Electrical Designer (Entry Level) - Summer 2027

ghafari; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Ghafari in Chicago is seeking an Electrical Designer D2 for Summer 2027 New Graduate opportunities. Under supervision, you will develop electrical design documents for lighting, power, and low voltage systems, using CAD and BIM tools and coordinating with architects and engineers.

You will perform field measurements, produce construction documents, and ensure compliance with codes. The role offers growth in electrical design and drafting within Ghafari's design teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.
• Prior internship experience in the building design consulting industry preferred.
• Engineer in Training (EIT) License preferred.
• Familiar with CAD and BIM software (Revit/AutoCAD).
• Strong knowledge of NEC/NFPA standards and building codes.
• Experience with AGI/Elum Tools or related lighting calculation software is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Apply engineering knowledge to design electrical systems for buildings in compliance with codes.
• Create construction documents using CAD/BIM tools (Revit/AutoCAD).
• Coordinate with project team to resolve design and document coordination issues.
• Perform field measurements and verify existing conditions.
• Update project specifications for electrical systems.
• Review submittals for conformance with contract documents.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Excel

Word

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Engineer in Training (EIT) License preferred

Tools

Autodesk Revit

AutoCAD

AGI Photometric

Elum Tools

ComCheck

Bluebeam Revu

Job description

Job Description:

This posting is for Summer 2027 New Graduate opportunities in our Chicago office.

General Summary:

Under the direct supervision of the Vice President of Electrical Engineering or senior staff, the Electrical Designer D2 is responsible for applying electrical analysis, design and drafting skills to develop engineering design documents for lighting, power, and associated low voltage systems. This role involves providing computer-aided design (CAD) support for electrical engineering projects and ensuring coordination with building and process systems. The Electrical Designer D2 will collaborate closely with architects, engineers, and other stakeholders during the design phase to produce accurate and integrated construction documents. Field measurements, document corrections, and adherence to applicable codes and standards are key aspects of this position. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to innovative projects while developing technical expertise in electrical design and drafting.

Essential Job Functions:

• Apply engineering knowledge and understanding to design and analyze electrical systems for the installation, interconnection, and control of electrical, mechanical, and building system components in compliance with applicable codes.
• Understanding of the NEC and NFPA standards, as they apply to the electrical design.
• Create engineering documents using computer aided design (CAD) technology utilizing Autodesk Revit and/or AutoCAD. Provide CAD support to more senior staff.
• Produce construction documents that adhere to company standards and industry best practices.
• Collaborate with the project team to identify, address, and resolve design and document coordination challenges, ensuring the delivery of well-coordinated construction documents.
• Create and maintain a structured project file within Autodesk Forma to centralize essential documentation, including calculations, schedules, correspondence, reference materials, and other essential documentation supporting the electrical design.
• With assistance, update project specifications for the electrical system to ensure functionality, compliance with codes, and alignment with project requirements.
• Review project submittals (shop drawings) for conformance with contract documents; specify action required for conformance.
• Conduct field measurements and site inspections to verify existing conditions, ensure compliance with design specifications, and gather data for project development.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support project goals and team objectives.

Employment Qualifications:

Education :

Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering

Experience:

Prior internship experience in the building design consulting industry preferred

Engineer in Training (EIT) License preferred

Skills/Competencies :

Microsoft Office, emphasis on Excel and Word

Basic knowledge in the use of Building Information Modeling (Building Information Model) software (Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD)

Strong technical and analytical skills including knowledge of principles relating to circuit theory, power systems, and electronics as they relate to electrical systems design for buildings

Knowledge of industry standard engineering software and tools, including lighting photometric calculation software such as AGI, Elum Tools, or other; energy compliance software such as ComCheck; and familiar use of Adobe or Bluebeam Revu.

Benefits:

At Ghafari, we offer a robust benefits package designed to support your overall wellbeing. In addition to a competitive salary, eligible employees receive Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Teladoc, Employee Assistance Program, Professional License Reimbursement, Educational Assistance, Voluntary Pet Insurance, Parental Leave, Paid Time Off, and 8 Paid Holidays. The annual base salary range for this position is $75,000.00 to $85,000.00. Individual pay is based on factors such as relevant experience, job-related skills, education, and training.

About Us

At Ghafari Associates, we don't just design buildings-we help shape the future of the industries we serve. As a global leader in architecture, engineering, and consulting, we partner with clients to deliver forward-thinking solutions that transform how people work, manufacture, and connect.

Our strength lies in our people. We bring together curious minds, technical experts, and creative problem-solvers who thrive on collaboration and innovation. Whether supporting major industrial programs or advancing federal and commercial projects, our teams are empowered to make a meaningful impact-both for our clients and within our communities.

We are committed to investing in our employees' financial, physical, and emotional well-being, as well as their professional growth. Through robust training, licensure support, internships, mentorships, and tuition reimbursement, we provide the resou