What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Electrical Engineer position at TydenBrooks?
Principal Electrical Engineer / Senior Staff Electrical Engineer
Job Type: Full Time (Exempt)
Location: Novi, MI (Metro Detroit)
Reports To: Vice President, Product & Commercial Operations
Work Environment: Fully air-conditioned, climate-controlled production facility
Overview: America's energy grid is undergoing its most significant transformation in a century — and Brooks Utility Products has been at the center of utility infrastructure for over 150 years. As the country's oldest electric utility manufacturer and the leading manufacturer of transformer-rated meter sockets, test switches, metering enclosures, and utility security equipment, we sit exactly where grid modernization, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) deployment, and infrastructure investment are driving durable, long-cycle demand. We are known for our commitment to safety, security, and reliability, and helping utilities address the challenges of the modern power grid.
Position Summary: We are seeking an experienced Principal Engineer / Senior Staff Electrical Engineer to contribute to the design, development, and technical support of our medium-voltage (MV) utility applications. The ideal candidate brings deep power systems expertise and a passion for medium-voltage applications. You will work closely with utility customers to customize solutions that meet utility standards and identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation. This role bridges the gap between electrical design, mechanical packaging, and practical utility application. Candidates who bring strong MV power systems fundamentals—even if not previously specialized in pad-mount product design—are encouraged to apply. We will invest in developing the right engineer for this SME role.
⚑ Work model note: This is a full-time, on-site position at our Novi, MI facility.
Our team does its best work together — in the lab, on the shop floor, and around the whiteboard. We are looking for someone who is energized by a collaborative, in-person environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Product Design & Engineering: Independently lead the electrical design and component selection for medium-voltage products (5kV – 35kV), including primary metering cabinets and primary metering switchgear. Lead design and development from concept through commercialization with effective collaboration with marketing, supply chain, sales, and customer channels.
- Custom Utility Solutions: Review customer specifications and utility standards to generate custom engineering packages, including Bill of Materials (BOM), three-line diagrams, and control schematics.
- Standards Compliance: Ensure all designs comply with applicable industry standards (e.g., IEEE, ANSI, UL).
- Protection & Control: Design and specify protection schemes involving relays, CTs/PTs (instrument transformers), and sensing devices.
- Mechanical Design: Collaborate with mechanical engineers to ensure electrical clearances, thermal management, and safety aspects are maintained within compact pad-mount enclosures.
- Testing & Validation: Oversee prototype builds and define test procedures at both the component level (instrument transformers, fuses, relays, load-break switches) and system-level products, including dielectric testing, and partial discharge analysis.
- Technical Support: Serve as a high-level technical resource for the sales team and customers, assisting with complex troubleshooting, installation inquiries, and field commissioning support.
- Voice Of Customer (VOC): Join VOC calls and field visits with customers to understand product use-cases, customer pain points, and opportunities for product innovation.
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) from an ABET-accredited program.
- Experience: 5 years of engineering experience in power systems, with demonstrated exposure to medium-voltage equipment (5kV–35kV) in any of the following contexts: electric utility operations, switchgear or equipment manufacturing, power distribution, power generation, industrial or commercial power systems, or power systems consulting and engineering services.
- Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of medium-voltage power distribution, arc interruption theories, and insulation coordination.
- Equipment Expertise: Familiarity with medium-voltage power system components including instrument transformers (CTs/PTs), switching devices, and insulating/shielding systems. Experience may span design, specification, testing, commissioning, or maintenance contexts.
- Software Proficiency: Ability to work within 2D/3D CAD environments and ERP systems for BOM management; specific platform experience (AutoCAD Electrical, Draftsight, SolidWorks, or similar) preferred but not required.
Preferred Skills
- Experience with power system analysis software.
- Experience with ANSYS Electrical is helpful.
- Experience with PCB design and communication/control is a plus.
- Familiarity with revenue metering requirements for electric utilities.
More About You:
- You love engineering, design, and learning.
- You enjoy working at a computer and handle hands-on tasks with ease.
- You work well individually or in a team and communicate clearly by phone, email, and chat.
- You enjoy chatting with customers to uncover pain points and translate them into innovative solutions.
Salary : $110,000 - $150,000