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Electrical Engineer Lead

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

The University of Michigan Utilities Department is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Primary Systems Engineer to support the planning, operation, and maintenance of our comprehensive electrical distribution systems. This role will provide critical engineering expertise for the Central Power Plant (CPP), electrical master planning activities, and act as a liaison to DTE Energy. The position also involves project review and engineering support for Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) projects, as well as specialized support for North Campus Research Complex (NCRC) and Michigan Medicine/U-M Hospital.

Who We Are

Utilities is a division of Facilities and Operations, made up of 135 dedicated employees responsible for providing utilities services for the university 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Services include campus-wide utilities purchasing, generation, and distribution, as well as metering and billing energy consumption for all university buildings. Distribution includes the operations and maintenance of 300 miles of underground utility systems from outdoor lighting and high voltage circuits to water mains to tunnel piping. The division also provides a wide range of engineering services primarily dedicated to energy management, the operations and maintenance of university facilities, and the utilities infrastructure.

Why Work at Michigan?

Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care — that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.

Responsibilities*

+ Develop and implement O&M strategies, including preventive and predictive maintenance, for safe, reliable, and efficient operation of U-M's electrical distribution systems.

+ Design, develop, and analyze power systems and components (e.g., substations, relays, transformers, etc.), and perform engineering analyses such as load flow, short circuit, and equipment coordination studies.

+ Provide engineering support for operations, upgrades, and maintenance coordination, and review project design documents for new construction and renovation to ensure compliance with U-M standards and electrical codes.

+ Identify needs for preventive maintenance and/or replacement of equipment and infrastructure in areas of responsibility.

+ Serve as the primary technical contact with DTE Energy on all matters related to campus electrical distribution, service reliability, and infrastructure improvements.

+ Prepare and review technical specifications, diagrams, and bid documents.

+ Proficiency and hands-on experience with engineering software and power system analysis tools such as SKM and SEL relays; familiarity with NFPA 70B electrical system testing.

+ Respond promptly to electrical system emergencies and outages, providing technical leadership during incident response and restoration.

+ Participate in the development, review, and implementation of long-term electrical master plans to meet current and future campus needs.

+ Act in accordance with the Facilities and Operations' guiding principles: collaboration, respect, proactive, solutions-based, and with responsibility to the environment.

Required Qualifications*

+ Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution.

+ Registered as a State of Michigan Professional Engineer, or the ability to transfer a PE from another state.

+ Minimum 10 years of relevant engineering experience, with a focus on medium/large-scale electrical distribution systems (preferably in a campus setting).

+ Strong knowledge of applicable electrical codes, standards, and practices.

+ Experience with computerized maintenance management systems

+ Excellent communication, project management, and technical writing skills.

Desired Qualifications*

+ Experience working with utility companies, especially in a liaison capacity.

+ Prior involvement in AEC project review and electrical master planning.

+ Familiarity with the unique demands of research or medical facilities.

+ Familiarity with microgrid design, distributed generation, and renewable energy systems.

+ Must have a high degree of computer literacy; strong proficiency in MS Office and Google applications.

Underfill Statement

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

270154

Working Title

Electrical Engineer Lead

Job Title

Electrical Engineer Lead

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Onsite

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

Utilities

Department

Utility Services

Posting Begin/End Date

10/24/2025 - 11/07/2025

Salary

$115,000.00 - $140,000.00

Career Interest

Engineering & Architecture