Principal Electrical Engineer

Principal Electrical Engineer

Company Overview:

Cornerstone Utility Engineering is a premier engineering firm specializing in planning and design services for large utility companies. We focus on electrical transmission, distribution, and substation projects, delivering innovative and high-quality solutions that exceed client expectations. With a strong commitment to excellence, safety, and community impact, we drive the success of essential utility infrastructure projects. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a highly accomplished Principal Electrical Engineer to join our leadership team.

Job Description:

The Principal Electrical Engineer serves as the company’s senior technical authority in electrical engineering, with deep expertise in high-voltage transmission and substation projects. This role combines technical excellence with leadership, serving as the Responsible Engineer for complex projects, guiding multi-disciplinary teams, mentoring staff, and collaborating directly with clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies. The ideal candidate will bring 10–15 years of progressive experience in utility engineering, including substation design, system planning, and project execution, with a proven track record of delivering large-scale, complex projects.

Responsibilities:

· Serve as the Responsible Engineer for substation and transmission projects, overseeing engineering design, technical quality, and compliance.

· Lead engineering and design of substation electrical facilities, including protection/control, physical design, grounding, and integration of high-voltage equipment.

· Develop and review project scopes, specifications, and design documents, ensuring alignment with client, regulatory, and safety requirements.

· Conduct and/or oversee pre-engineering job walk meetings with stakeholders (Construction, Operations, IT, Telecom, Test, Field Engineering, etc.) and document outcomes.

· Manage engineering contractors and internal teams, ensuring design consistency, milestone delivery, and adherence to budget and scope.

· Review and approve contractor design estimates, equipment purchase requisitions, change orders, and service sheets.

· Provide technical support to field personnel during construction, testing, and commissioning phases; resolve technical issues as they arise.

· Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements including NERC standards, reporting obligations, and reliability initiatives.

· Order and specify major equipment in coordination with vendors and management to align with project schedules.

· Mentor, train, and develop planners and designers to strengthen the technical expertise of the team.

· Support system planning and interconnection studies, including substation design elements for generator interconnections and large load connections.

· Drive innovation and continuous improvement by identifying emerging technologies, methods, and best practices for transmission and substation engineering.

· Promote a culture of safety and ensure all project stakeholders follow established safety protocols.

Minimum Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (Master’s degree preferred).

- 10–15 years of progressive experience in electrical utility engineering, including substation and high-voltage transmission design (up to 500kV).

- Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) active and in good standing in California.

- Extensive knowledge of substation engineering standards, design practices, equipment specifications, and construction methods.

- Demonstrated experience as a Responsible Engineer on utility substation projects.

- Strong knowledge of industry codes, standards, and compliance requirements (NERC, IEEE, ANSI, NEC).

- Proficiency in engineering and design tools (AutoCAD, Bluebeam, SAP, PLSCADD Suite, etc.).

- Proven track record managing multi-disciplinary project teams and external contractors.

- Exceptional leadership, mentorship, and communication skills.

- Ability to make sound business and technical decisions with broad organizational impact.

- Willingness to travel and support projects across varied environments (coastal, desert, mountain, and remote regions).

Compensation:

$200,000+ per year, based on experience and productivity.

Benefits:

· Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance with company contributions.

· Voluntary Life Insurance options.

· Company-sponsored 401(k) plan with a 4% company match.

· Generous paid time off: 120 hours of vacation and 40 hours of sick leave annually.

· Company-paid holidays.

· Financial Wellness Program: SmartDollar

· Paid FMLA/Birth and Bonding leave.

· Eligibility for company spot bonuses.

Why Cornerstone Utility Engineering?

· Innovative Environment: Influence the design and delivery of large-scale, high-impact utility projects.

· Professional Growth: Collaborate with top-tier clients, contractors, and regulatory stakeholders.

· Supportive Culture: Work in a collaborative and supportive environment where your contributions are valued. Be recognized as a subject matter expert in high-voltage and substation engineering.

· Impactful Work: Lead innovation in the future of electrical utility infrastructure.

Join Cornerstone Utility Engineering and elevate your career as a Principal Electrical Engineer. Apply today and become part of a team that values innovation, safety, and professional growth.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $200,000.00 per year

Benefits:

- 401(k)

- 401(k) matching

- Dental insurance

- Flexible schedule

- Health insurance

- Life insurance

- Paid time off

- Parental leave

- Referral program

- Retirement plan

- Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Victorville, CA 92392