Entry-Level Electrical Designer

Electrical Designer

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: Salas O’Brien is seeking an Entry-Level Electrical Designer to join our team in Portland, Maine. This role is ideal for a recent graduate or early-career professional who is interested in building systems design and wants to grow their career in consulting engineering.

The Electrical Designer will support engineers and project managers in the design and documentation of electrical systems for a variety of commercial, healthcare, and institutional projects. Responsibilities include assisting with electrical calculations, preparing drawings using Revit, coordinating with other design disciplines, and supporting the development of construction documents.

This role offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced engineers while developing technical skills, industry knowledge, and professional growth in electrical building systems design.

Responsibilities:

Electrical Design Support

• Assist with electrical system design for building projects including:
• Lighting systems and lighting controls
• Power distribution systems
• Receptacle layouts and branch circuiting
• Panelboards and equipment connections
• Fire alarm and specialty system layouts
• Perform basic electrical calculations including circuit sizing, lighting levels, and building load calculations.
• Support the development of electrical layouts and design documentation under the guidance of senior engineers.

Revit Modeling and Documentation

• Create and maintain electrical system layouts in Revit.
• Assist in maintaining the electrical model including:
• System connectivity
• Drawing notes
• Schedules
• Details
• Panelboard schedules
• Incorporate markups and revisions provided by senior engineers into project drawings.

Coordination and Collaboration

• Coordinate electrical designs with mechanical, fire protection, and other engineering disciplines.
• Work with architects to coordinate locations of electrical devices, lighting fixtures, and equipment.
• Communicate effectively with team members to support project schedules and design coordination.

Construction Support

• Assist in reviewing contractor submittals and shop drawings.
• Support responses to contractor Requests for Information (RFIs) related to electrical design.
• Participate in project site visits to document existing conditions or observe construction progress.

Qualifications and Experience:

Potential candidates will be evaluated based on the extent of the following criteria that they are able to represent:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or Electrical Engineering Technology (BSEET), Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology (ASEET) or Architectural (Building) Engineering Technology (ASET), or a related engineering field
• Basic understanding of electrical systems
• Familiarity with Revit, AutoCAD, or similar design software.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate in a team environment.
• Internship or co-op experience in electrical design or consulting engineering.
• Exposure to Revit for MEP design.
• Interest in pursuing Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification.

Location: Portland, ME

Travel: Up to 10%

Compensation & Benefits:

The expected base salary range for this role is $75,000 - $85,000 USD per year. 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 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

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.

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.