Special Systems Design Engineer

McFarland Johnson; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous salary and bonus structure

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k) match

Technical training opportunities

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Philadelphia is seeking a mid-level Special Systems / Electrical Designer. In this role, you'll contribute to various infrastructure projects, focusing on systems like fire alarms and access control. We're looking for a dedicated individual with 3-6 years of experience in electrical design, proficient in Revit and AutoCAD. Join our employee-owned culture that values career growth, client satisfaction, and technical excellence. This position offers competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 3-6 years of experience in electrical or special systems design.
• Familiarity with fire alarm, security, access control, and AV/IT infrastructure.
• EIT/EI designation or progress towards licensure is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop design drawings and technical documents for special systems.
• Collaborate with project teams for coordination across phases.
• Perform technical calculations and equipment selections.

Skills

Electrical design

Special systems design

Revit

AutoCAD

Effective communication

Attention to detail

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Job description

McFarland Johnson (MJ) is a 100% employee-owned (ESOP) engineering and infrastructure firm with decades of experience delivering complex projects across Aviation, Transportation, Environmental, Water/Wastewater, and MEP/Facilities sectors. Our team-first culture, ownership mindset, and commitment to technical excellence make MJ a place where careers are built — not just jobs filled. Our Philadelphia office is growing, and we're looking for motivated engineers and designers who want to do meaningful work and grow with the firm.

About The Role

MJ's MEP/Facilities Division is seeking a mid-level Special Systems / Electrical Designer to join our Philadelphia team. In this role, you'll work within our Special Systems group on a range of infrastructure and facilities projects, contributing to design, documentation, and coordination efforts across multiple project types. This is a great opportunity for a designer ready to take on more responsibility and deepen their expertise in a collaborative, technically driven environment.

While experience in power systems is a plus, it is not a requirement for this position. We're primarily looking for someone with a solid foundation in special systems design who is eager to grow.

Why Join MJ?

• Career Growth: This position offers tremendous growth opportunities for career-minded professionals.
• Award-Winning Firm: Be a part of MJ’s highly regarded and award-winning team.
• Employee-Owned Culture: Enjoy the benefits of our employee-owned culture, focused on performance and client service.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and produce design drawings, specifications, and technical documents for special systems projects, including fire alarm, security/access control, communications, audio/visual, and low-voltage systems.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and multi-discipline teams to coordinate systems across project phases — from schematic design through construction administration.
• Perform technical calculations, system layouts, and equipment selections in accordance with applicable codes and standards (NFPA, IBC, NEC as applicable).
• Participate in client meetings and field visits; assist in gathering field data and preparing existing conditions documentation.
• Review shop drawings and submittals; respond to RFIs and support construction administration tasks.
• Coordinate with architects, contractors, and other design disciplines to ensure design intent is maintained through project delivery.
• Support senior engineers and project leads in the development of project scopes, schedules, and deliverables.
• Contribute to quality control reviews and uphold MJ's standards for technical accuracy and deliverable quality.

Desired Skills And Qualifications

• 3-6 years of experience in electrical or special systems design within a consulting engineering or AEC environment.
• Proficiency in Revit and/or AutoCAD; BIM experience in a production environment preferred.
• Familiarity with special systems such as fire alarm, security, access control, communications, or AV/IT infrastructure.
• Working knowledge of relevant codes and standards (NFPA 72, IBC, NEC).
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks across concurrent projects.
• Effective communication skills — comfortable working within a team and interfacing with clients and contractors.
• EIT/EI designation or progress toward licensure is a plus.
• Experience with power distribution design is a bonus, but not required.

What MJ Offers

• Generous salary and incentive payment plan/bonus structure.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous Paid Time Off, including Parental Leave.
• Fully contributed to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• 401(k) match.
• Technical training and professional development opportunities.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Join MJ and become part of our exceptional team dedicated to innovation, engineering excellence, and client satisfaction.