Associate Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Build the future, spark innovation and align your career with purpose.

McKinstry is innovating the waste and climate harm out of the built environment and creating lasting impact. Together, we're building a thriving planet.

Buildings are a leading contributor to the climate crisis, generating nearly 40% of total global energy-related carbon emissions. We're making a lasting impact on our industry and within our communities by addressing the climate, affordability and equity crises through:

• engineering and design
• construction and facility services
• renewables and energy services
• decarbonization and electrification

To get where we're going, we need big thinkers, problem solvers and collaborative mindsets. Does that sound like you?

The Opportunity with McKinstry

We're looking for an experienced Associate Electrical Engineer to join our growing Engineering and Design team in Richmond, VA.  In this role, you'll play a key part in supporting our Distributed Energy Resources (DER) clients, leveraging your expertise in building systems to meet customer needs and lead the delivery of high-quality, innovative solutions. You will work alongside internal partners and external stakeholders to deliver innovative solutions and ensure successful project outcomes. Key responsibilities include:

Team Leadership & Development

• Mentor and train project engineers on electrical system design principles and technical skills.
• Identify and allocate engineering resources to optimize project timelines and meet critical deadlines.
• Conduct regular performance and goal reviews with direct reports, aligning them with project objectives.

Project & Design Management

• Lead the design and implementation of various electrical design projects, including building electrical distribution systems, lighting & lighting control systems, emergency power systems, and medium-voltage campus distribution systems. 
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to establish and uphold best practices in building electrical system design and delivery.
• Oversee engineering analyses that support both pre-design efforts and sales proposals, ensuring alignment with objectives.

Technical Excellence & Standards Development

• Develop and maintain technical standards for electrical engineering projects, contributing to the continuous improvement of design methodologies.
• Provide clear direction on electrical design requirements and deadlines to team members, coordinating work to maintain project scope, schedule, and budget.
• Support the professional growth of junior engineers through training in electrical design standards and project-specific technologies.
• Stay current with technologies and industry trends by attending trade shows, continuing education, and market research. 

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Foster strong relationships with clients by understanding their unique electrical needs and aligning project scopes and solutions accordingly.
• Coordinate with utility providers, authority having jurisdictions, and other disciplines to proactively address any technical or regulatory challenges.
• Engage in strategic initiatives within the Engineering & Design group to drive innovation and enhance service delivery.

Project Oversight & Financial Accountability

• Collaborate with estimating and construction teams to optimize project budgets and reduce costs, particularly on design-build projects.
• Participate in all phases of project planning and execution, from proposal preparation and scope alignment to monitoring financial health and achieving project milestones.

What You Need to Succeed at McKinstry

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent work experience required.
• Professional Engineer registration and ability to acquire licensure in additional states required.
• Experience in the design and construction of commercial and light industrial electrical systems, emergency power systems, low voltage systems, and medium-voltage campus distribution systems.
• Ability to evaluate power systems and perform studies for arc flash, short circuit current, coordination, underground cable thermals, grounding, and load flow analysis.
• Medium-Voltage (15 kV and below) design experience required, protective relaying experience preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Teams.
• Working Knowledge of Bluebeam.
• Working knowledge of Procore.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD and Revit required.
• Skilled in electrical analysis software (SKM, EasyPower, ETAP, etc.).
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.
• Efficient time management, ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously while delegating to Junior engineers.
• Development of Engineering fee proposals, resource plans, and provide financial analysis of projects.
• Overall: 8 to 10 years' experience in Electrical Engineering in the built environment.
  • Project management: 3 to 5 years.
  • People management: 1-3 years.

PeopleFirst Benefits

When it comes to the basics, we have you covered:

• Competitive pay
• 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out of pocket maximums

People come first at McKinstry, and we go beyond the basic benefits with:

• Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance
• Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave
• Transgender inclusive benefits
• Commuter benefits
• Pet insurance
• "Building Good" paid community service time
• Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University
• McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers

See benefit plan documents for complete details.

If you're driven by our vision to build a thriving planet together, McKinstry is the place to build your career.

The pay range for this position is $120,510 - $184,410 per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Base pay information is based on market location. A bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered.

The McKinstry group of companies are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, color, creed, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to employment, advancement, assignment, and training. This commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity is made equally as a social responsibility and as an economic and business necessity.

McKinstry is a drug-free workplace. Employment iscontingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, complying with the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act and a Confidentiality Agreement, in addition to successful outcomes of background and reference checks.

Applicants for this role will only be considered if they possess current US Work Authorization, and do not require employer-sponsored VISA support to begin or remain in this role.