What does an Electrical Designer do?
Published 4 min read
An electrical designer is responsible for the planning and designing of electrical systems. They work with architects and engineers to develop plans for new construction projects, as well as retrofitting existing buildings. Electrical designers must have a thorough understanding of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local building codes. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create electrical layouts and schematics.
Electrical Designer job duties include:
- Coordinate with other designers, engineers, and project managers
- Understand the project requirements and develop electrical designs accordingly
- Generate electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and other drawings using computer-aided design (CAD) software
- Perform calculations to determine the size of electrical equipment and materials required for the project
- Select appropriate electrical components based on the specific application and project requirements
- Prepare specifications for electrical equipment and systems
- Assist in the development of bids for projects
- Review contractor’s shop drawings and submittals
- Perform quality control checks on completed projects
- Provide technical support during construction and commissioning phases
Electrical Designer Job Requirements
An electrical designer typically needs a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, although some jobs may only require an associate's degree. Certification is not always required, but it may give job seekers a competitive edge. Employers also value experience, so internships or other work experience in the electrical engineering field is beneficial.
Electrical Designer Skills
- Design
- Electrical
- AutoCAD
- Revit
- Bluebeam
- Microsoft Office
- Project Management
- Construction
- Engineering
- System Design
- Troubleshooting
Related: Top Electrical Designer Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become an Electrical Designer
There are many ways to become an electrical designer. One way is to get a degree in electrical engineering from an accredited college or university. Many employers prefer to hire designers with at least a four-year degree in electrical engineering, but some may be willing to consider candidates with two-year degrees in related fields such as electronics engineering technology. Another way to become an electrical designer is to have several years of experience working as an electrician or in another capacity in the electrical industry. Some employers may require that candidates for design positions have experience using computer-aided design (CAD) software, while others may provide training on CAD programs as part of the job.
Once you have the necessary education and/or experience, the next step is to find an employer that has openings for electrical designers. You can search for open positions online, through job postings at your local library, or by contacting companies directly. Once you find a few potential employers, you will need to submit a resume and cover letter that highlight your qualifications for the position. In some cases, you may also be asked to complete a written assessment or take part in an interview before being hired.
Once you are hired as an electrical designer, your responsibilities will vary depending on the company you work for and the specific project you are working on. In general, however, your duties will include creating drawings and specifications for electrical systems, testing prototypes of electrical components and systems, and helping to install and maintain electrical equipment. As you gain experience, you may also be given more responsibility for managing projects and supervising other designers and technicians.
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