Facilities Designer II – Senior Electrical Designer

Cornell University; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Educational benefits

Employee discounts

Health care options with paid leave

Superior retirement contributions

Job summary

Cornell University is looking for a motivated Electrical Designer II to join the Facilities Engineering Department. This role involves performing electrical designs across various systems including power distribution and security. The ideal candidate will write technical reports, prepare drawings using Revit, and manage electrical designs.

Key qualifications include an Associate’s Degree in electrical technology or engineering and at least three years of relevant design experience. The position offers comprehensive benefits including health care options and generous paid leave.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of design experience in power distribution, lighting, and fire alarm systems.
• Proficiency in working with various electrical systems.
• Valid U.S. driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Perform electrical designs for various systems.
• Manage electrical designs under $2M.
• Conduct assessments and prepare technical specifications.

Skills

Electrical design

Technical reports writing

Revit/BIM

Construction drawing interpretation

Electrical codes knowledge

Education

Associate’s Degree in electrical technology or engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (preferred)

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

Lighting modeling software

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 and approximately 1,000 dedicated staff, the Campus Services Group seeks a motivated and hardworking individual to join our Facilities Engineering Department as an Electrical Designer II.

Job Summary

The Electrical Designer II will perform electrical designs for power distribution, lighting, fire alarm, data, and security systems, prepare professional Revit drawings and technical specifications, and conduct condition assessments, asset identification, and feasibility analysis. The role requires writing technical reports, presenting to clients, reviewing and updating University design & construction standards, and managing electrical and multidisciplinary designs under $2M with low to medium complexity. The incumbent will review consultant design documents and specifications, support maintenance programs for emergency generators, lighting, and fire alarm systems, and develop relationships with stakeholders including customers, administrators, staff, faculty, AE firms, tradespersons, and code enforcement officials.

Responsibilities

• Perform electrical designs for power distribution, lighting, fire alarm, data, and security systems.
• Prepare Revit drawings and technical specifications for maintenance, repair, and alteration projects.
• Conduct 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 for compliance with University standards and good engineering practices.
• Support maintenance programs for emergency generators, emergency lighting, secondary electrical equipment, and fire alarm systems.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with all stakeholders.
• Perform frequent construction site visits where odors, dust, noise, and physical hazards may be present.

Qualifications

• Minimum of an Associate’s Degree in electrical technology, engineering, or related field, plus at least three years of design experience in power distribution, lighting, and fire alarm building systems.
• Technical knowledge of design and construction industries.
• Knowledge of building electrical systems and construction estimating.
• Ability to comprehend construction drawings and specifications.
• Working knowledge of engineering codes and industry standards (e.g., NEC, NFPA).
• Experience interpreting and applying codes.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to cultivate interpersonal relationships and organize effectively.
• Effective teamwork, priority setting, and judgment.
• Proficiency with University project policies and procedures.
• Ability to work on multiple projects with varying scope and stages.
• Comfortable working in variable conditions, aware of hazards, and compliant with local policies.
• Proficiency with business and technical software (MS Word, Excel, email, Revit/BIM).
• Valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Ability to cultivate inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Benefits

• Educational benefits and wellness programs.
• Employee discounts with local and national retail brands.
• Health care options with generous paid leave: 3 weeks vacation, health and personal leave, 13 holidays, 2 floating holidays.
• Superior retirement contributions.

Legal

Visa sponsorship is not available. Relocation assistance will not be provided.

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, race, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, color, sex, pregnancy, age, creed, religion, disability, criminal history, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and encourages people from historically underrepresented or marginalized identities to apply. We hire based on merit, and affirmatively assist qualified veterans and individuals with disabilities under applicable law.