Principal Electrical Designer

Principal Electrical Designer
Location: Reading, PA
Type: Long-Term Contract Opportunity

Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Electrical Designer to support complex industrial and energy-related design projects. This role requires strong technical expertise, the ability to work independently, and leadership capability within a multidisciplinary design team. The successful candidate will be responsible for producing high-quality electrical design and drafting deliverables across a range of HV and LV systems while ensuring compliance with applicable codes, standards, and project requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Work independently to complete complex design assignments using advanced design principles, techniques, and industry best practices across multiple small to medium-sized projects.
• Serve as a technical authority on relevant electrical codes, standards, manufacturing requirements, and industry practices related to electrical design deliverables.
• Operate effectively within a team environment with minimal supervision while adhering to client, company, and industry standards.
• Perform moderately to highly complex drafting assignments utilizing established drafting techniques, standards, software, and procedures specific to the electrical discipline.
• Oversee the development of detailed electrical design drawings from sketches, specifications, and engineering data.
• Lead design efforts for HV and LV electrical systems, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and constructability.
• Direct and mentor junior designers and coordinate design work-sharing activities to ensure consistency and adherence to project requirements.
• Participate in design reviews with clients and provide technical guidance on design and drafting issues, ensuring compliance with project specifications.
• Demonstrate a consistent ability to deliver work within established schedule and budget constraints.
• Develop electrical layouts, plans, sections, elevations, and installation details based on reference drawings, specifications, and vendor data.
• Perform dimensional checks and routine electrical calculations required for design development and documentation.
• Conduct field activities including site visits, panel audits, and walkdowns for raceway routing verification.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation in accordance with project and company quality assurance procedures.
• Ensure all work complies with applicable Quality Assurance systems and project-specific requirements.

Qualifications:

Technical and Industry Experience:

• 8+ years of electrical design experience in industrial, energy, utility, or heavy industrial environments.
• Strong proficiency with electrical design and drafting software, including:
  • SmartPlant Electrical (SPEL)
  • SmartPlant Instrumentation (SPI)
  • AutoCAD
  • MicroStation
  • AVEVA E3D (preferred)
• Experience participating in SmartPlant 3D model reviews.
• Strong knowledge in the design of:
  • Lighting systems
  • Small power and grounding systems
  • HV/LV single line diagrams
  • AC/DC distribution systems
  • Wiring and control schematics
  • Substation and switchyard layouts
  • Cable tray, underground/above-grade cable routing, and duct bank design
  • Electrical equipment layouts and installation details
  • Grounding and lightning protection systems
• Experience with cable engineering, including:
  • Cable schedules
  • Cable pulling calculations
  • Cable tray sizing
  • Cable selection and sizing
• Experience performing lighting calculations using tools such as AGI32 or similar software.

Education / Certification:

• Associate degree or technical diploma in Electrical Design/Drafting or related field required
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience will be considered

This is a long-term contract opportunity offering the chance to contribute to complex, high-impact electrical design projects in a collaborative and technically driven environment.