Electrical Design Engineer

CDM Smith
Chicago, IL
Why CDM Smith?:

Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here!
Join Us! CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold.
Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it’s a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.
Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

Job Description:

Are you interested in designing electrical systems that support critical infrastructure and improve communities?

 

CDM Smith is seeking an Electrical Design Engineer to support complex design and construction projects that make a meaningful impact on communities and critical infrastructure.

 

This is a hybrid position with a strong preference for candidates based in Chicago, Illinois . The role will support electrical engineering projects across markets including water, wastewater, industrial, federal, and transit facilities.

 

In this role, you will contribute to power system design, electrical studies, construction-phase services, and technical guidance within a collaborative, employee-owned firm. CDM Smith offers flexible work options, and a sign-on bonus may be considered for the successful candidate.

 

As an Electrical Design Engineer , you will:

  • Under limited supervision, develop basic to moderately complex electrical designs, including electrical master plans, power distribution systems, protection and generation models, facility power systems, and renewable or sustainable energy systems.
  • Perform electrical calculations and power system studies, including load flow, short-circuit, protective device coordination, arc-flash, voltage drop, and related analyses.
  • Develop designs and calculations for lighting, communications, fire alarm, security, grounding, emergency power, and other facility electrical systems.
  • Prepare and review electrical drawings, specifications, technical reports, calculations, and other project deliverables.
  • Perform site investigations, field reviews, and technical studies to document existing conditions and confirm that proposed designs align with project and site requirements.
  • Update designs and technical requirements based on field conditions, client needs, applicable codes, and project changes.
  • Support projects during construction by reviewing submittals, responding to requests for information, and assisting with field-related design issues.
  • Coordinate electrical designs with clients, utilities, equipment vendors, and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • Provide technical guidance to junior engineers and designers and review their work for accuracy and completeness.
  • Contribute to the firm’s Technical Knowledge Management program by developing technical documentation, white papers, design guidance, and lessons learned.
  • Participate in technical conferences, professional organizations, and industry events to strengthen technical knowledge and support the visibility of the firm’s services.
  • Perform other duties as required.

#LI-TM1

#LI-Hybrid

Skills & Abilities:
  • Working knowledge of electrical engineering design principles, practices, and calculations.
  • Experience using computer-aided design and drafting software and related engineering design tools.
  • Ability to develop clear, accurate, and coordinated electrical design documents.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, clients, contractors, and other project stakeholders.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Electrical Technology, or a related discipline.
  • 3 years of relevant experience.
  • Equivalent directly related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Domestic and/or international travel may be required depending on project needs, workload, and business demands.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience designing electrical systems for water, wastewater, industrial, federal, transit, municipal, or other infrastructure facilities.
  • Experience designing medium- and low-voltage power distribution systems.
  • Experience with electrical equipment such as transformers, switchgear, motor control centers, panelboards, generators, uninterruptible power supplies, and variable-frequency drives.
  • Experience preparing single-line diagrams, electrical plans, equipment schedules, specifications, and engineering calculations.
  • Experience conducting power system analyses using SKM PowerTools, ETAP, EasyPower, or similar software.
  • Familiarity with applicable industry and federal codes and standards, including NEC, NFPA, NESC, IEEE, and UFC requirements.
  • Experience with AutoCAD, Revit, MicroStation, or similar design software.
  • Engineer-in-Training certification or progress toward professional engineering licensure.
Amount of Travel Required: 10% or less EEO Statement: We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Background Check and Drug Testing Information: CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as “CDM Smith”) reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing. Additional Compensation : All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position. Pay Range Min: USD $86,507.00 Pay Range Max: USD $142,730.00 Visa Sponsorship Available : No-We will not support sponsorship in the United States, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position
Posted 2026-06-23

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