Electrical Designer

Electrical Designer - Vista, CA (Hybrid)

Job Summary: 

The Electrical Designer supports consulting engineering building projects by producing complete electrical power distribution and lighting designs, performing calculations (load, short circuit, voltage drop), and preparing drawings and specifications in AutoCAD and Revit. This role applies NEC/NFPA 70 and California code requirements, coordinates with project teams and contractors, and completes occasional site visits while managing work independently and communicating clearly.

Successful candidates will be professional, self-motivated, energetic and enthusiastic with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.  Previous consultant engineering firm experience required.  This is a hybrid position in the Vista, CA. office.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Educational Background: AS. degree in Electrical engineering/technology a plus.


• Experience: Minimum 5 years of relevant electrical design experience (required).

Minimum design abilities include the following systems:

• Normal and emergency power distribution systems, single line diagrams, load calculations and layout drawings.


• Emergency generator, transfer switches, etc.


• Switchgear, switchboards, distribution panels, panelboards and dry type transformers.


• Short circuit, voltage drop and conductor derating calculations.


• Grounding and bonding.


• Knowledge in NEC and NFPA 70 guidelines.


• Knowledge of California code requirements and energy standards.


• Lighting photometric calculations, including egress lighting requirements and modeling utilizing well known software packages.


• Proficiency in Energy Pro or a thorough knowledge of California Title 24 requirements.


• Specifications editing.


• Proficiency in AutoCAD.


• Functional knowledge in Revit.


• Proficiency in MS Office products (Excel, Outlook, Teams, Word, etc.).


• Must have the ability to work independently with minimal guidance.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills.


• Eager to learn and develop as a professional.


• Must have the ability to efficiently plan and organize work.


• Must have reliable transportation available as project site visits will be required.

The following design abilities would be considered a Plus:

• Low Voltage and Fire Alarm design experience.


• Arc flash hazard analysis studies.


• Experience in field investigation, construction administration and contractor coordination.


• Knowledge of ComCheck and International Energy Conservation Code requirements.


• Knowledge with Helioscope or similar Photovoltaic energy modeling software.


• Strong Revit skills.

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

Travel: Up to 10% (mostly locally, if any)

Compensation & Benefits:

The hourly range for this position is $32-37/hour. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Salas O’Brien health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Team members have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount.  Salas O’Brien has both U.S. and Canadian (PTO) plans for full-time salaried, exempt and non-team members, 10 paid holidays, and paid leave programs for military service and new parents. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

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.

Third-Party Agency Notice

Salas O’Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.

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.