Electrical Design Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Blue Grass (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Blue Grass, Iowa, is seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer to design and implement electrical distribution systems for industrial applications. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and 3-8 years of relevant experience, along with proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical and knowledge of compliance standards. This role offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, and retirement plans, with the opportunity to travel for project needs.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plus matching

Paid time off

Qualifications

• Proven experience in power system distribution design in industrial settings.
• Strong working knowledge of NEC, IEEE, NFPA, and UL standards.
• Ability to travel approximately 25% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Design medium-voltage and low voltage electrical distribution systems.
• Develop load flow models and perform fault studies.
• Lead power system integration with industrial control systems.

Skills

Power system distribution design

PLC programming

Control hardware knowledge

Problem-solving

Project management

Oral and written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

SKM PowerTools

Job description

Overview

In this role you will play a critical role in designing, bidding, overseeing and executing electrical engineering projects. You will support Project Engineers and Electricians by assisting with the development of machine control concepts, project estimates, technical proposal content, and presentation of project concepts, as well as designing solutions that will delight our clients. You will collaborate with internal and external customers to review and update technical objectives throughout the project life cycle and participate in system installations as needed.

Responsibilities

• Design and specify medium-voltage (5kV -35kV) and low voltage (120V-480V, 600V) electrical distribution systems, including unit substation, switchgear, MCCs, panelboards, and bus duct systems; transformer specifications; and feeder sizing based on calculated demand loads, voltage drop analysis, and coordination studies.
• Design power distribution systems for industrial plants and manufacturing environments, including power distribution, industrial automation, robotics, and manufacturing process projects.
• Develop load flow models, single-line and schematic diagrams using tools such as AutoCAD Electrical & SKM PowerTools.
• Perform short circuit, arc flash, and protective device coordination studies in compliance with IEEE 1584 and NFPA 70E.
• Design grounding & bonding systems per IEEE 80 and NEC Article 250, ensuring safety in fault scenarios.
• Calculate fault currents, voltage drop, and feeder/bus ampacity under continuous and transient load conditions.
• Provide detailed conduit & cable schedules, voltage drop calculations, and feeder sizing (per NEC 310, 250, 430, & 450).
• Lead power system integration with industrial control systems including PLC panels, VFDs, and automation networks, developing and implementing control system applications and code for PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and other control devices.
• Ensure compliance of codes & designs per current editions of NEC (NFPA 70), IEEE, ANSI, NEMA, and local jurisdictional requirements.
• Interface with utility companies for service entrance coordination, interconnection requirements, and metering strategy as necessary.
• Assist with construction support (RFI responses, field engineering changes, equipment submittal reviews, commissioning, etc.).
• Work on power system commissioning plans, quality assessments & functional testing of switchgear and relay settings.
• Participate in project planning by creating schedules & milestones, monitoring design progress & identifying scope changes.
• Collaborate with clients and other stakeholders to understand project requirements and objectives; identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure reliability and safety of the design.
• Mentor and advise junior engineers to foster their professional development; encourage a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement within the team.
• Establish and enforce quality control processes to ensure the reliability and safety of electrical system designs; maintain accurate project documentation, including design specifications, user manuals, and as-built drawings.
• Drive process improvement initiatives to optimize efficiency and effectiveness of systems and processes; participate in continuous learning and staying updated on industry trends and emerging technologies.
• Represent and promote the company in a positive and constructive manner; adhere to safety regulations to ensure a safe working environment and compliance with all relevant regulations.
• Work with clients to understand their requirements, provide project updates, and address concerns or change requests; prepare and deliver project status reports to clients and senior management.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.
• Must be able to travel approximately 25% of the time.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in power system distribution design as an electrical engineer including the design and implementation of these systems in industrial plants and/or manufacturing environments.
• Proficiency in PLC programming, HMI development, and knowledge of control hardware.
• Proficiency in software tools and technologies (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, SKM PowerTools, PLC, HMI, & vendor programming software).
• Strong working knowledge of NEC, IEEE, NFPA, and UL standards applicable to industrial power systems.
• Familiarity with OSHA requirements in relation to construction and company safety policies.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills; strong project management skills with a track record of completing projects on time and within budget; excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, leadership, and team-building skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team and independently; detail-oriented with the ability to prioritize, multi-task and organize.
• Able to work outside the traditional work schedule including nights, weekends, and/or holidays; travel to job locations may be required including overnight stays.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods, stand for extended periods, and bend, stoop, squat, crawl, climb, kneel, balance, push, pull, and reach overhead; able to independently lift and carry up to 50 pounds, as needed.
• Education: Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or Electrical Engineering Technology from an ABET-accredited university, or equivalent combination of education and experience; willingness to obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience: 3-8 years in an electrical engineering role with demonstrated progression in responsibilities.
• Experience with Arc Flash Risk Analysis.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term coverage, flexible spending plan, 401(k) plus matching, paid time off, paid holidays, paid bereavement, company apparel allowance.
• Relocation will not be provided for this position.

River Cities Engineering is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. We are also an equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.