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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Electrical Designer

šŸ’° $65,000 - $110,000

EngineeringDesignConstructionElectrical Engineering

šŸŽÆ Role Definition

As an Electrical Designer, you will be a critical member of our engineering team, responsible for translating conceptual designs into tangible, buildable electrical plans. You will take ownership of the electrical design pacote for projects, encompassing power distribution, lighting, fire alarm, and low-voltage systems. This role requires close collaboration with engineers, architects, and other project stakeholders to deliver integrated, efficient, and compliant electrical solutions that meet client requirements and project specifications. Your expertise will directly influence the safety, functionality, and success of our projects.

šŸ“ˆ Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Electrical Drafter / CAD Technician
  • Junior Electrical Designer
  • Field Electrician with design aptitude and CAD skills

Advancement To:

  • Senior Electrical Designer
  • Lead Electrical Designer
  • Project Engineer / Electrical Engineer (with P.E. license)

Lateral Moves:

  • Controls & Instrumentation Designer
  • BIM/VDC Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop and prepare comprehensive electrical design drawings, schematics, and single-line diagrams using AutoCAD, Revit, and other CAD platforms.
  • Design and lay out power distribution systems, including switchgear, panelboards, transformers, and motor control centers (MCCs).
  • Perform detailed electrical load calculations, voltage drop analysis, and short-circuit studies populaĆ§Ć£o SKM, ETAP, or similar software.
  • Create lighting system designs, including fixture selection, circuiting, and control strategies, and perform photometric calculations using AGI32 or DIALux.
  • Design and lay out raceway systems, including conduit, cable tray, and underground duct banks, ensuring proper sizing and routing.
  • Ensure all designs adhere to the National Electrical Code (NEC), local jurisdiction amendments, and other relevant industry standards (e.g., NFPA, IEC, IEEE).
  • Collaborate proactively with multi-disciplinary teams, including mechanical, plumbing, structural, and architectural designers, to ensure a fully coordinated project design.
  • Review and analyze vendor submittals, shop drawings, and equipment specifications for compliance with design intent populaĆ§Ć£o project requirements.
  • Participate actively in internal and external design review meetings, presenting design concepts and addressing feedback from clients and project managers.
  • Develop and maintain accurate Bills of Material (BOMs) and equipment schedules for procurement and construction.
  • Create complete and detailed construction drawing packages, ensuring clarity and accuracy for field installation teams.
  • Conduct site visits and field surveys to gather data on existing conditions, verify installations, and provide construction support.
  • Coordinate with utility companies to define service entrance requirements competiĆ§Ć£o connection points for new or upgraded services.
  • Prepare and edit detailed electrical specifications that outline material Anforderungen, installation methods, and quality standards.
  • Utilize 3D modeling and BIM workflows to perform clash detection and resolve spatial conflicts with other building systems.
  • Design life safety systems, including fire alarm, emergency lighting, and egress pathways, in accordance with NFPA 101 and other life safety codes.
  • Support project managers and estimators by providing design-level input for a criaĆ§Ć£o de construction cost estimates and value engineering efforts.
    slugs: - Address and systematically resolve Requests for Information (RFIs) and field-generated questions from contractors during the construction phase.
  • Maintain and meticulously update design drawings and documentation to reflect as-built conditions and changes throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Develop control system schematics and wiring diagrams for building automation or industrial process controls.

Secondary Functions

  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior designers, drafters, and new team members to foster skill development.
  • Contribute to the development and continual improvement of in-house design standards, CAD templates, populaĆ§Ć£o workflow processes.
  • Assist the procurement team by providing detailed technical evaluations and recommendations for electrical equipment and materials.
  • Participate in project-level safety reviews, such as Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) studies, to ensureč®¾č®” safety.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • CAD/BIM Software Proficiency: High-level proficiency in AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, and Revit MEP for 2D and 3D design.
  • Electrical Codes & Standards: Deep understanding and practical application of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and other relevant NFPA/IEEE standards.
  • Power System Analysis: Experience with power analysis software such as SKM PowerTools, ETAP, or EasyPower for short circuit, coordination, and arc flash studies.
  • Lighting Design: Proficiency with lighting calculation software (e.g., AGI32, DIALux) and knowledge of modern lighting control systems.
  • System Sizing & Calculation: Ability to manually or automatically perform load calculations, voltage drop, and conduit/cable sizing.
  • Power Distribution Design: Expertise in designing low and medium-voltage power distribution systems, from utility service to receptacle.
  • Low-Voltage Systems: Familiarity with the design of fire alarm, security, telecommunications, and audiovisual systems.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in all aspects of design and documentation to ensure accuracy and prevent errors.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills to identify, diagnose, and resolve complex technical challenges in a timely manner.
    slugs: - Effective Communication: Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills to coordinate with team members, clients, and contractors.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: A cooperative mindset with the ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary project team.
  • Time Management: Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines and budgets.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate's Degree (A.S.) or a Technical Diploma in a relevant discipline.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree (B.S.) from an ABET-accredited university.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Electrical Engineering Technology (EET)
  • Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD)
  • Electrical Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-8 years of progressive experience in electrical design.

Preferred: Direct experience in the design of electrical systems for commercial, industrial, institutional, or utility-scale projects within an Architecture/Engineering (A/E) or design-build firm.

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