M.C. Dean, Inc.
Recruiting Manager, Engineering & Construction
M.C. Dean, Inc., Vienna, Virginia, United States, 22184
Overview
M.C. Dean is a leading integrator of complex electrical systems for
mission-critical, secure, and infrastructure-intensive projects
-often in sectors such as
government high voltage construction, healthcare, data centers, transportation, and defense electrical high voltage construction projects
. The
Recruiting Manager
plays a pivotal role in identifying and acquiring talent that can operate in this
highly technical, deadline-driven, and compliance-intensive
environment.
M.C. Dean is seeking an experienced
Recruiting Manager, Engineering & Construction
to lead technical recruitment efforts for high-impact engineering and electrical construction projects across mission-critical, secure, and infrastructure-intensive environments. This individual will oversee the primary recruiting for Senior Engineering Leaders, and Senior Project Leaders.
Additionally, this individual will lead full-cycle recruitment, manage a team of recruiters, and partner directly with operational leaders to meet aggressive project staffing demands-especially for engineering, project management, and physical design professionals.
This role is ideal for a proactive leader who thrives in fast-paced, high-stakes environments and understands the complexities of electrical construction, systems integration, in the critical infrastructure commercial sector.
Responsibilities
The Recruiting Manager's role is not just to fill positions-but to build high-performing project teams capable of executing complex, schedule-driven, and security-sensitive electrical infrastructure. A deep understanding of the roles of engineers and physical designers, their required technical proficiencies, and the dynamic project environment is essential for
successful recruitment and workforce planning
.
To succeed in this role, the Recruiting Manager must
go beyond generic recruitment
and become a
strategic partner
to project delivery teams. They need to understand the demands of
field operations, design standards, client expectations, and workforce logistics
-and adapt recruitment approaches to attract and retain top-tier talent who thrive in the
fast-paced, technically complex world of engineering & electrical construction.
Strategic Talent Acquisition
Understanding Office Positions: Develop and execute targeted recruiting strategies for engineering leaders, project leaders, and also electrical engineers, power systems specialists, commissioning engineers, BIM modelers, and superintendents.
Direct Recruiting Experience: Has direct self-recruited experience for engineering leaders, project leaders, and also electrical engineers, power systems specialists, commissioning engineers, BIM modelers, and superintendents.
Partner with Engineering, Construction, and Project Delivery leaders to understand staffing needs across ongoing and upcoming projects.
Anticipate hiring surges tied to project ramp-ups and align talent pipelines accordingly.
Stakeholder Collaboration
Serve as a strategic advisor to executive and senior leadership, hiring managers on labor market trends, role scoping, and job description development.
Partnership with Senior Leaders: Relationship development and nurture of a broad range of personalities, SVP, VPs, and many Directors.
Work with all hiring managers to ensure that in advance of the candidate's start date the right assets are ordered (eg laptop, iPad, vehicle, etc.) as well as clearance applications.
Participate in resource planning meetings and weekly staffing huddles for major programs (e.g., commercial, federal, data center, hospitals, and airport projects).
Maintain strong cross-functional relationships with the SBU SVP, Vice Presidents, Engineering Leaders, Project Leaders, Field HR, Project Controls, and Operations.
Team Leadership
Manage and mentor a team of recruiters and sourcing specialists assigned to technical disciplines.
Monitor workload, performance metrics, and candidate experience KPIs.
Provide regular training on recruiting best practices and compliance in federal contracting environments.
Full-Cycle Recruitment Execution
Oversee job postings, resume screening, technical assessments, interview coordination, and offer negotiations.
Ensure candidate pipelines align with role requirements including software proficiency (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, ETAP), licenses (e.g., PE), or security clearance eligibility.
Leverage ATS (e.g., Workday or iCIMS) to track requisitions, candidate stages, and time-to-fill benchmarks.
