Associate Design Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Who We Are
Since we began in 1988, CTI has been a leading audiovisual provider, with a simple mission: to provide a fantastic customer experience.
At CTI, our biggest asset is our people, and we know that sometimes the most awesome employees don't fit the typical mold. If you are hardworking and friendly and know the importance of fantastic customer service, you could be a good fit at CTI. We have developed a collaborative and lively working environment, where the best and the brightest show up to work each day ready to have fun and employ their passion for and knowledge of technology in everything they do. This creative atmosphere helps us apply and share our skills with our clients, who seek quality, high-end Audio Visual, and Conference Solutions.
What You'll Do
As a Design Engineer, you'll take a client's big ideas and turn them into clear, build-ready AV system designs. You'll be the technical backbone from concept through execution support-partnering with Sales, PMs, BIM/CAD, and the field to keep projects smart, buildable, and aligned with CTI standards (and yes...with a little fun along the way).
• Design complete commercial AV systems (conference rooms, boardrooms, training spaces, enterprise collaboration environments, etc.)
• Create AV signal flow diagrams, system drawings, and documentation (Visio and/or CAD)
• Review project scope, proposals, and kickoff info-then ask the right questions to clarify technical requirements and assumptions
• Select AV equipment and define system architecture that aligns with CTI standards, real-world constraints, and budgets
• Collaborate with Sales, Project Managers, BIM/CAD teams, architects, consultants, IT, and electrical stakeholders to keep designs coordinated and buildable
• Provide technical direction and quality assurance on drawings so the field can trust what's on the page
• Support execution with answers and adjustments: field/programming questions, procurement clarifications/substitutions, and design updates due to site conditions or product availability
What Success Looks Like
• Designs that install cleanly with minimal rework (aka fewer "uh-oh" moments on the jobsite)
• Clear, accurate documentation the field can trust (because good drawings make everyone's day better)
• Projects that meet client expectations, CTI standards, and budget
• Strong collaboration across Sales, PMs, BIM/CAD, and field teams-with room for CTI's "fun is mandatory" culture
What You Bring
• 3+ years designing commercial AV systems (not entry-level-bring your signal flow skills)
• Strong experience creating AV documentation/drawings (signal flow, system drawings, Visio/CAD)
• Comfort selecting equipment and building solutions that are practical, buildable, and aligned to standards/budget
• Communication skills that make cross-team coordination easy (you can translate tech to humans)
• A collaborative, supportive work style-independent when needed, curious enough to ask great questions
• Associate degree preferred (not required). Attitude and aptitude matter here.
What's In It For You?
At CTI, we know our company's success is directly correlated to the success of our employees. So, it's fitting that we thrive on and encourage employee growth, both professionally and personally. Our competitive compensation package includes:
• A culture where "fun is mandatory", teams value your ideas, we celebrate wins (big and small), and you have support
• Opportunities for growth and learning
• Base salary $75,000 to $135,000 (DOE)
• Employer-matched medical, prescription, and dental insurance (available after 60 days of employment)
• Employer matched 401K up to 3% (after 6 months of employment)
• Bonus eligibility that is based off our results-oriented incentive plan (after 3 months of employment)
• A graduated PTO program, all major holidays off, as well as three "floating" holidays, available upon your first day of employment
• Special gifts for significant life events, such as marriage, the birth of a child, and buying a house
• Cell phone reimbursement plan
• Long- and Short-Term Disability 100% paid by CTI
• Life Insurance 100% paid by CTI
CTI. is an equal opportunity employer. We do not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of its activities or operations. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.