Principal Electrical Engineer- Electrical Distribution

Join us to shape communities, collaborate with passionate professionals, and grow with a company that invests in your success, where you’re not just an Employee but an Owner.

About Our Firm 

Since 1968, NTH Consultants, Ltd. has been a critical part of the infrastructure engineering and environmental services that strengthen our communities and protect our ecosystem. From geotechnical engineering and environmental consulting to structural design, electrical power engineering, construction management, and beyond, we provide solutions that support the success and sustainability of projects. When you join NTH, you’ll gain more than a job- you’ll become part of a team that values your career, your growth, and your life. We are committed to providing a flexible and supportive environment, professional development opportunities, and a vibrant culture that celebrates collaboration and innovation. Our culture is built on accountability, ownership, inclusion, integrity, safety, and excellence.  

How This Role is Unique

NTH is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer to serve as a technical and business leader within our Electrical Engineering Power and Utilities Division. This role will lead client relationships and business development for electrical distribution engineering in Michigan's utility and municipal markets. This is a seller-doer leadership role responsible for developing client relationships, winning work, providing technical leadership, mentoring staff, and helping define the strategic direction of the division. As a foundational leader in a new and growing division, the successful candidate will have significant influence over recruiting, technical standards, service offerings, and long-term growth initiatives. This position may be based in our Northville, Grand Rapids, or Lansing office and offers the opportunity to help lead the development of NTH’s Electrical Engineering Power and Utilities Division.

How You Will Make An Impact

Safety· Work safely and act as a field safety leader and mentor for other NTH employees.· Follow customer and NTH safety programs in industrial, utility, and construction field environments.· Assist with developing, maintaining, and administering NTH electrical safety program.

Business Development· Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients while identifying opportunities for repeat work and expanded services.· Lead client acquisition and account growth, including developing new client relationships, expanding existing accounts, and converting opportunities into secured work.· Meet with new and potential clients and attend industry networking events for business development purposes.

Technical Leadership· Guide design approaches, technical strategy, and project scoping.· Serve as a senior technical authority and mentor in electrical power systems, with emphasis on electric distribution planning, system design, protection, relaying, metering, substations, system reliability, and constructability.· Develop and maintain subject matter expertise in one or more areas of electrical power engineering.· Provide senior QA/QC oversight for studies, designs, specifications, reports, and other technical deliverables.

Project Oversight· Lead large, complex, or high-profile projects and serve as a trusted advisor for clients.· Function as a client lead and primary point of contact on strategic projects. · Support and direct project managers, engineers, and design staff to deliver high-quality professional services.· Provide executive oversight of project scope, technical approach, financial performance, staffing, client satisfaction, and risk management.· Conduct periodic site and client visits during planning, design, construction, and commissioning phases.· Provide leadership for electric distribution projects including: Distribution system studies and improvements, substation upgrades, maintenance programs, relays and metering, small transmission projects, underground distribution, and testing / troubleshooting.

Talent Development· Assist in identifying talent needs, recruiting, and selection of new professional team members.· Serve as a technical, project, and leadership mentor supporting the professional development of team members.· Act as a trusted leader and resource for team members.

Division Growth· Be a foundational member of NTH’s Electrical Engineering Power and Utilities Division, with the opportunity to shape division culture, technical standards, and strategic direction.· Assist in developing business strategies and action plans for creating growth opportunities.· Understand current and upcoming regulations, market drivers, and client needs affecting NTH’s markets, and help tailor our services accordingly.· Support and direct standards development and technology initiatives.