Talent Pipeline Development
Drive initiatives focused on hiring critical infrastructure electrical construction leadership professional roles such as project leaders, engineering leaders, project engineers, project managers all levels, design engineers.
Manages the usage of external recruitment firms and advises hiring managers and HR management on where such services are best utilized and how to effectively manage costs and qualitative delivery.
Establish sourcing channels through Niche engineering and project management channels that include associations, social media, job boards, and any method that yields senior engineering leaders and senior project leaders.
Represent M.C. Dean at career fairs, hiring events, and campus recruiting engagements as required.
Compliance and Reporting
Ensure adherence to OFCCP, EEO, and internal corporate policies.
Generate recruiting dashboards and reports, presenting data-driven insights to executive leadership.
Oversee audit readiness for OFCCP, EEOC.
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field.
Experience:
8+ years of progressive experience in recruiting or talent acquisition, with at least 3 years managing technical hiring for engineering or construction roles. Experience hiring in engineering & construction industry for large-scale high-voltage electrical construction environment in critical infrastructure industry (data centers, hospitals, airports).
Prior experience hiring in adjacent industries such as Power Generation and Energy Infrastructure, Industrial & Process facilities for large-scale high-voltage electrical construction environment preferred.
Technical & Functional Skills
Deep expertise with roles recruiting for Senior Engineering Leaders, Senior Project Leaders.
Deep understanding of Electrical Engineers, Power Systems Engineer, Physical Designer, BIM Coordinator, and Electrical Superintendent.
Strong command of recruiting tools and systems (ATS, LinkedIn Recruiter, Requisition Analytics).
Deep understanding of talent market dynamics in electrical construction, engineering, and manufacturing.
Soft Skills
Strong leadership and team-building abilities.
Consultative approach to hiring and workforce planning.
Ability to navigate ambiguity and deliver results in a matrixed organization.
Preferred Certifications (Nice to Have)
AIRS or SHRM Talent Acquisition Specialty Credential
PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SCP
Clearance eligibility or current Secret clearance
We offer an excellent benefits package including:
A competitive salary
Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
Paid time off
Tuition reimbursement
401k Retirement Plan
Military Reserve pay offset
Paid maternity leave
Abilities
Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
Sitting for extended periods of time.
Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Identify and understand the speech of another person.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Understanding the Electrical Construction Environment at M.C. Dean
1. Nature of Electrical Construction Projects
Electrical construction at M.C. Dean typically involves:
Large-scale infrastructure development
, such as data centers, military bases, and utility-scale facilities.
High-voltage systems
, power distribution, grounding, lighting, and building automation.
Deployment of
design-build and design-assist
services that include prefabrication and modular construction from off-site manufacturing facilities.
Coordination with
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
, CAD, and digital twins for precise execution.
2. Key Roles the Recruiting Manager Needs to Staff
A. Project Leaders
These individuals manage field execution, budget, scope, and customer interfacing:
Project Managers
(PMs): Oversee the end-to-end delivery of electrical scopes.
Superintendents
: Lead day-to-day site operations, enforce safety and quality control.
Assistant PMs and Field Engineers
: Support project execution, submittals, change orders, and coordination.
B. Electrical Engineers
Technical experts responsible for system design, commissioning, and compliance:
Power Systems Engineers
: Design and analyze electrical power systems for reliability and efficiency.
Controls Engineers
: Focus on automation, PLCs, SCADA, and integration of building systems.
Design Engineers
: Use software like AutoCAD, Revit, and ETAP to produce construction documents.
Commissioning Engineers
: Validate and test electrical systems for operational readiness.
3. Field Environment Realities
The Recruiting Manager must consider:
Jobsite variability
: Candidates must be mobile and adaptable to project sites across the U.S. or internationally.
Security clearance
: Many roles require U.S. citizenship and eligibility for Secret or TS clearance, especially on federal contracts.
Union vs. Non-Union labor
: Understanding workforce structures and agreements where applicable.
