Electrical Designer

Job Title: Electrical Controls Designer Job Description This role focuses on designing industrial control panels and electrical systems from concept through final drawing packages. The Electrical Controls Designer independently interprets project requirements, develops complete electrical designs, selects appropriate components, performs key electrical calculations, and produces detailed documentation using AutoCAD Electrical. The position requires someone who goes beyond drafting to take ownership of projects, support system architecture and proposals, and serve as a primary point of contact for internal teams and customers. Responsibilities

- Design industrial control panels using AutoCAD Electrical, ensuring all designs meet project requirements and industry standards.
- Create complete electrical documentation, including schematics, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and full drawing packages.
- Select electrical and control components based on technical specifications, performance requirements, and project constraints.
- Develop accurate Bills of Material (BOMs) for control panels and associated electrical systems.
- Design panels in accordance with UL 508A, NEC, and NFPA standards, ensuring compliance and safety.
- Perform electrical calculations such as short-circuit current rating (SCCR), load calculations, heat dissipation, branch circuit sizing, and feeder sizing.
- Design control systems around PLC and DCS hardware as well as industrial networking equipment.
- Review drawings for technical accuracy, completeness, and constructability prior to release for fabrication or construction.
- Support preliminary designs and system architecture, including the development of proposal-level BOMs and design concepts.
- Collaborate closely with engineers, project managers, sales teams, and customers to clarify requirements and ensure successful project execution.
- Review and help guide the work of supporting drafters, providing feedback and direction to improve quality and consistency.
- Mentor other designers as the team grows, sharing best practices and supporting their technical development.
- Take ownership of assigned projects, acting as the main point of contact with customers for design-related topics.
- Interpret and apply electrical specifications and technical design documents to ensure that designs meet all requirements.
- Support panel build activities by providing clear drawings, answering technical questions, and resolving design issues as needed.

Essential Skills

- Minimum of 3 years of industrial control panel design experience.
- Hands-on experience using AutoCAD Electrical for panel and schematic design.
- Strong understanding of UL 508A and industrial electrical standards.
- Proven ability to independently design control panels, not just draft from redlines.
- Experience performing SCCR and electrical load/component sizing calculations.
- Experience selecting electrical and control components and developing Bills of Material (BOMs).
- Working knowledge of PLC and control system hardware.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical specifications and technical design documents.
- Practical experience with panel layout, design, and build processes.
- Proficiency in creating electrical schematics and related documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

- 2-year engineering or technology degree, or equivalent relevant experience.
- Experience with Rockwell / Allen-Bradley control systems.
- Experience with Siemens automation platforms.
- Experience with Emerson control systems.
- Familiarity with Phoenix Contact components and solutions.
- DCS (Distributed Control System) design experience.
- Knowledge of UL 698A standards.
- Experience with industrial communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Profibus, or Modbus TCP.
- Experience in a systems integrator, control panel shop, automation, or industrial OEM environment.
- Experience reviewing or mentoring other designers or drafters.
- Leadership aptitude, including the ability to mentor team members, take ownership of projects, and serve as the primary customer contact on assigned projects.

Work Environment This position is based on-site at a build shop in Knoxville, TN, with travel requirements of less than 10%. The role involves working closely with panel fabrication and build activities, using AutoCAD Electrical and other standard engineering tools in a hands-on industrial environment. Employees work within a cooperative ownership structure where all team members are considered owners and may receive annual dividends and performance-based bonuses, fostering a culture of shared success and collaboration.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Knoxville, TN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $33.65 - $48.07/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Knoxville, TN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 28, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Knoxville,TN. About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without
regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,
sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected
by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or
adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,
please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the
city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants
with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a
condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law
shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,
including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications
and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you
acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.