Electrical Project Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Electrical Project Engineer

About the Opportunity

A multidisciplinary engineering consulting firm that delivers innovative engineering, design, project management, and technical consulting services to clients across the energy, utilities, industrial, water/wastewater, pipeline, terminal, refining, and renewable energy sectors. The organization is known for providing practical, client-focused solutions that help critical infrastructure owners improve reliability, safety, efficiency, and long-term asset performance. With a collaborative, employee-centered culture, the firm combines the technical capabilities of a larger consultancy with the flexibility and responsiveness of a growing engineering organization.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Electrical Project Engineer to lead electrical power distribution and control systems design for a variety of industrial and infrastructure projects. This position plays a key role in delivering engineering solutions for clients in the oil and gas, refining, pipeline and terminal, water/wastewater, utility, and energy transition markets. The successful candidate will serve as a technical leader responsible for electrical system studies, engineering calculations, equipment selection, design documentation, and client engagement throughout the project lifecycle. This individual will work closely with multidisciplinary teams while mentoring junior engineers and designers and contributing to a collaborative consulting environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of electrical and control systems for multidisciplinary engineering projects.
• Develop and perform power system studies and calculations, including:
  • Short-circuit analysis
  • Load flow studies
  • Motor starting analysis
  • Protective relay coordination
  • Arc flash studies
• Direct, review, and approve construction drawing packages for:
  • Medium- and low-voltage power distribution systems
  • Grounding systems
  • Lighting systems
  • Instrumentation and control systems
• Prepare and review electrical design documents, including single-line diagrams, schematics, equipment layouts, and technical specifications.
• Select and specify electrical equipment including switchgear, transformers, motor control centers (MCCs), variable frequency drives (VFDs), and control panels.
• Perform system modeling and analysis using ETAP, SKM, or similar power system software.
• Support project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and cost control activities.
• Manage and support smaller engineering studies and projects ranging from approximately $10,000 to $50,000.
• Review vendor proposals, technical submittals, calculations, and equipment documentation for compliance with project requirements.
• Serve as a primary client contact for electrical engineering scope, maintaining strong relationships and providing technical leadership throughout project execution.
• Interface with regulatory agencies, contractors, equipment suppliers, and project stakeholders.
• Support startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and performance testing activities for new and modified electrical systems.
• Conduct site visits, field investigations, inspections, and data collection at industrial and utility facilities.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable codes, standards, and industry best practices, including NEC requirements.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers and designers through technical guidance, design reviews, and knowledge sharing.
• Collaborate effectively with internal and external teams to deliver integrated engineering solutions across multiple market sectors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Minimum 6 years of experience designing medium- and low-voltage power distribution systems, with an ideal experience range of 7–15 years.
• Strong understanding of industrial and utility electrical system design principles.
• Experience performing electrical power system studies and calculations.
• Proficiency in electrical design and analysis software such as ETAP, SKM, AutoCAD, or similar tools.
• Knowledge of:
  • NEC requirements
  • Grounding systems
  • Lighting systems
  • Instrumentation and controls
  • Electrical construction practices
• Experience with power distribution systems operating up to 480V and associated industrial electrical infrastructure.
• Ability to prepare and interpret electrical drawings, schematics, and single-line diagrams.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and client relationship skills.
• Experience working in an engineering consulting environment serving external clients.
• Ability to travel locally for client meetings, site visits, and field investigations.
• Valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

• California Professional Engineer (PE) license in Electrical Engineering.
• Experience supporting projects in:
  • Oil & Gas
  • Refining
  • Water/Wastewater
  • Pipelines & Terminals
  • Utilities
  • Renewable Energy and Energy Transition
• Knowledge of PLC and DCS systems integration.
• Familiarity with API 500 and related industrial facility standards.
• Experience supporting major utility, industrial, or energy clients.
• Demonstrated success mentoring junior engineers and technical staff.

Work Environment

This position offers a flexible hybrid work environment, typically consisting of a combination of office, remote, and client-site work. Employees generally spend approximately two days per week in the office, with occasional travel to project sites as required.

The role involves direct interaction with clients and stakeholders and includes site visits to industrial facilities such as refineries, terminals, pipelines, water treatment facilities, utility infrastructure, and energy projects. Field activities may account for approximately 5–10% of overall work effort depending on project requirements.

The organization fosters a collaborative culture focused on technical excellence, professional development, and knowledge sharing, providing employees with opportunities to expand their expertise while delivering impactful engineering solutions for critical infrastructure clients.

Why Join Us?

• Lead impactful projects supporting critical infrastructure and energy systems.
• Work directly with clients and industry leaders.
• Enjoy a collaborative, employee-focused culture with strong mentorship opportunities.
• Gain exposure to diverse industries and emerging energy technologies.
• Contribute to innovative projects that improve reliability, safety, and sustainability across essential industrial and utility operations.

This is a Permanent position based out of Fountain Valley, CA.

The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $86.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in Fountain Valley,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.