Electrical Designer (Entry Level) - Summer 2027

Ghafari As; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

401(k) match

Flexible Spending Accounts

Health Savings Accounts

Teladoc

Education Assistance

Licensure Reimbursement

Parental Leave

Paid Time Off

8 Paid Holidays

Job summary

Ghafari Associates seeks a Summer 2027 New Graduate Electrical Designer D2 in Chicago to apply CAD design for lighting, power, and low voltage systems.

You will work under senior staff to develop construction documents, coordinate with architects and engineers, perform field verifications, and maintain organized project files in Forma. A BS in engineering and internship experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.
• Prior internship experience in the building design consulting industry preferred.
• Engineer in Training (EIT) License preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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 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.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Excel

Word

BIM (Revit)

AutoCAD

Circuit theory

Power systems

Electronics

AGI

Elum Tools

ComCheck

Bluebeam Revu

Education

Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering

Tools

Autodesk Revit

AutoCAD

Job description

Hybrid

Chicago, IL

Full time

R-100366

Job Description:

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
• 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 resources our people need to build rewarding careers while making a lasting difference in the communities we are proud to call home.

Ghafari Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. As a federal contractor, Ghafari Associates maintains affirmative action programs for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in accordance with applicable laws.

Pay Transparency

Ghafari Associates will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Ghafari Associates is also committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities in the employment application process.

If there are any questions about the accommodations offered above, please contact 313.441.3000 for assistance.

Ghafari is a community where talent thrives. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to deepen your skills, collaborate with industry leaders, and work on transformative projects around the globe.