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Electrical Designer 4

Location: 

San Diego, CA, US

We are seeking a Mid- to Senior-Level Distribution Utility Electrical Designer / CAD Drafter to support electric utility projects, with a focus on overhead and underground distribution systems. This role is responsible for producing high-quality design drawings, construction packages, and technical documentation to support utility infrastructure projects.

The ideal candidate has strong experience with electrical distribution design standards, drafting tools, and utility coordination, and can work independently on complex projects.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop detailed electrical distribution design drawings for overhead and underground systems (typically 4kV–35kV).
  • Prepare construction packages, including plan/profile drawings, one-lines, and equipment layouts.
  • Perform field data interpretation and translate survey/redline markups into final designs.
  • Apply utility design standards, including NESC, NEC, and company-specific requirements.
  • Coordinate with project managers, engineers, field crews, and clients to ensure design accuracy and constructability.
  • Support routing, pole loading, conductor sizing, and equipment selection (reclosers, transformers, switches).
  • Use CAD and design software to produce and revise drawings (AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar platforms).
  • Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
  • Review and QA/QC design packages for accuracy and completeness.
  • Mentor junior designers/drafters (senior-level responsibility).

Position Overview

We are an innovative team of engineers and designers that supports projects throughout the company. Our staff leads and collaborates with Kiewit’s module fabrication and construction teams to approach construction-driven engineering with a focus on safe, cost effective, and innovative designs that achieve client expectations and further Kiewit’s legacy of excellence.

Location

This position is based out of our Energy Corridor Office in Houston, TX.

Responsibilities

• Provides potential solutions to complex issues.
• Reviews the work of designers developing documents as needed for the project.
• Acts as a field resource to assist construction in field resolution on issues.
• Possesses advanced AutoCAD skills and is able to design and draft advanced electrical drawings.
• Ability to properly size cables and raceways.
• Performs layout of electrical equipment in electrical buildings
• Proficient in 3D modeling with some supervision. 
• Acts independently to utilize industry and company standards to design effectively.  No supervision required to apply standard correctly to design.
• Reviews application of standards and can make suggestions on improvements needed
• Serves as a resource to department, projects and construction.
• Identifies changes in scope of work during small to mid-sized projects and produces drawing changes as needed to stay within budget and schedule.
• Balances individual performance requirements with the demands for team participation.
• Performs assigned work efficiently and effectively to maximize person productivity.
• Develop cable schedules, power plans, grounding plans, schematics, interconnects and one-line drawings from engineering sketches or mark-ups.
• Design duct bank, cable tray and lighting systems from concept to completion utilizing sketches or mark-ups from the senior design staff.
• Analyze, inspect, and construct designs while adhering to electrical quality standards and procedures.
• Review vendor documentation and comment as it applies to client and project needs.
• Complete as-builts by utilizing Request for Information (RFIs), Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) and red-marked drawings from construction.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology or High School diploma + 5 years’ experience as a minimum.
• 10-18 years' minimum relevant experience in refining or petrochemical industry.
• Self directs work with limited supervision.
• Provides guidance, leadership and training to less experienced designers.
• Leads small team to complete task/design on project.
• Work with project team as representative and coordinates work within discipline department.
• Adjusts to varying demands of work and performs well.
• Communicates effectively with supervisor and members of immediate department.
• Works collaboratively across departments and involves others in solving problems.
• Supports project teams and departments in a positive and productive manner. Works well with other to accomplish common goals and objectives.
• Serves as technical resource to engineers, designers and construction.
• Experience utilizing a computer-aided drafting program (MicroStation, AutoCAD, Navis Works) and have knowledge of the latest computer operating systems; thorough understanding of spreadsheets and databases.
• Experience with SmartPlant preferred.
• Continuously looking for ways to improve processes for customers and makes recommendations for improvements.

Working Conditions

Required Qualifications

  • 5–10+ years (mid-level) or 10+ years (senior-level) experience in electric utility distribution design.
  • Strong proficiency in CAD platforms (AutoCAD, MicroStation, or equivalent).
  • Experience with utility design tools such as:
    • Pole loading software (e.g., SPIDAcalc, O-Calc)
    • GIS-based systems (preferred)
  • Solid understanding of:
    • Overhead and underground distribution systems
    • Utility construction standards and specifications
    • Electrical equipment and materials used in distribution systems
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, field notes, and as-builts.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with major utilities or utility contractors.
  • Familiarity with storm hardening, system upgrades, or grid modernization projects.
  • Knowledge of fiber/telecom joint use (a plus).
  • Associate’s degree or technical certification in drafting, engineering technology, or related field (Bachelor’s preferred for senior roles).

Work Environment & Expectations

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Some field coordination or site visits may be required.
  • Hybrid or remote work options may be available depending on project needs.
  • Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines.

There’s no limit to what you’ll do at Kiewit. Whether you’re building or supporting projects that provide communities with dependable energy, safe transportation, clean water, or access to health care, the work you do will positively impact people’s lives for generations to come. 

Here you’ll have endless opportunities to expand your expertise through on-the-job experience and internal and external training and development opportunities. 

We offer our full-time staff employees a comprehensive benefits package that’s among the best in our industry. From top-tier health care programs to employee assistance programs and retirement planning, we aim to provide you with the tools you need to be successful in the areas of life that matter most to you.

Kiewit is an equal-opportunity employer, and we believe a diverse workforce is vital to the success of our business. We continue our efforts to attract, develop and retain employees from all backgrounds who are passionate about our industry.  

We are committed to veteran and military hiring and will consider relevant military experience as equivalent to qualification requirements.


Nearest Major Market: San Diego
Job Segment: CAD, Drafting, AutoCAD, Electrical Engineering, Electrical, Engineering

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