Design Department Manager Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

SSOE is seeking an Electrical Engineering Department Manager to lead our growing team of electrical engineers, designers and support staff. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to shape the electrical infrastructure of cutting-edge, mission-critical facilities for our leading high-tech and advanced technology clients. As the leader of our Electrical Department, you will drive innovative technical methods and ensure the successful delivery of complex facility design projects.

This is a leadership position for an individual with an expertise in electrical engineering for advanced facilities and a proven track record of successfully managing and growing high-performing engineering teams. You will be at the forefront of designing robust, reliable, and highly efficient electrical systems that power the future of technology. Your leadership will directly impact project outcomes, technical standards, and the professional growth of your team.

At SSOE, we don’t just talk about the future, we build it. As a leader in industry AI adoption, we empower our team to work smarter by providing responsible access to the industry leading AI Large Language Models, vibe-coding platforms, and securely integrating advanced tools into every role. From day one, you’ll receive the training and support needed to leverage AI as a core tool for enhancing productivity, sparking creativity, and streamlining complex workflows.

Department Management and Staff Development:

• Lead, mentor, coach, and develop a team of electrical engineers, designers, and technical staff, fostering a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Implement comprehensive training programs, including onboarding, technical skill enhancement, continuing education support, and professional development planning (including PE licensure and specialized certifications).
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide constructive feedback, and identify opportunities for employee growth and advancement.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for the Electrical Department that align with the company's overall business objectives and anticipate future trends and technological advancements in the high-tech manufacturing sector.
• Develop and execute workforce planning strategies to ensure the department is appropriately staffed with the necessary skills and expertise to meet current and future project demands.
• Partner in recruitment and hiring efforts for the Electrical Department, attracting and retaining top talent in the high-tech facilities design sector.
   

Technical Vision and Leadership:

• Provide technical leadership and strategic direction for the electrical engineering department, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and client expectations across high-tech and industrial facilities design-build projects.
• Oversee the implementation of advanced electrical design concepts and equipment that may include:
  
  • Complex power distribution systems, critical power systems (UPS, generators, redundant feeds), transient voltage surge suppression, and specialized grounding and bonding schemes essential for sensitive equipment and cleanroom environments.
  • Selection and specification of major electrical equipment, including switchgear, transformers, motor control centers, variable frequency drives, and protective relaying, ensuring compliance with performance requirements and industry best practices.
  • Direct and review short circuit analysis, coordination studies, arc flash analysis, load flow studies, and power quality assessments, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and system reliability.
  • Provide technical leadership in the design of fire alarm systems, telecommunications infrastructure, and other low-voltage systems, ensuring integration and compliance with relevant codes and client standards.
  • Guide the design of efficient and code-compliant lighting systems, including specialized lighting for cleanrooms and controlled environments.
  • Ensure robust lightning protection system design and grounding electrode system design.
• Collaborate closely with leads from other disciplines (mechanical, structural, architectural, process/chemical, project management, etc.) to ensure seamless integration of electrical systems within complex facility designs.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts, incorporating lessons learned into departmental workflows and leveraging Microsoft Copilot to streamline technical report generation, design reviews, and coordination efforts.
• Drive technical innovation within the department, evaluating and implementing new technologies, design tools, and methodologies to enhance efficiency, designs, and technical accuracy.
• Serve as the technical authority for the Electrical Department, providing expert guidance on complex engineering challenges, performing critical design reviews, and ensuring the technical quality and constructability of all deliverables.

Financial Management and Strategic Planning:

• Oversee the technical execution, budget management, and schedule performance of all electrical engineering design projects, intervening as necessary to resolve issues and ensure successful outcomes.
• Develop and manage the annual operating budget for the Electrical Department, controlling expenses, monitoring financial performance, and driving profitability.
• Implement and refine departmental processes, workflows, and quality control procedures to optimize efficiency and deliver high-quality engineering deliverables.
• Actively participate in business development activities, including building and maintaining client relationships, leading technical presentations, contributing to proposal development, and representing the company at industry events.
• Identify opportunities for expanding the department's service offerings and technical capabilities in response to market demands.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• An active Professional Engineer (PE) license in the state of practice or the ability to obtain reciprocity within an agreed upon timeframe is highly desirable.
• Established experience and knowledge of electrical engineering principles, techniques, and along with relevant experience with electrical engineering design for industrial, advanced manufacturing, or high-tech facilities.
• Demonstrated experience in leadership and/or management roles with direct reports, demonstrated a proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop a technical team.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively interact with clients, project teams, and internal stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven ability to develop and manage departmental budgets and financial performance and experience with business development activities, including client interaction and proposal support.
• Salary Range: $140,000 - $190,000/year depending on location, education, depth of relevant experience, and any specialized licensure/certifications. Opportunity for ample rewards, leadership incentive/bonus program, and ownership investment opportunities.
• Benefits: Includes comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, 401K retirement savings plan (with company matching), opportunities for professional development and training (including support for relevant licensure & certifications), and generous PTO & paid holidays.

Join us at SSOE, where your expertise will thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment dedicated to pushing the boundaries of design and engineering excellence. Our company culture is built on collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. We believe in fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment where every team member can thrive. If you're passionate about innovation and eager to make a significant impact, we invite you to apply and become a part of our forward-thinking team.

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