What You Bring to The Team

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in electrical engineering from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Professional Engineer licensure in Michigan, or ability to obtain Michigan licensure by reciprocity.
• 15+ years of progressive experience providing technical leadership and business development within the electrical power industry.
• Significant experience and technical expertise in electric distribution including: system studies and improvements, substation upgrades, maintenance programs, relays and metering, small transmission projects, underground distribution, and testing / troubleshooting.
• Ability to organize technical material into comprehensive reports and perform QA/QC reviews on work product.
• Demonstrated success developing and winning engineering work through client relationships, proposals, qualifications packages, interviews, and presentations.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing project planning, budgeting, delegation, staffing, and execution.
• Experience negotiating  project scope and fees with clients. 
• Experience advocating for clients with equipment manufacturers, utilities, developers, EPC contractors, and construction contractors.
• Demonstrated ability to establish new client relationships, strengthen existing accounts, and develop long-term business opportunities.
• Experience leading and growing a team of diverse professionals.
• Strong organizational skills, accuracy, dependability, and ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively, lead problem-solving efforts, and interact effectively with clients to understand their needs.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel to and conduct field work at job sites/offices in Michigan. 
• May be required to perform job duties in the field and office, during non-standard work hours, as necessary.
• Must be able to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Field experience in electric distribution or electric substations· Experience with WindMil, CYME, or other distribution modeling software.· Experience modeling electrical systems in ETAP or similar software.· Experience with SEL protective relays.· Experience with AutoCAD or MicroStation or other CAD design software.

Why You’ll Love Working At NTH

Rewards For Performance- We recognize great work with competitive pay with a generous compensation program to reward performance. Bonus programs are available for eligible roles. 

Career Roadmaps & Professional Growth- At NTH, managers meet with staff quarterly to support goal setting and growth through our Career Planning program. With clear career roadmaps for every role, you’ll see your path forward and grow with us.

Project Excellence- Our Project Excellence career track offers a clear path into project management, backed by robust training and mentoring to help you lead successful projects and deliver exceptional client experiences. 

Planning For Your Future- Plan for your future with our 401(k) program, including a company match to help you build long-term financial security. Plus, through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), you become an employee owner of the firm, sharing in the success you help create. As we grow and succeed together, you directly benefit from your ESOP retirement savings. 

Flexible-Hybrid Work Environment- Balance matters. For eligible roles; work where you're most productive—whether that’s at home, in the office, or a mix of both.

Generous Time Off- Enjoy a robust paid time off plan and a company holiday package designed to help you truly disconnect and recharge. 

Road to Wellness- Access our company-paid Employee Assistance Program and take part in wellness initiatives that support your physical, mental, and financial health. 

Comprehensive Benefits- We offer a range of plans to support you and your family’s health needs including: medical, dental, vision, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, supplemental life insurance for employee, spouse, and dependents, HSA, and FSA. Life insurance, short term disability, and long-term disability are provided by NTH.

Inclusive & Engaging Culture- We believe work should be rewarding and enjoyable. From inclusive company events to team celebrations, there’s always something happening.

Chief Pet Officer (CPO) Competition- Yes, it’s a thing. Each year, we vote for our beloved CPO (that’s Chief Pet Officer)—because every great team needs a mascot. 

Ownership Statement

We are proud to be a 100% employee-owned firm, a distinction that drives our culture and our commitment to excellence. As an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) company, every employee has a stake in our success, fostering a strong sense of accountability, collaboration, and pride in the work we do. Being employee-owned means, we are invested—not just in our projects, but in each other and in the communities we serve. 

Work Authorization

Authorized to work full-time in the U.S.A. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired are required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. 

AAP / EEO Statement

NTH Consultants, Ltd. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability. NTH Consultants, Ltd. participates in E-Verify. At NTH Consultants, Ltd. (NTH) We are committed to maintaining an environment of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action. If you need a reasonable accommodation to access the information provided on this website, please contact the NTH Human Resources Department (at 248-553-6300 or careers@nthconsultants.com) where the position is available, for further assistance. 

Notice To Third Party Agencies

NTH does not accept unsolicited resumes or materials from recruiters, employment agencies, staffing firms, or similar entities. This includes any resume or materials submitted without a signed service agreement in place and a specific request from NTH for assistance with a particular position. Any such unsolicited submissions, whether sent to hiring managers or other NTH employees, will become the property of NTH for use by NTH in its sole discretion. NTH reserves the right to hire an individual identified in an unsolicited submission without obligation to pay any fees or other compensation to the submitting party.