Electrical Plan Reviewer; Engineering Specialist II - Inspections, Licenses & Permits

About Howard County

Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025 the County received a record‑breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards.

Advises and assists organizations for purposes of safeguarding life and property against fire, explosion, and related hazards. Reviews plans and designs for new construction and determines if electrical codes as well as life safety design principles have been met.

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will be heard and encouraged.
• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you’ll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

• Makes studies of industrial, mercantile, and public buildings, homes, and other property before and after construction, considering factors such as fire resistance of construction, usage or contents of buildings, water supplies and water delivery, and egress facilities.
• Reviews preliminary and final plans and drawings to ensure conformance with sound engineering practices and applicable codes, regulations and specifications; presents recommendations and comments to internal review board; writes letters with composite recommendations and comments to developer; meets with architects, engineers, and developers to discuss recommendations and solutions to problems; approves amended plans.
• Designs or recommends materials or equipment such as protection of electrical panels and systems, and advises on location, handling, installation, and maintenance.
• Represents department at public hearings, meetings and conferences as assigned; maintains liaison with contractors, consultants and representatives of county, state, regional and federal agencies; answers public inquiries, receives and acts on citizen complaints and suggestions.
• Recommends materials, equipment, or methods for alleviation of conditions conducive to the electrical field.
• Devises electrical engineering programs, and organizes and trains personnel to carry out such programs.
• Evaluates adequacy of laws, ordinances, and regulations affecting the electrical field; prepares reports, evaluations and comments on impact of legislation, development plans and on the actions of the department; carries out special engineering projects and submits recommendations for alternative courses and solutions to problems.
• Advises and plans for prevention of destruction by electrical issues, wind, water, or other causes of damage.
• This job currently has no supervisory responsibilities.

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and 2 years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Evidence of successful prior experience as an electrical engineer (e.g., published articles or papers, awards of merit or similar citations from former employers, etc.).
• Professional Engineer's (PE) license recognized by the State of Maryland (Preferred).

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.…