Safety culture
: Knowledge of OSHA requirements and commitment to zero-injury policies is crucial.
Schedule pressures
: Projects often operate under aggressive deadlines and must meet strict commissioning windows.
4. Candidate Attributes for Success in Electrical Construction
Technical competence
: Deep understanding of electrical codes (e.g., NEC), construction sequencing, and systems integration.
Resilience and flexibility
: Willingness to work in physically demanding and sometimes austere environments.
Communication skills
: Must coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, subcontractors, and clients.
Leadership potential
: Especially for field-based leaders who need to manage crews and drive performance.
5. Recruiting Challenges Unique to Electrical Construction
High competition for engineers and electricians
.
Location-based hiring limitations
(e.g., remote sites, travel-heavy roles).
Project ramp-up timing
: Requires forecasting and just-in-time hiring.
Diversity in skillsets
: Need to source both degreed engineers and licensed trades professionals.
Electrical Construction Environment: Engineering & Physical Design Talent Needs
The Recruiting Manager at M.C. Dean is tasked with staffing a highly technical and performance-driven environment. Electrical construction spans
design, preconstruction, installation, integration, and commissioning
of complex systems-requiring a multidisciplinary approach and a high-caliber technical workforce.
1. Expanded Scope of Electrical Construction Projects
These projects often include:
Data centers, healthcare facilities, federal buildings, transit hubs, airports
, and
military installations
Integration of
medium- and low-voltage power systems
,
life safety systems
,
lighting controls
, and
security infrastructure
Reliance on
modular construction
,
prefabrication
, and
digital modeling
for improved schedule and quality control
A
design-build or design-assist delivery model
, which integrates engineering early in the construction process
2. Key Roles: Engineers and Physical Designers
A. Engineers
These professionals form the backbone of the design, integration, and validation of electrical systems:
Electrical Engineers
Design power distribution systems (LV/MV), grounding, lighting, and branch circuitry
Ensure NEC and NFPA code compliance, perform load calculations, and coordinate with architects and MEP teams
Systems Engineers
Integrate building systems such as fire alarm, security, telecommunications, and automation
Ensure interoperability between electrical and controls systems
Power Systems Engineers
Analyze and model electrical infrastructure using ETAP or SKM
Evaluate short-circuit, arc flash, and protective device coordination for high-reliability power systems
Controls & Automation Engineers
Develop PLC, SCADA, and DDC solutions for intelligent building and industrial controls
Configure control panels, instrumentation, and HMI interfaces
Commissioning Engineers
Lead field validation and testing of electrical systems
Work closely with QA/QC, site teams, and clients to ensure readiness for energization and handover
Design Engineers (Multi-disciplinary)
Collaborate across structural, mechanical, and civil interfaces to ensure coordinated and clash-free designs
Work within integrated BIM environments (e.g., Revit, Navisworks)
B. Physical Designers (CAD, BIM, and Layout Professionals)
Physical design specialists translate engineering intent into constructible, clash-free documentation:
Electrical Designers
Produce power, lighting, grounding, and conduit layouts
Develop panel schedules, one-line diagrams, and riser diagrams using AutoCAD, Revit, or MicroStation
Physical Layout Designers
Lay out equipment rooms, cable trays, racks, panels, and field devices in coordination with real-world constraints
Ensure spatial accuracy using 3D modeling tools and field conditions
BIM Coordinators/Modelers
Integrate electrical systems into full 3D models for clash detection and constructability
Collaborate with other trades in BIM coordination meetings, using software like Navisworks Manage
Revit MEP Designers
Model systems per project phasing, LOD requirements, and client design criteria
Produce construction-ready documentation in coordination with fabrication standards
3. Key Considerations for Recruiting in Engineering & Physical Design
Software proficiency
: ETAP, AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, SKM, Bluebeam, BIM 360, and Microsoft Project are often required
Hybrid skillsets
: Candidates with experience in both field and design environments are particularly valuable
Mobility and adaptability
: Engineers and designers may rotate between home office, modular assembly facilities, and field sites
M.C. Dean is a leading integrator of complex electrical systems for
mission-critical, secure, and infrastructure-intensive projects
-often in sectors such as
government high voltage construction, healthcare, data centers, transportation, and defense electrical high voltage construction projects
. The
Recruiting Manager
plays a pivotal role in identifying and acquiring talent that can operate in this
highly technical, deadline-driven, and compliance-intensive
environment.
