Associate Electrical Engineer Jobs in Sterling, VA

The Staff Engineer (Grade 16) is a fully competent professional engineer who functions as a technical specialist or project level contributor on Mission Critical projects. With minimal supervision, the Staff Engineer applies sound engineering judgment, independently executes most technical tasks, and supports the delivery of medium complexity Federal and Mission Critical electrical systems while continuing to deepen subject matter expertise. 

Black & Veatch's Mission Critical Solution delivers highly reliable, resilient, and secure infrastructure for Federal DoD clients, supporting facilities where power continuity, system redundancy, and mission assurance are essential. We serve clients including USACE, NAVFAC, AFCEC, and other DoD agencies, delivering electrical and power systems for mission-critical facilities such as command centers, data centers, operational facilities, and energy-resilient installations. Our primary areas of focus are: Architecture/Engineering (A/E) Services, Defense Program, Design/Build, and Classified. 

Engineering & Technical Execution 

• Independently perform electrical engineering assignments of medium to high complexity, applying advanced engineering principles and established Mission Critical design standards.  
• Design and develop Mission Critical electrical systems, including:  
  • Low and medium voltage power distribution 
  • Standby power and generator systems 
  • UPS systems, grounding, and lightning protection
  • Lighting systems 
• Prepare and review engineering deliverables such as drawings, specifications, reports, calculations, and studies for single discipline or moderately complex projects.  
• Perform detailed engineering calculations, which may include:  
  • Load flow and short circuit analysis
  • Generator sizing and reliability evaluations
  • Arc flash and protective device coordination (with oversight as required)  
• Review work prepared by Associate Engineers and provide technical guidance to support their development.  

Mission Critical & Federal Project Delivery 

• Serve as a key electrical engineering contributor on Federal Mission Critical projects, supporting DoD clients such as USACE, NAVFAC, and AFCEC.  
• Apply working knowledge of Federal design criteria, codes, and workflows, including DesignBidBuild and Construction Phase Services projects.  
• Support resolution of RFIs, submittals, and field issues, coordinating with construction teams and other disciplines. 
• Assist project leadership with technical scope definition, execution planning, and schedule coordination for electrical work. 

Quality, Schedule & Risk Management 

• Independently apply and ensure compliance with the Black & Veatch Quality Program for assigned work.  
• Manage assigned electrical engineering scope to meet budget, schedule, and quality expectations. 
• Identify and help resolve technical issues within the electrical discipline, escalating complex risks as appropriate.  

Collaboration, Mentoring & Knowledge Sharing 

• Coordinate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, clients, and internal stakeholders. 
• Provide technical guidance and informal mentoring to Associate Engineers and interns.  
• Share knowledge related to Mission Critical systems, Federal standards, and lessons learned. 
• Participate in Mission Critical solution discipline initiatives, including training, standards development, and teambuilding activities. 

• Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering from either a recognized accredited program in their home country or the country in which the professional is practicing or equivalent experience in Engineering work.
• Minimum of 5 years related work experience.
• All applicants must be able to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.
• Holds an active engineering registration or licensure to support engineer of record (EOR) requirements for BV projects in applicable countries, and supports where necessary.

• FE / EIT certification; PE license preferred or actively in progress.  
• Demonstrated experience with mission critical facilities, power reliability, or Federal/DoD infrastructure.  
• Working knowledge of:  
  • Specifications development 
  • Review and resolution of RFIs and submittals 
  • Grounding and lightning protection systems  
• Experience with engineering tools such as:  
  • • Revit, AutoCAD, Bluebeam 
• Electrical analysis software (e.g., ETAP, SKM)  
• Exposure to Mission Critical differentiators such as microgrids, controls, communications, or secure facilities. 

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.  
• Strong analytical, technical writing, and communication skills.  
• Sound engineering judgment and problem solving ability.  
• Effective collaborator in multidisciplinary, Federal project environments. 

Holds an active engineering registration or licensure to support engineer of record (EOR) requirements for BV projects in applicable countries, and supports where necessary.

Professional office environment with potential for limited site visits to Federal and mission critical facilities. 

In accordance with local requirements, the annual compensation ranges for this role are listed below by state or jurisdiction and reflect the applicable office location(s) within each. Final compensation is determined based on factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, internal alignment, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law.

• State of Colorado: $126,423 - $211,134
• State of Minnesota: $120,677 - $201,537
• State of Virginia: $137,916 - $230,328