Facilities Designer II – Senior Electrical Designer

Cornell University; Ithaca (MI); Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care options

Generous paid leave

Comprehensive retirement contributions

Job summary

Cornell University in Ithaca, NY seeks an Electrical Designer II to perform electrical designs for power distribution, lighting, fire alarm, and data systems. You’ll prepare Revit drawings, write specifications, and review standards while coordinating with stakeholders across facilities and AE firms.

The role involves site visits, ensuring code compliance, and supporting maintenance programs with a strong focus on safety and collaboration within a diverse university community.

Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree in electrical technology, engineering, or related field with 3+ years design experience in power, lighting, and fire alarm systems.
• Technical knowledge of design and construction industries.
• Knowledge of building electrical systems and construction estimating.
• Ability to read drawings and specifications.
• Working knowledge of NEC/NFPA codes.
• Experience applying codes to designs.
• Strong written and verbal communication; good organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform electrical designs including power distribution, lighting, fire alarm, data and security systems.
• Prepare Revit drawings and technical specifications for projects.
• Conduct condition assessments and feasibility analyses.
• Write technical reports and present to clients.
• Review and update design standards for electrical systems.
• Support maintenance programs (generators, emergency lighting, etc.).
• Engage with stakeholders across departments and external firms.
• Site visits with exposure to hazards and use of safety gear.

Skills

Power distribution

Lighting design

Fire alarm systems

Revit/BIM drawings

Technical reporting

Code compliance (NEC/NFPA)

MS Word & Excel

Client/stakeholder communication

Education

Associate’s Degree in Electrical Technology/Engineering

Bachelor’s degree (ABET-accredited) preferred

Tools

Revit/BIM

MS Word

MS Excel

Job description

The Cornell University campus is widely admired as one of the world’s most beautiful academic settings. The Division of Facilities and Campus Services is committed to providing the highest quality service to faculty, students, staff, alumni, and visitors. With more than 260 major buildings enhancing the magnificent landscape of the Ithaca campus, approximately 1,000 highly talented and dedicated staff serve as steward of the campus resources and operations.

We are searching for a motivated and hardworking individual to join our Facilities Engineering Department in the Facilities & Campus Services Group as an Electrical Designer II.

Perform electrical designs including power distribution, lighting, fire alarm, data and security systems. Prepare professional quality Revit drawings and technical specifications, for maintenance, repair, and alteration projects. Perform condition assessments, asset identification, and feasibility analysis. Write technical reports and present to clients. Review and update University design & construction standards relating to electrical building systems. Manage electrical and multidisciplinary designs (<$2M, low to medium complexity). Review consultant performed design documents and specifications and evaluate compliance with University standards and good engineering practices. Support electrical maintenance programs, such as Emergency Generator, Emergency Lighting, Secondary Electrical Equipment Maintenance and Fire Alarm systems. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with all program stakeholders including customers, University administrators, staff, faculty, colleagues, AE firms, tradespersons, and code enforcement officials. This position requires frequent construction site visits where odors, dust, noise, and physical hazards are present. All employees are accountable for supporting the F&C S organization’s values of truth, respect, excellence, teamwork, and integrity; and supporting inclusive and sustainable practices in carrying out everyday responsibilities.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

This is an Endowed position.

We are a value–based organization where all employees are accountable for supporting the organization’s values of truth, respect, excellence, teamwork, and integrity. Facilities and Campus Services employees are required to attend staff development trainings and participate in the performance evaluation process.

We require these qualifications:

• Minimum of an Associate’s Degree in electrical technology, engineering, or related field, plus three years minimum design experience in power distribution, lighting, and fire alarm building systems; or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Technical knowledge of design and construction industries.
• Demonstrated knowledge of building electrical systems and construction estimating.
• Able to comprehend construction drawings and specifications.
• Working knowledge of the engineering codes and industry standards in discipline (such as NEC and NFPA).
• Demonstrated experience with interpreting and applying Codes.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, ability to cultivate interpersonal relationships, and effective organization skills.
• Ability to participate effectively on teams, set priorities, and exercise good judgment.
• Must gain proficiency of knowledge of University policies and procedures surrounding project work.
• Ability to work on multiple projects with varying scope, multiple stages of completion and/or vague requirements.
• Incumbent must be comfortable with working in variable conditions, be aware of associated hazards, and be willing to comply with local policies.
• Examples may include but not be limited to the presence of chemical odors, animals, insects, plants, dust, confined space, access by ladder or scaffolding, noise, and other physical hazards.
• Safety gear may be required. Proficiency with a variety of business and technical computer software (such as MS Word, Excel, email, Revit/BIM).
• Must have and maintain a valid US driver’s license.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

You will be a top candidate with our preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited program (BSEE preferred).
• Successful completion of Part A of the Professional Engineers exam.
• Familiar with and able to apply National Electrical Code and other NFPA standards.
• Ability to use lighting modeling software, electrical modeling software, and perform load and voltage drop calculations.
• Ability to move designs to successful conclusion.
• Practical experience in power distribution, generator, lighting, and fire alarm installations.

Rewards & Benefits

Cornell provides great benefits that include educational benefits, access to a plethora of wellness programs, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, health care options to choose from, generous paid leave provisions: 3 weeks of vacation leave, health and personal leave, 13 holidays (including end of year winter break through New Year’s Day), 2 floating holidays, and superior retirement contributions. Cornell has also been nationally recognized as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives. For more information click here.

University Job Title

Facilities Designer II

Job Family

Facilities & Safety Services

Level

F

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Range

$82,875.00 - $96,315.00

Remote Option Availability

Hybrid

Company

Endowed

Contact Name

Tonya Eiklor

Contact Email

[e-mail]

Job Titles and Pay Ranges

Non-Union Positions

• Prior relevant work or industry experience
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
• Unique applicable skills
• Academic Discipline

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
• Unique applicable skills
• Academic Discipline

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

Current Employees

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EEO Statement

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “… any person … any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

2026-06-10