M.C. Dean is seeking an experienced
Recruiting Manager, Engineering & Construction
to lead technical recruitment efforts for high-impact engineering and electrical construction projects across mission-critical, secure, and infrastructure-intensive environments. This individual will oversee the primary recruiting for Senior Engineering Leaders, and Senior Project Leaders.
Additionally, this individual will lead full-cycle recruitment, manage a team of recruiters, and partner directly with operational leaders to meet aggressive project staffing demands-especially for engineering, project management, and physical design professionals.
This role is ideal for a proactive leader who thrives in fast-paced, high-stakes environments and understands the complexities of electrical construction, systems integration, in the critical infrastructure commercial sector.
Responsibilities
The Recruiting Manager's role is not just to fill positions-but to build high-performing project teams capable of executing complex, schedule-driven, and security-sensitive electrical infrastructure. A deep understanding of the roles of engineers and physical designers, their required technical proficiencies, and the dynamic project environment is essential for
successful recruitment and workforce planning
.
To succeed in this role, the Recruiting Manager must
go beyond generic recruitment
and become a
strategic partner
to project delivery teams. They need to understand the demands of
field operations, design standards, client expectations, and workforce logistics
-and adapt recruitment approaches to attract and retain top-tier talent who thrive in the
fast-paced, technically complex world of engineering & electrical construction.
Strategic Talent Acquisition
Understanding Office Positions: Develop and execute targeted recruiting strategies for engineering leaders, project leaders, and also electrical engineers, power systems specialists, commissioning engineers, BIM modelers, and superintendents.
Direct Recruiting Experience: Has direct self-recruited experience for engineering leaders, project leaders, and also electrical engineers, power systems specialists, commissioning engineers, BIM modelers, and superintendents.
Partner with Engineering, Construction, and Project Delivery leaders to understand staffing needs across ongoing and upcoming projects.
Anticipate hiring surges tied to project ramp-ups and align talent pipelines accordingly.
Stakeholder Collaboration
Serve as a strategic advisor to executive and senior leadership, hiring managers on labor market trends, role scoping, and job description development.
Partnership with Senior Leaders: Relationship development and nurture of a broad range of personalities, SVP, VPs, and many Directors.
Work with all hiring managers to ensure that in advance of the candidate's start date the right assets are ordered (eg laptop, iPad, vehicle, etc.) as well as clearance applications.
Participate in resource planning meetings and weekly staffing huddles for major programs (e.g., commercial, federal, data center, hospitals, and airport projects).
Maintain strong cross-functional relationships with the SBU SVP, Vice Presidents, Engineering Leaders, Project Leaders, Field HR, Project Controls, and Operations.
Team Leadership
Manage and mentor a team of recruiters and sourcing specialists assigned to technical disciplines.
Monitor workload, performance metrics, and candidate experience KPIs.
Provide regular training on recruiting best practices and compliance in federal contracting environments.
Full-Cycle Recruitment Execution
Oversee job postings, resume screening, technical assessments, interview coordination, and offer negotiations.
Ensure candidate pipelines align with role requirements including software proficiency (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, ETAP), licenses (e.g., PE), or security clearance eligibility.
Leverage ATS (e.g., Workday or iCIMS) to track requisitions, candidate stages, and time-to-fill benchmarks.
Talent Pipeline Development
Drive initiatives focused on hiring critical infrastructure electrical construction leadership professional roles such as project leaders, engineering leaders, project engineers, project managers all levels, design engineers.
