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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Electrical Drafter

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

EngineeringDesignConstructionCADSkilled Trades

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a meticulous and technically skilled Electrical Drafter ready to make a significant impact? This role requires a dedicated professional to join our forward-thinking engineering team. In this role, you will be the crucial link between engineering concepts and real-world execution, transforming complex electrical designs into precise, actionable technical drawings. You will work on a diverse portfolio of exciting projects, collaborating with world-class engineers and project managers to power innovative solutions. If you have a passion for precision and a deep understanding of electrical systems, we invite you to apply and help us build the future.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • CAD Technician
  • Drafter Trainee / Apprentice
  • Associate's Degree in Drafting & Design

Advancement To:

  • Senior Electrical Drafter / CAD Lead
  • Electrical Designer
  • BIM/VDC Coordinator
  • Project Coordinator / Junior Project Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Mechanical Drafter
  • Piping Designer
  • Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Designer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop and prepare comprehensive electrical schematics, one-line diagrams, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts from engineering concepts and sketches.
  • Create detailed 2D and 3D drawings of electrical systems, including power distribution, lighting, grounding, and communication systems, using AutoCAD Electrical and Revit MEP.
  • Generate and modify drawings for electrical installations, equipment layouts, and conduit/cable tray routing in compliance with project specifications.
  • Ensure all drawings and designs adhere to national and local codes, such as the National Electrical Code (NEC), as well as client and company standards.
  • Prepare complete drawing packages for construction, fabrication, and permitting, including plans, elevations, sections, and details.
  • Interpret and incorporate redline markups from engineers and senior designers to revise existing drawings and maintain accurate documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Develop and maintain accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) and equipment schedules by extracting data from drawings and design specifications.
  • Create and manage detailed raceway layouts, cable schedules, and interconnection diagrams for complex industrial and commercial facilities.
  • Collaborate closely with electrical engineers and designers to resolve design conflicts and ensure a cohesive and constructible final design.
  • Review submittals and shop drawings from vendors and contractors to ensure they align with the design intent and project standards.
  • Perform clash detection and coordination with other disciplines (e.g., mechanical, structural, architectural) using tools like Navisworks to prevent field issues.
  • Maintain and organize project files, drawing libraries, and standard blocks to ensure consistency and efficiency across all projects.
  • Prepare as-built drawings upon project completion by incorporating field changes and final installation details.
  • Develop detailed electrical room layouts, ensuring proper clearances for equipment installation, maintenance, and operation.
  • Create and update P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams) to accurately reflect electrical and control system components.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist senior designers and engineers with basic calculations, material take-offs, and project estimations.
  • Participate in internal and external design review meetings to provide feedback on drawing clarity, standards, and constructability.
  • Support the continuous improvement of CAD standards, procedures, and workflows within the design department.
  • Travel to project sites occasionally to conduct field verification, gather existing condition data, and support construction activities.
  • Assist in the archival of project documentation and contribute to the development of final project close-out packages.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • CAD Software Proficiency: Expert-level skill in AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, and/or Bentley MicroStation for 2D drafting and schematic design.
  • BIM/3D Modeling: Strong proficiency in Autodesk Revit MEP or similar 3D modeling software for creating and coordinating electrical models.
  • Code Knowledge: In-depth understanding of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and other relevant industry standards (ANSI, NEMA, IEC).
  • Technical Drawing Interpretation: Ability to read and interpret complex engineering sketches, specifications, and technical manuals.
  • Electrical Systems Knowledge: Solid foundational knowledge of power distribution, motor control centers (MCCs), lighting, and low-voltage systems.
  • Document Control: Experience with document management systems and maintaining revision control for large drawing sets.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Excel, Word, and Outlook for creating schedules, reports, and professional correspondence.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: An exceptional eye for detail and a commitment to producing accurate, high-quality, and error-free work.
  • Communication Skills: Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills for collaborating with team members, engineers, and clients.
  • Problem-Solving: Proactive and analytical approach to identifying and resolving design clashes and drawing inconsistencies.
  • Time Management: Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize work to meet tight project deadlines.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: A cooperative mindset with the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering team.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate's Degree or a Technical Certificate in Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) or a related field.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Electrical Engineering Technology or Drafting & Design.

Relevant Fields of Study:

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

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-7 years of professional experience in electrical drafting or design.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience in designing electrical systems for commercial, industrial, data center, or utility projects.
  • Proven experience working within a consulting engineering firm or a large construction company.
  • Familiarity with the entire project lifecycle, from schematic design through construction administration and close-out.
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