Senior Electrical Engineer

Overview

Kimley-Horn’s Chicago, IL is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to join and help grow our MEP practice. In this role, you will lead electrical engineering design and technical execution of building systems for a variety of project types, particularly data center projects. You will coordinate with multiple disciplines from concept through construction. As a senior technical leader, you will guide electrical design teams, provide mentorship for junior and mid-level engineers, and serve as a key resource for project delivery. You will also help define design approaches, resolve complex technical challenges, and uphold quality throughout the design process to meet client needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical engineering scope from concept through construction, including planning, analysis, design, documentation, and construction administration.• Prepare and/or oversee electrical calculations (load, redundancy requirements, resiliency requirements, feeder sizing, voltage drop, short circuit/arc-flash inputs, lighting) and document assumptions.• Develop electrical drawings, one-lines, specifications, and schedules compliant with NEC, NFPA, IECC, local codes, and client standards.• Coordinate with other disciplines, utilities, vendors, and contractors to resolve design and construction issues.• Lead QA/QC and design reviews to ensure accuracy, constructability, and alignment with scope, schedule, and budget.• Design and specify power distribution and standby/critical power systems (switchgear, panels, UPS, generators, ATS), grounding/bonding, and lighting/controls as applicable.• Review submittals, RFIs, and shop drawings; incorporate AHJ and utility requirements; support field issue resolution.• Participate in client/project meetings; communicate risks and decisions; drive open items to closure.• Mentor junior engineers/designers and review work for technical quality and professional development.• Champion code compliance and safe, reliable designs across all phases of delivery.• Contributes to the development and maintenance of internal design resources, including design guides, technical memos, calculation templates, and related tools.• Actively engages in the data center engineering community to expand expertise, stay current on emerging technology trends, code requirements and client needs; and pursue ongoing professional development (e.g., attends conferences, technical seminars, and contributes to industry panel discussions or publications, etc.).

Qualifications

• Considerable experience in mission critical facilities and data center projects.• Strong foundation in electrical power distribution, lighting, grounding/bonding, and low-voltage systems for buildings.• Strong knowledge of applicable codes and standards (NEC, NFPA, IECC, local amendments, etc.); ability to interpret AHJ and utility requirements.• Proven ability to produce clear, complete design documentation (drawings, one-lines, specs, narratives, and calculations).• Proficiency with Revit, BIM 360, AutoCAD and PDF mark-up tools (e.g. Bluebeam); familiarity with electrical analysis tools is a plus (e.g. SKM, ETAP, etc.)• Experience coordinating multi-discipline teams and integrating vendor equipment, controls, and utility interfaces.• Demonstrated ownership of technical quality, schedules, and budgets; able to prioritize and deliver under deadlines.• Construction-phase experience reviewing submittals/RFIs, supporting site observations, and resolving field issues.• Ability to mentor others, review work, and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

 

Education and Experience

• 10+ years of experience in electrical engineering for building systems, including design and construction administration.• Experience with complex facilities (e.g., data centers/mission-critical, healthcare, laboratories, industrial, or higher education) is preferred.• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (or related accredited engineering program) is required.• Professional Engineer (PE) license is required.

 

Salary range: $130,000 - $180,000. 

Why Kimley-Horn?

At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it— that’s why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn’s placement on the Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work” list for 19 years!

 

Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn

• Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
• Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
• Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.