Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineer

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us:

 Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Job Summary

We are seeking an Electrical Design Engineer to join our team in an in‑person role based in San Diego, California. This position is responsible for the design of building electrical systems, including power, lighting, fire alarm, and special systems, with a strong emphasis on healthcare projects. This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong and detail‑oriented engineer who is interested in professional growth and advancement into more leadership responsibilities, while working on complex, mission‑critical projects.

Responsibilities

• Perform electrical system design for commercial and institutional facilities including healthcare (OSHPD/HCAi), pharmaceutical, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and higher education.
• Develop one-line diagrams, load calculations, short circuit and coordination studies, and arc flash analyses.
• Size and specify medium and low voltage distribution systems, including utility service coordination, switchgear, transformers, generators, UPS systems, and distribution equipment.
• Design normal, emergency, legally required standby, and life safety power systems in compliance with California codes and California Department of Health Care Access and Information requirements.
• Prepare lighting and power plans, panel schedules, and equipment layouts using Revit and AutoCAD.
• Coordinate electrical systems with mechanical, plumbing, architectural, and structural disciplines to support integrated building design.
• Interface with utilities for new service applications, upgrades, and interconnection requirements.
• Support design of critical systems such as central plants, cogeneration, PV/BESS systems, and mission-critical infrastructure.
• Perform site investigations, field verification, and construction support including RFIs, submittal reviews, and punch walks.
• Develop technical specifications, basis of design narratives, and construction documents.
• Apply and ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards (NEC, CBC, Title 24, NFPA, IEEE).
• Support permitting and agency coordination including plan check responses for healthcare and regulated facilities.
• Assist with cost estimating, equipment selection, and evaluation of alternative system approaches.
• Participate in client meetings and contribute to technical presentations and design discussions.

Skills:

• Proficient in Revit, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office.
• Strong working knowledge of applicable electrical codes, standards, and design guidelines.
• High level of attention to detail with a commitment to quality and accuracy.
• Excellent work ethic with a proactive, solution‑oriented attitude.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Comfortable engaging with clients and presenting technical information in a clear and professional manner.

 Team Contribution & Development:

• Collaborate with senior engineers and project managers to deliver projects on schedule and within scope.
• Support proposal development and technical input for projects as needed.
• Participate in knowledge sharing and continuous improvement of design standards and best practices.
• Contribute to a positive team environment through effective communication and collaboration.
• Continue to build technical expertise in specialized electrical systems.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field.
• 2-5 years of electrical design experience.
• Experience with healthcare, science and technology, education, and/or commercial buildings is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience with HCAI / OSHPD standards is preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
• LEED accreditation or sustainable design experience preferred.
• Technical Expertise:
• Proficiency in electrical engineering calculations, including:
• Lighting photometric calculations
• Voltage drop analysis
• Short‑circuit and overcurrent protection coordination studies
• Load Calculations

Location:

• San Diego, CA (on-site with remote Fridays)

Travel:

• Up to 50%

Compensation & Benefits:

Salas O’Brien health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Team members have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount.  Salas O’Brien has both U.S. and Canadian (PTO) plans for full-time salaried, exempt and non-team members, 10 paid holidays, and paid leave programs for military service and new parents. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $90,000 to $125,000. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.