meters. Today, Brooks Utility Products provides a comprehensive product line including seals and locking equipment, transformer-rated meter sockets and transockets, meter socket adapters, test switches, utility enclosures, and medium-voltage pad-mount primary metering systems. We are known for our commitment to safety, security, and reliability and helping utilities address the challenges of the modern power grid.

Position Summary: We are seeking an experienced Principal Engineer / Senior Electrical Engineer to contribute to the design, development, and technical support of our medium-voltage (MV) utility applications. The ideal candidate will be the technical subject matter expert for pad-mount medium-voltage products including primary metering cabinets and switchgear. You will work closely with utility customers to customize solutions that meet utility standards and identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation. This role bridges the gap between electrical design, mechanical packaging, and practical utility application.

Key Responsibilities:

- Product Design & Engineering: Independently lead the electrical design and component selection for medium-voltage products (5kV – 35kV), including primary metering cabinets and primary metering switchgear. Lead design and development from concept through commercialization with effective collaboration with marketing, supply chain, sales, and customer channels.

- Custom Utility Solutions: Review customer specifications and utility standards to generate custom engineering packages, including Bill of Materials (BOM), three-line diagrams, and control schematics.

- Standards Compliance: Ensure all designs comply with applicable industry standards (e.g., IEEE, ANSI, UL).

- Protection & Control: Design and specify protection schemes involving relays, CTs/PTs (instrument transformers), and sensing devices.

- Mechanical Design: Collaborate with mechanical engineers to ensure electrical clearances, thermal management, and safety aspects are maintained within compact pad-mount enclosures.

- Testing & Validation: Oversee prototype builds and define test procedures at both the component level (instrument transformers, fuses, relays, load-break switches) and system-level products, including dielectric testing, and partial discharge analysis.

- Technical Support: Serve as a high-level technical resource for the sales team and customers, assisting with complex troubleshooting, installation inquiries, and field commissioning support.

- Voice Of Customer (VOC): Join VOC calls and field visits with customers to understand product use-cases, customer pain points, and opportunities for product innovation.

Qualifications:

- Education: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) from an ABET-accredited program.

- Experience: 5+ years of engineering experience specifically within the electric utility, switchgear manufacturing, or power distribution industries.

- Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of medium-voltage power distribution, arc interruption theories, and insulation coordination.

- Equipment Expertise: Proven experience working with metering transformers (CTs/PTs), load break switches, medium-voltage bushings, insulation, shielding, switchgear, reclosers.

- Software Proficiency: Proficiency in 2D/3D CAD software (AutoCAD Electrical, Draftsight, SolidWorks, or similar) and ERP systems for BOM management.

Preferred Skills

- Professional Engineer (PE) License is highly desirable.

- Experience with power system analysis software.

- Experience with ANSYS Electrical is helpful.

- Experience with PCB design and communication/control is a plus.

- Familiarity with revenue metering requirements for electric utilities.

More About You:

- You love engineering, design, and learning.

- You have strong attention to detail, can focus while working on multiple projects, and prioritize effectively.

- You enjoy working at a computer and handling hands-on tasks with ease.

- You work well individually or in a team and communicate clearly by phone, email, and chat.

- You enjoy chatting with customers to uncover pain points and translate them into innovative solutions.