Senior Electric Engineer

Salary : $77,751.52 - $136,065.15 Annually
Location : VA 24541, VA
Job Type: Full Time Professional Exempt
Job Number:
Department: Utilities
Division: Power & Light
Opening Date: 03/09/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

Description

Provides professional and technical engineering support for the Division Director of Power and Light and other sections within the department. Designs electrical transmission and distribution facilities; prepares construction documents and estimates, and performs the planning and designing of system expansions and improvements; reviews plans for commercial, industrial and residential developments to meet energy requirements and system integrity; provides technical support for engineering technicians and other department personnel; and coordinates mapping, CAD, and GIS functions of the engineering section.

The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• Performs as the project manager by planning, designing, and estimating transmission and distribution system improvements; ordering materials for transmission and distribution projects; preparing technical and administrative reports; working with vendors to resolve issues; organizing and setting up meetings; and reviewing plans for commercial and industrial developments.
• Performs electrical systems analysis by developing detailed protection schemes for distribution systems; making recommendations for system improvements; forecasting commercial, industrial and residential growth patterns; planning and designing electric system expansions and improvements; providing technical support for the Power and Light Director and others; coordinating mapping, GIS, and CAD functions of engineering section; performing detailed electric system analysis calculations; and gathering and manipulating data.
• Develops and maintains pole loading, construction, and material standards; performs power quality, EMF interference, and other investigations.
• Surveys and inspects distribution and transmission lines by staking new distribution lines for system maintenance and improvements; taking elevation measurements for line crossings; and inspecting projects with in-house and contract crews.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Assists in emergency restoration of service.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Education and Experience
Requires Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field and five to seven years of experience.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.

Certifications/Licenses

• Valid Driver's License with acceptable driving record according to City criteria.
• Engineering-in-Training (EIT)

Job Knowledge
Advanced knowledge of the subject matter. Complete comprehension of the subject area to solve common and unusual problems, able to advise on technical matters, and serve as a resource on the subject for others.

Reading
Advanced: Ability to read literature, books, reviews, scientific or technical journals, abstracts, financial reports, and/or legal documents.

Writing
Advanced: Ability to write editorials, journals, speeches, manuals, or critiques.

Math
Advanced: Ability to apply fundamental concepts of theories, work with advanced mathematical operations methods, and functions of real and complex variables.

Communication Skills
Decisions regarding interpretation of existing policies may be made. Contacts may involve stressful, negative interactions requiring high levels of tact and the ability to respond to aggressive interpersonal interactions. Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas.

Independence and Decision-Making
Normally performs the duty assignment according to his or her own judgment, requesting supervisory assistance only when necessary. Special projects are managed with little oversight and assignments may be reviewed upon completion. Performance reviewed periodically.

Technical Skills
Requires a comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgment and decision-making abilities appropriate to the work environment of the organization.

Fiscal Responsibility
Completes research for documents, compiles data for computer entry, and/or enters or oversees data entry. Has responsibility for monitoring budget/fiscal expenditures (typically non-discretionary expenditures) for a work unit of less than department size (programs, activities, projects or small organizational units) or responsibility for fiscal management of capital project(s). May recommend budget allocations.

Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervises and monitors performance for a regular group of employees or department. Provides input on hiring, discipline, work objectives/goals, performance evaluation and work assignments. Typically, a first line supervisor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work requires light physical effort, exerting 20 lbs. occasionally, 10 lbs. frequently or negligible amounts constantly
• Adequate vision, hearing and talking to drive, use computer, and communicate effectively with others.
• Frequent standing, sitting, fine dexterity, and handling paperwork.
• Occasional walking, carrying, pushing/ pulling, reaching, climbing, kneeling, crouching, bending and twisting.

NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.
• Regular and predictable attendance is expected.
• May frequently experience change of tasks, performance of multiple tasks simultaneously and working closely with others as part of a team.
• May occasionally experience irregular work schedule and/or overtime, and tedious or exacting work.

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE
Typically uses standard office equipment and computers, including related software and hardware; and any other equipment as appropriate or assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in office and at work site as needed, where there is exposure to physical hazards several times per month; seasonal exposure to extreme temperatures and wetness/humidity; occasional exposure to noise and vibration at worksite; and rare exposure to electrical hazards.

The employee is expected to use appropriate protective equipment for the assigned task (hard hat, steel toe shoes, etc.) as appropriate or assigned.