Lead Electrical Engineer

The Opportunity

PAE is seeking a dynamic Lead Electrical Engineer in our Portland, OR office, who will provide both technical and project leadership on a variety of building‑systems projects, ensuring high‑quality engineering outcomes delivered on time and within budget. This role oversees the development of electrical system designs including power distribution, lighting, and equipment selection while guiding project teams and coordinating closely with internal disciplines and external partners. This position is responsible for producing and reviewing engineering documentation such as narratives, calculations, drawings, and specifications. The Lead Electrical Engineer will independently apply engineering judgment and advanced technical expertise to drive projects from conceptual design through construction. Additional responsibilities include performing site visits, preparing reports, updating master specifications and standards, and ensuring compliance with the firm’s Quality Management Plan (QMP). Ideal candidates excel at team leadership, staff mentorship, client relationship development, and the effective use of engineering tools such as Revit, AutoCAD, and EasyPower (Load Flow, Short Circuit, and Arc Flash analysis). This role requires deep knowledge of building codes, electrical industry standards, and interdisciplinary coordination to deliver integrated, high‑performing engineering solutions. 

Who We Are 

PAE is an engineering and design firm that turns complex challenges into reality. By leveraging the latest technologies, we solve problems in unique ways, and our designs enable buildings and communities to be more resilient and efficient. PAE is trusted by our clients in every aspect of a project's lifespan, from idea to occupancy. We set ambitious goals backed by analysis to significantly conserve water and energy while balancing costs and long-term operational needs. As a B Corp, we measure success by the benefits our projects provide to our clients, our communities, and our planet. We embrace innovation, transparency, sustainability, and lifelong curiosity.

What You'll Do

• Project team leadership and discipline management, responsible for completing the project on time within budget
• Responsible for the preparation of deliverable documents including narratives, calculations, drawings and specifications
• Attend client meetings, lead the coordination effort between external and internal project teams
• Independently evaluate and apply engineering judgment, techniques, and procedures to complete a project from concepts through construction
• Proficient in electrical system distribution, lighting and power system design
• Assemble effective project teams
• Develop project workplans, tasks and assignments for the team
• Thorough understanding of interdisciplinary coordination
• Advanced understanding of the application of building codes and electrical industry standards
• Oversee engineering calculations and equipment selection
• Perform site visits and issues reports
• Provide training, guidance and mentorship for staff
• Provide updates to master specifications and standards, and improve company processes
• Engineering application of distribution Load Flow, Short Circuit and Arc Flash Energy analysis using Easy Power
• Develop client relationships
• Oversee the application of the project quality management plan (QMP)
• Perform other duties as assigned

What You Bring

• Inspire and motivate staff
• Serve as a technical resource for the company
• Advanced understanding of electrical engineering concepts, able to effectively communicate design options
• Able to assemble and run a team
• Strong delegation skills
• Attention to detail and advanced organizational skills
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Revit/AutoCAD and Easy Power

What We Offer 

• Hiring Base Salary Range: $110,700-$126,800 annual 
  • This position is eligible for time and a half overtime pay

The base salary is one component of PAE’s competitive compensation package for employees. We take into consideration a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, abilities, experience, education, credentials, internal equity and geographic location in determining exact salary offered. At PAE, employees are eligible for annual compensation reviews based on performance and business needs. The above range represents PAE's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. 

In addition, PAE offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following: 

• Employer paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision) 
• Annual 401k profit sharing based on company profit for the year and account contribution 
• Professional development reimbursements including state registration and professional association dues 
• Employer paid commuter/parking stipend
• Cell phone stipend 
• Life insurance and disability benefits 
• Employee Assistance Program
• Hybrid work schedule 
• Paid time off for sick leave, family leave, community service, holidays and vacation
• 9 paid holidays including an additional employee-selected day
• To learn more about our comprehensive benefits package, visit  https://www.pae-engineers.com/careers/benefits. This information is provided per the Equal Pay Act

Our commitment to pay equity 

PAE is a JUST label certified company; we demonstrate JUST label requirements within pay equity. Pay scales should meet or exceed applicable legislated wage requirements and industry standards and compensate, on the same basis, all individuals performing the same or similar work and work of equal value. We are committed to the principle of pay equity – paying employees equitably for substantially similar work. To learn more about pay equity and our commitments to equitable business practices, you may view our JUST label certification here: Living Future: Just Label Certification. 

To find out more visit our website.

What We’re Made Of 

Founded in 1967, PAE is a leading sustainable engineering and consulting firm on a mission to deliver clean air, energy, and water for all. We specialize in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering, building performance analysis, technology design, and lighting design (LUMA). PAE designs some of the nation's highest-performing and most regenerative built environments across the U.S., from Living Buildings to all-electric buildings and beyond. Learn more at pae-engineers.com.

Our portfolio includes over 100 LEED Platinum projects as well as dozens of projects that have either achieved or are pursuing the Living Building Challenge, Passive House, Architecture 2030, Carbon Neutral, Net Zero Energy, and Net Zero Water. 

Fine Print 

Please note that resumes received from third party recruiters or agencies will not be accepted unless requested directly by PAE Talent Acquisition and with a prior signed fee agreement. If candidates without a previously signed recruiter fee agreement are submitted, PAE reserves the right to engage with and hire those candidate(s) without any obligation financial or otherwise to the recruiter or agency.

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at PAE will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities. PAE does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (sex), national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical characteristics historically associated with race, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. 

PAE will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. This policy governs all aspects of employment including: selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and access to benefits and training. 

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