What Does an Electrical Project Manager Do?

An electrical project manager oversees the development of electrical projects for clients, including ensuring that sufficient staff members are available to complete projects and developing a budget for the work. Individuals with engineering licenses and two-year master’s degrees in the field are frequently required for positions as electrical project managers. A manager in the electrical field must be able to assemble wiring, share layout plans with employees, and successfully lead employees through a task from start to finish.

When dealing with electrical wiring that powers fixtures and equipment, project managers in the electrical field are responsible for testing electrical systems and ensuring that circuits are continuous. Oscilloscopes, which allow a manager to see signals at various points in an electrical circuit, and ohmmeters, which measure the electrical resistance of an item such as a light bulb, are two devices that a manager must use to perform industry tests. An electrical project manager should be able to put together and install electronic wiring using both power and hand tools.

Electrical leadership positions also require a high level of communication. Because he often plans out the layout of a power distribution system, an electrical project leader must be visionary and able to share that vision with his subordinates. In the planning stage, it’s also important to be aware of local and federal building codes. Attending project design meetings, speaking with utility specialists, and communicating with clients on projects such as lighting systems or fire alarm systems are all common responsibilities for an electrical project manager. As a result, this type of professional should be able to communicate effectively with others.

In the electrical industry, strong leadership skills are also required for management positions. Individuals in these positions, for example, must inform their superiors and inferiors when continuing to use a piece of equipment could be dangerous due to a faulty or malfunctioning electrical system. In addition, an electrical project manager must help his or her subordinates develop professionally by facilitating training sessions and providing performance feedback.

A coordinator’s main responsibility in this field is to keep up with changes in the electrical industry. To meet certification standards enforced by a national or local government, an electrical project manager should keep his or her electrical and engineering licenses current. A field professional must usually complete continuing education courses that he or she can apply to his or her daily work projects in order to keep their license current.