PROJECT ENGINEER, ELECTRICAL

Code: 10256 State Competitive Range: S29 (FY 2027) Work week N4: FLSA exemptOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)

Salary: $95,955.4 - $141,386.2/year FY 2027 schedule (last updated 2026-07-27)

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Examples of work

• Supervises and takes the lead in the design work of the professional staff engaged in the design of electrical control systems, including special interlocking controls for traffic signals, lane control systems, firehouse sequences, synchronization interconnections, drawbridge control and experimental installations.
• Acts as the lead designer for the staff engaged in the design of highway lighting installations.
• Supervises the administration and/or inspection of electrical construction under contract; advises and/or coordinates work with regional and district Construction Engineers, when necessary.
• Acts as the chief representative of the Bureau head in contacts with local officials regarding traffic signal and highway lighting installations and the highway safety lighting reimbursement program.
• Takes the lead in the design of difficult and complex revision to existing installations of traffic signals, highway lighting and illuminated signs.
• Supervises negotiations with public utility companies regarding installation of new facilities and relocation of existing utilities.
• Guides the work of consultants, supervises the review of electrical construction plans, and makes necessary recommendations.
• Supervises the preparation of clear, technically sound, accurate and informative engineering and other reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
• Supervises the preparation of essential records and files.
• Supervises the development of plans and the establishment of standards for design projects assigned to the Bureau of Electrical Operations.
• Supervises the establishment of electrical design guidelines, the development of construction plans, the review of consultant submissions, construction inspection and final system maintenance.
• Supervises staff who are frequently called upon to give advice to local ' and county government on various types of controller capability.
• Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for employee evaluations and for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees.
• Supervises the review and preparation of plans and specifications for various public transportation facilities.
• Reviews the design and monitors the construction of electrical substations, power transmission lines, overhead catenary distribution systems, track and signal power distribution systems, communication systems associated with modernization, and electrification of commuter rails.
• Resolves conflicts between competing (environment versus traffic growth) needs in negotiation and advisory efforts with new or expanded State and federal agencies, with local municipalities and the public at interest.
• Resolves conflicts between State and federal procedures when no precedence for such resolution has been established.
• Makes engineering determinations that take into account the details of diversified factors of consideration which include social, economic, safety and environmental aspects.
• May be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
• <b>REQUIREMENTS
• EDUCATION</b>
• Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering.
• Possession of a valid Professional Engineer's license issued by the New Jersey State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors may be substituted for the Bachelor's degree in engineering.

Experience

Four years of professional electrical engineering experience, including at least one year in a supervisory capacity.

A Master's degree in Electrical Engineering may be substituted for one year of non-supervisory experience.

License

Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Ability to acquire wide knowledge of the purposes, policies, procedures and standards of the Department concerned with electrical installations and their application to specific traffic control problems.
• Wide knowledge of the character of electrical installations, including highway lighting, illuminated signs, traffic signals, movable bridges and exterior and interior lighting.
• Wide knowledge of the fundamental principles and practical applications of electrical circuitry for highway lighting, sign, traffic signal and movable bridge installations.
• Wide knowledge of modern design techniques for electrical control systems and highway lighting systems and of the integration of such systems into all phases of highway design, planning, construction and maintenance.
• Ability to acquire wide knowledge of Department of Transportation contract administration procedures and of techniques applicable to inspection of electrical projects.
• Wide knowledge of the policies and practices of public utility companies regarding highway construction and maintenance.
• Ability to acquire thorough knowledge of various design projects which are assigned to the Bureau of Electrical Operations involving previously unfamiliar equipment and systems.
• Considerable knowledge of electrical substations, power transmission lines, overhead catenary distribution systems, track and signal power distribution systems, and communication systems assigned with modernization and electrification of commuter rails.
• Ability to acquire a thorough knowledge of related State and federal policies and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of social, economic, environmental and safety engineering considerations.
• Ability to perform the design work of modern electrical control and highway lighting systems.
• Ability to supervise the inspection forces of the Electrical Bureau and work effectively with the construction engineering staff.
• Ability to establish and maintain contact with public officials and the officers of public utility companies concerning the electrical construction and maintenance of projects of the Department of Transportation.
• Ability to assign, instruct and supervise the work performance of the professional, technical and clerical staff of the Electrical Bureau.
• Ability to prepare correspondence in the course of official duties.
• Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate and informative reports of electrical engineering and related matters containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to maintain the essential Electrical Bureau records and files.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.