Manages the usage of external recruitment firms and advises hiring managers and HR management on where such services are best utilized and how to effectively manage costs and qualitative delivery.
Establish sourcing channels through Niche engineering and project management channels that include associations, social media, job boards, and any method that yields senior engineering leaders and senior project leaders.
Represent M.C. Dean at career fairs, hiring events, and campus recruiting engagements as required.
Compliance and Reporting
Ensure adherence to OFCCP, EEO, and internal corporate policies.
Generate recruiting dashboards and reports, presenting data-driven insights to executive leadership.
Oversee audit readiness for OFCCP, EEOC.
Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field.
Experience:
8+ years of progressive experience in recruiting or talent acquisition, with at least 3 years managing technical hiring for engineering or construction roles. Experience hiring in engineering & construction industry for large-scale high-voltage electrical construction environment in critical infrastructure industry (data centers, hospitals, airports).
Prior experience hiring in adjacent industries such as Power Generation and Energy Infrastructure, Industrial & Process facilities for large-scale high-voltage electrical construction environment preferred.
Technical & Functional Skills
Deep expertise with roles recruiting for Senior Engineering Leaders, Senior Project Leaders.
Deep understanding of Electrical Engineers, Power Systems Engineer, Physical Designer, BIM Coordinator, and Electrical Superintendent.
Strong command of recruiting tools and systems (ATS, LinkedIn Recruiter, Requisition Analytics).
Deep understanding of talent market dynamics in electrical construction, engineering, and manufacturing.
Soft Skills
Strong leadership and team-building abilities.
Consultative approach to hiring and workforce planning.
Ability to navigate ambiguity and deliver results in a matrixed organization.
Preferred Certifications (Nice to Have)
AIRS or SHRM Talent Acquisition Specialty Credential
PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SCP
Clearance eligibility or current Secret clearance
We offer an excellent benefits package including:
A competitive salary
Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
Paid time off
Tuition reimbursement
401k Retirement Plan
Military Reserve pay offset
Paid maternity leave
Abilities
Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
Sitting for extended periods of time.
Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Identify and understand the speech of another person.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Understanding the Electrical Construction Environment at M.C. Dean
1. Nature of Electrical Construction Projects
Electrical construction at M.C. Dean typically involves:
Large-scale infrastructure development
, such as data centers, military bases, and utility-scale facilities.
High-voltage systems
, power distribution, grounding, lighting, and building automation.
Deployment of
design-build and design-assist
services that include prefabrication and modular construction from off-site manufacturing facilities.
Coordination with
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
, CAD, and digital twins for precise execution.
2. Key Roles the Recruiting Manager Needs to Staff
A. Project Leaders
These individuals manage field execution, budget, scope, and customer interfacing:
Project Managers
(PMs): Oversee the end-to-end delivery of electrical scopes.
Superintendents
: Lead day-to-day site operations, enforce safety and quality control.
Assistant PMs and Field Engineers
: Support project execution, submittals, change orders, and coordination.
B. Electrical Engineers
Technical experts responsible for system design, commissioning, and compliance:
Power Systems Engineers
: Design and analyze electrical power systems for reliability and efficiency.
Controls Engineers
: Focus on automation, PLCs, SCADA, and integration of building systems.
Design Engineers
: Use software like AutoCAD, Revit, and ETAP to produce construction documents.
Commissioning Engineers
: Validate and test electrical systems for operational readiness.
3. Field Environment Realities
The Recruiting Manager must consider:
Jobsite variability
: Candidates must be mobile and adaptable to project sites across the U.S. or internationally.
Security clearance
: Many roles require U.S. citizenship and eligibility for Secret or TS clearance, especially on federal contracts.
Union vs. Non-Union labor
: Understanding workforce structures and agreements where applicable.
Safety culture
: Knowledge of OSHA requirements and commitment to zero-injury policies is crucial.
