Entry-level Electrical Designer

Electrical Designer - Vista

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

About Us:

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a professional, self-motivated, energetic, and enthusiastic Electrical Designer with 2-3 years of consulting engineering experience. The successful candidate will possess strong communication and interpersonal skills and will support the design of electrical systems for a variety of project types, including educational, healthcare, military, hospitality, multifamily residential, and commercial facilities.

This position works closely with senior engineers, project managers, and other design disciplines to develop construction documents and provide technical support throughout the design and construction process.

Previous consulting engineering firm experience is required.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist in the design of electrical systems for commercial, educational, healthcare, hospitality, multifamily, military, and government facilities.
• Prepare electrical plans, one-line diagrams, panel schedules, and construction documents utilizing AutoCAD and Revit.
• Perform electrical load calculations, voltage drop calculations, and conductor sizing calculations under the direction of senior engineers and project managers.
• Assist in the design and layout of:
• Normal and emergency power distribution systems
• Emergency generators and transfer switches
• Switchgear, switchboards, panelboards, and transformers
• Grounding and bonding systems
• Lighting and lighting control systems
• Develop lighting layouts and perform photometric calculations using industry-standard software.
• Research and apply applicable NEC, NFPA 70, California Building Code, and California Energy Code requirements.
• Coordinate designs with architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, and other project disciplines.
• Participate in site surveys and field investigations to document existing conditions.
• Assist with specification preparation and editing.
• Support construction administration activities, including submittal reviews, RFI responses, and contractor coordination.
• Maintain project documentation and support project delivery efforts to meet quality standards, schedules, and budgets.

Qualifications and Experience

Required:

• 2-3 years of electrical design experience within a consulting engineering, architectural/engineering, or building systems design environment.
• Experience preparing construction documents for building-related projects.
• Working knowledge of:
  • Normal and emergency power distribution systems
  • Electrical load calculations
  • Grounding and bonding systems
  • Lighting design and photometric calculations
  • NEC and NFPA 70 requirements
  • California code requirements and energy standards
• Proficiency in AutoCAD.
• Working knowledge of Revit.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Excel, Outlook, Teams, and Word).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize assignments and meet deadlines.
• Eagerness to learn and develop technical and professional skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous consulting engineering firm experience.
• Experience with healthcare, educational, military, government, hospitality, commercial, or multifamily projects.
• Low-voltage and fire alarm design experience.
• Experience with field investigations and construction administration activities.
• Familiarity with arc flash hazard analysis studies.
• Experience with EnergyPro or working knowledge of California Title 24 requirements.
• Familiarity with ComCheck and International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) requirements.
• Experience with Helioscope or similar photovoltaic energy modeling software.
• BIM coordination experience and strong Revit skills.
• EIT certification or progress toward EIT certification.

Education

• Associate's Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology or related technical field preferred.
• Equivalent technical training and relevant experience will be considered.

Location: Vista, CA (Hybrid, first three months in office)

Travel: Travel up to 10% for site visits, field investigations, and project meetings.

Compensation & Benefits:

The expected hourly compensation range for this role is $40 - 45 USD per hour. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.

This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses, equity participation, and a comprehensive U.S.-based benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
• Professional development support

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.