Principal Engineer

Company: 3VI
Location: San Jose
Posted on: February 16, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Salary: $180,000-$240,000 annually DOE Principal Engineer - Electrical 3Vi is a growing engineering practice headquartered in San Ramon, CA, with offices across California and the U.S. We are seeking a Principal Engineer to join our dynamic team, supporting major rail, transit, and facilities projects in Northern and Southern California. This position is based in our San Jose office with flexibility to work remotely up to 2 days per week. Responsibilities Prepare technical reports, calculations, and electrical/power system designs. Interpret and apply NEC, NFPA, and California Electrical Code requirements. Develop compliant designs for rail facilities, traction power substations, and safety-critical facilities, including HV/LV distribution, lighting, fire detection, and grounding/bonding. Lead electrical design tasks; sign and seal drawings as required. Write technical reports and specifications. Manage CAD/Revit workflows, provide redlines/markups, and coordinate with remote teams. Supervise and mentor EITs and designers, delegate tasks effectively. Review shop drawings and product data sheets. Calculate cable/conduit sizing, schedules, and routing methodologies. Coordinate with project managers and multi-disciplinary teams to meet deadlines. Support bids, proposals, and additional projects as needed. Participate in project meetings, site visits, and client presentations. Travel domestically as required for client meetings, conferences, or project site visits. Qualifications Bachelors degree in electrical engineering. Registered Professional Engineer (PE) - Electrical in California (required) 8 years of professional electrical design experience. Rail, transit, or facilities design experience a plus. Valid U.S. drivers license. Key Candidate Attributes Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Proven ability to lead local and remote teams. Effective delegation and mentorship experience. High attention to detail, accuracy, and deadlines. Ethical, professional, and client focused. Willingness to travel within the U.S. as needed. Compensation and Benefits Salary: $180,000 $240,000, commensurate with experience. Healthcare: medical, dental, vision. PTO and tuition reimbursement. Relocation assistance within the U.S. may be available for the right candidate. Note: Visa sponsorship is not available; candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. 3Vi is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic. All qualified applicants authorized to work in the U.S. are encouraged to apply. W2 Only (No 1099 | No CTC | No Agencies)

Keywords: 3VI, Watsonville , Principal Engineer, Engineering , San Jose, California