Employee Spotlight: Mike Romes, Senior Electrical Engineer

Mike Romes, PE, is the kind of engineer who will help you wire a switch, explain the gray areas of electrical code, and then go home to graft apple trees onto rootstock he started from a trip he took years ago. Since joining KLH in 2024 as a senior electrical engineer, the Michigan Technological University graduate has brought broad experience, from small DNR trail buildings to large-scale projects like a 250,000-square-foot school, as well as churches, office buildings, healthcare facilities and group living environments. Whether he’s navigating complex code interpretation, designing power and lighting systems, or mentoring the next generation of engineers, Mike brings the same steady approach to all of it.

Can you tell us a little about your role at KLH and what a typical day looks like for you as a senior electrical engineer?

My typical day includes a mix of 30-minute kickoff meetings and 60-minute review sessions. While they are not always scheduled back-to-back, they often fill most of the day. On quieter days, I have the opportunity to focus on developing educational materials. It also takes a different level of focus to move between those structured, meeting-filled days and the more open, thoughtful work that comes without immediate deadlines.

What initially drew you to electrical engineering as a career?

It was honestly a bit of a random choice at the start. I found that I had a stronger grasp of electrical concepts than mechanical, so I leaned into what felt more familiar. Even then, the path evolved over time. I ultimately earned a degree in electrical engineering with concentrations in communications systems, electronics, and automatic control, and now my work focuses on power and lighting.

What types of projects have you most enjoyed working on at KLH, and why?

I enjoy working on projects where I can share my experience with newer engineers and help support their development.  My current wheelhouse is retail electrical, but my experience is broad and includes every trade, to a less complicated level.

Is there a recent project you are especially proud of or that challenged you in a new way?

The Village at Laguna Hills, a mixed-use redevelopment of the Laguna Hills Mall site in Orange County, California, is the most recent project that comes to mind. It is a complex project with many different components, and being part of a team that is navigating the bigger picture together has been especially rewarding.

What’s one part of electrical design that people outside the industry might not realize is as complex as it is?

Code interpretation is not always as black and white as people think. While a lot of it is clear, there is enough gray area in how it is interpreted and enforced to cause confusion. It often becomes a matter of risk tolerance and applying it in real projects is not as simple as many architects expect.

What do you enjoy most about mentoring or supporting other engineers on projects?

I enjoy all aspects of it. Taking the time to walk someone through a complex issue and how to approach decision-making is just as rewarding as showing someone something hands-on, like wiring a switch. It brings back memories of learning those same things myself, which makes it especially meaningful to share and help others grow.

What advice would you give to younger engineers or those just starting their careers at KLH?

Be a big picture thinker and approach every project from the client’s perspective. Strong relationships are what drive successful projects, and how you work with the team is what people remember.

Most projects follow a similar rhythm, so focus your energy on the parts that are new or unique and take the time to truly understand them. Do not hesitate to step into the unknown. Tackle it early, keep learning, and continue refining your approach as you go.

Fun Questions

You are into plant propagation and orcharding…what is your favorite plant or tree to grow, and why?

I enjoy growing fruit trees, especially ones with a story behind them, like plants started from trips or meaningful places. Those personal connections make them even more rewarding to grow. For everyday growing, apples are my favorite. They are adaptable, relatively easy to manage, and really respond to the care you give them. I also enjoy grafting, which allows you to grow multiple varieties on a single tree and share that hands-on experience with others.

If you could host a game night, what type of game are you breaking out first: card, board, or strategy?

Cards. There are so many options, whether it is a quick 20-minute game or a longer, more competitive game with a bigger group.