Schedule pressures
: Projects often operate under aggressive deadlines and must meet strict commissioning windows.
4. Candidate Attributes for Success in Electrical Construction
Technical competence
: Deep understanding of electrical codes (e.g., NEC), construction sequencing, and systems integration.
Resilience and flexibility
: Willingness to work in physically demanding and sometimes austere environments.
Communication skills
: Must coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, subcontractors, and clients.
Leadership potential
: Especially for field-based leaders who need to manage crews and drive performance.
5. Recruiting Challenges Unique to Electrical Construction
High competition for engineers and electricians
.
Location-based hiring limitations
(e.g., remote sites, travel-heavy roles).
Project ramp-up timing
: Requires forecasting and just-in-time hiring.
Diversity in skillsets
: Need to source both degreed engineers and licensed trades professionals.
Electrical Construction Environment: Engineering & Physical Design Talent Needs
The Recruiting Manager at M.C. Dean is tasked with staffing a highly technical and performance-driven environment. Electrical construction spans
design, preconstruction, installation, integration, and commissioning
of complex systems-requiring a multidisciplinary approach and a high-caliber technical workforce.
1. Expanded Scope of Electrical Construction Projects
These projects often include:
Data centers, healthcare facilities, federal buildings, transit hubs, airports
, and
military installations
Integration of
medium- and low-voltage power systems
,
life safety systems
,
lighting controls
, and
security infrastructure
Reliance on
modular construction
,
prefabrication
, and
digital modeling
for improved schedule and quality control
A
design-build or design-assist delivery model
, which integrates engineering early in the construction process
2. Key Roles: Engineers and Physical Designers
A. Engineers
These professionals form the backbone of the design, integration, and validation of electrical systems:
Electrical Engineers
Design power distribution systems (LV/MV), grounding, lighting, and branch circuitry
Ensure NEC and NFPA code compliance, perform load calculations, and coordinate with architects and MEP teams
Systems Engineers
Integrate building systems such as fire alarm, security, telecommunications, and automation
Ensure interoperability between electrical and controls systems
Power Systems Engineers
Analyze and model electrical infrastructure using ETAP or SKM
Evaluate short-circuit, arc flash, and protective device coordination for high-reliability power systems
Controls & Automation Engineers
Develop PLC, SCADA, and DDC solutions for intelligent building and industrial controls
Configure control panels, instrumentation, and HMI interfaces
Commissioning Engineers
Lead field validation and testing of electrical systems
Work closely with QA/QC, site teams, and clients to ensure readiness for energization and handover
Design Engineers (Multi-disciplinary)
Collaborate across structural, mechanical, and civil interfaces to ensure coordinated and clash-free designs
Work within integrated BIM environments (e.g., Revit, Navisworks)
B. Physical Designers (CAD, BIM, and Layout Professionals)
Physical design specialists translate engineering intent into constructible, clash-free documentation:
Electrical Designers
Produce power, lighting, grounding, and conduit layouts
Develop panel schedules, one-line diagrams, and riser diagrams using AutoCAD, Revit, or MicroStation
Physical Layout Designers
Lay out equipment rooms, cable trays, racks, panels, and field devices in coordination with real-world constraints
Ensure spatial accuracy using 3D modeling tools and field conditions
BIM Coordinators/Modelers
Integrate electrical systems into full 3D models for clash detection and constructability
Collaborate with other trades in BIM coordination meetings, using software like Navisworks Manage
Revit MEP Designers
Model systems per project phasing, LOD requirements, and client design criteria
Produce construction-ready documentation in coordination with fabrication standards
3. Key Considerations for Recruiting in Engineering & Physical Design
Software proficiency
: ETAP, AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, SKM, Bluebeam, BIM 360, and Microsoft Project are often required
Hybrid skillsets
: Candidates with experience in both field and design environments are particularly valuable
Mobility and adaptability
: Engineers and designers may rotate between home office, modular assembly facilities, and field sites