Electrical Designer

About the role

The Electrical Designer will collaborate with a team of electrical designers and engineers to develop detailed electrical system layouts for commercial construction projects, including lighting, power, fire alarm, and auxiliary systems. This role involves preparing plans and detailed drawings using AutoCAD and, ideally, Revit, while adhering to relevant building codes and company drafting standards.

Responsibilities

• Produce electrical system layouts for commercial buildings, including lighting, power, fire alarm, auxiliary systems, building services, and installation details.
• Prepare plans, layouts, detailed drawings, and sketches under the direction of engineers and senior designers, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Conceptualize, design, and clearly communicate electrical designs in CAD or Revit using established company drafting standards.
• Assist engineers and senior designers by reviewing and checking drawings for accuracy, consistency, and compliance with project requirements.
• Apply a working understanding of building codes, including the International Building Code, National Electric Code, NFPA 72, and NFPA 101, to design safe and compliant electrical systems.
• Identify and interpret applicable electrical building codes, locate relevant details within the code, and develop practical, code-compliant design solutions.
• Support project schedules by managing assigned tasks proactively and maintaining awareness of deadlines and milestones.
• Collaborate closely with the project team, contributing to a cooperative work environment and helping ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Participate in training and continuous learning to become proficient with the organization’s standards, processes, and design practices.
• Visit project sites as needed to support design development, coordination, and field verification.

Requirements

• 3 to 5 years of electrical design experience for commercial buildings, including lighting, power, fire alarm, auxiliary systems, building services, and installation details.
• 3 to 5 years of experience working with AutoCAD; ability to use standard AutoCAD is required (AutoCAD Electrical is not used).
• Experience with Revit for electrical design is a plus.
• Basic understanding of building codes, including the International Building Code, National Electric Code, NFPA 72, and NFPA 101.
• Ability to recognize that electrical building codes apply to projects, read and interpret the code, locate specific details, and develop code-compliant solutions.
• Proficiency in power distribution design for commercial facilities.
• Experience with fire alarm design and lighting systems for commercial projects.
• Ability to conceptualize, design, and communicate electrical systems clearly in CAD or Revit using company drafting standards.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when preparing and checking drawings.
• Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to collaborate and support colleagues.
• Able to manage time effectively, remain aware of project schedules, and adjust work efforts to meet deadlines.
• Willingness to work extra hours when necessary to help ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Self-starter attitude with the ability to work independently while staying aligned with project goals.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a small office environment and collaborating closely with senior designers and engineers.
• Interest in ongoing training and professional development to align with company standards and best practices.
• Strong communication skills to clearly convey design concepts and coordinate with project stakeholders.
• Ability to adapt to a variety of commercial project types and client needs.
• Comfort with occasional site visits to observe existing conditions and coordinate field-related design issues.
• Professional, dependable, and proactive approach to work, with a focus on quality and client satisfaction.

Skills

• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit for electrical design.
• Understanding of building codes and ability to apply them to design.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in drawing preparation.
• Collaborative and team-oriented work style.
• Time management and project scheduling skills.
• Continuous learning and professional development.

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision coverage.
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital coverage.
• Life Insurance (voluntary life & AD&D for the employee and dependents).
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid holidays (including federal holidays, an additional day at Thanksgiving, and a floating holiday).
• Three weeks of paid time off for full-time employees.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Transportation benefits.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/hr.

Work Environment

The role is based in a small, close-knit office located in downtown Birmingham, offering a supportive culture and strong reputation within the local architecture, engineering, and construction industry. The environment emphasizes collaboration, with senior team members actively involved in training and mentoring the incoming designer. Most work is performed in the office using AutoCAD and, where applicable, Revit, with occasional visits to project sites for field coordination and verification. The organization maintains a stable workload with repeat business and a solid project backlog, providing work stability and opportunities for growth. Employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical coverage with multiple plan options and significant employer contribution, dental and vision coverage, employer-paid life insurance, a 401(k) plan with employer match after one year, paid holidays (including federal holidays, an additional day at Thanksgiving, and a floating holiday), and three weeks of paid time off for full-time employees. The office culture is described as strong and supportive, with a focus on training, adherence to company standards, and maintaining a professional yet personable work atmosphere.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation, and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia, and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.