Director of Engineering

Position Summary

The Director of Engineering provides strategic and technical leadership for the company's engineering function, supporting commercial, industrial, and mission-critical electrical construction projects from preconstruction through completion. This role oversees engineering operations, ensures technical excellence, and drives the development of safe, efficient, and code-compliant electrical solutions.

The Director of Engineering leads and develops a team of engineers and designers while partnering closely with operations, project management, estimating, BIM/VDC, and field leadership to deliver safe, efficient, and cost-effective electrical solutions. The successful candidate will hold an active Professional Engineer (PE) license in Illinois and possess expertise in electrical power systems, constructability, and electrical contracting operations.

What You'll Do

Engineering Leadership & Team Development

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of electrical engineers and designers.

Manage engineering resource allocation.

Establish and maintain engineering standards, quality control procedures, and design best practices.

Technical Oversight & Quality Assurance

Serve as the organization's senior engineering authority, overseeing electrical designs, calculations, and construction documentation.

Provide technical oversight of electrical systems and deliverables.

Review and guide electrical studies, including short-circuit analysis, protective device coordination, arc flash, voltage drop, and load calculations.

Ensure engineering deliverables comply with the NEC, Chicago Electrical Code, NFPA standards, and LEED design requirements.

Project Support & Delivery

Partner with operations, project management, estimating, BIM/VDC, and field leadership to support engineering requirements throughout the project lifecycle.

Collaborate with preconstruction and estimating teams on design-build opportunities, design-assist initiatives, and value engineering solutions.

Participate in constructability reviews, prefabrication planning, equipment procurement strategies, and coordination with utility providers.

Provide technical guidance on RFIs, submittals, engineering changes, and complex field challenges.

Work with project teams to align engineering deliverables with project schedules, budgets, client expectations, and construction requirements.

Client & Business Development Support

Serve as a senior technical representative for clients, owners, consultants, and other project stakeholders.

Support business development efforts through technical input on proposals, project pursuits, and client presentations.

Identify opportunities to improve engineering efficiency, strengthen cross-departmental collaboration, and support organizational growth.

Risk Management & Compliance

Maintain engineering quality assurance and quality control standards.

Ensure designs and engineering deliverables minimize project and business risk.

Monitor code changes and industry developments affecting the business.

Champion safe design practices

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.

Active Professional Engineer (PE) license in Illinois.

Minimum 10 years of progressive electrical engineering experience, including at least 3 years in an engineering leadership or supervisory role.

Experience supporting electrical construction, design-build, or mission-critical projects.

Strong knowledge of electrical power distribution, NEC and Chicago Electrical Code requirements, NFPA standards, and construction administration.

Demonstrated ability to lead engineering teams, manage multiple project priorities, and collaborate effectively across departments.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working for an electrical contractor or design-build organization.

Background in data centers, healthcare, industrial, or large-scale commercial construction.

Proficiency with Revit, AutoCAD, SKM, ETAP, Bluebeam, or related engineering software.

Experience supporting BIM/VDC workflows and integrated project delivery.

Familiarity with mission-critical facility design standards and requirements.

Founded in 1912, Continental Electrical Construction Company is the number one electrical construction company in Chicago and its suburbs, as well as one of the largest in the Midwest. Dozens of landmark structures bear our imprint. From high rises to health care facilities, factories to financial centers, data centers to educational facilities, hotels to recreational and shopping centers, Continental satisfies all electrical construction needs.

Working for Continental Electrical Construction provides:

• Assistance, tools, and resources for success
• A collaborative, engaging, and respectful workplace
• Fulfilling career opportunities and skills development
• A values-based working environment:

E: Everyone United N: Nurture Communication E: Enforce Accountability R: Relationships Matter G: Growth and Development Y: You Make the Difference

Continental Electrical Construction offers a competitive salary that may vary based on the scope and responsibilities of the role and the candidate’s relevant experience, education, and skills. We also offer a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with company match; profit sharing; retirement benefits; company-provided life and disability insurance; generous paid time off; paid holidays; parental leave; volunteer time off; tuition assistance; Employee Assistance Program; and company-subsidized wellness programs.

Continental Electrical Construction is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, military status, arrest or conviction record, source of income, or credit history.