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Electrical Distribution Designer Jobs in California

Dar Group

Electrical Engineer, Water

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$95K - $142K/yr

Together, we enhance conventional designs with smarter, more resilient systems. We provide people ... Experience: 5-10 years of experience in power distribution design. AutoCAD skills are preferred ...

Dar Group

Electrical Engineer, Water

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$95K - $142K/yr

Together, we enhance conventional designs with smarter, more resilient systems. We provide people ... Experience: 5-10 years of experience in power distribution design. AutoCAD skills are preferred ...

Dar Group

Electrical Engineer, Water

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$95K - $142K/yr

Together, we enhance conventional designs with smarter, more resilient systems. We provide people ... Experience: 5-10 years of experience in power distribution design. AutoCAD skills are preferred ...

Dar Group

Electrical Engineer, Water

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$95K - $142K/yr

Together, we enhance conventional designs with smarter, more resilient systems. We provide people ... PE required. • Experience with medium voltage electrical distribution, fire alarms, short circuit ...

Pkaza

Senior Electrical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$115K - $150K/yr

... designing electrical systems specifically for large data centers. They will have experience and in-depth knowledge of Electrical Power Systems / Power Distribution System design and installation.

Onto

Senior Electrical Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$128K - $192K/yr

Designs & develops electrical/electronic/electro-mechanical solutions for released products ... Knowledge and understanding of power distribution for industrial machines a must * Must be familiar ...

TRC Companies, Inc.

Distribution Engineer IV

San Diego, CA · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

Responsibilities Review designs of various electrical distribution systems of varying size and complexity completed by junior staff as well as mentor and train. Activities shall include, but not be ...

Onto

Senior Electrical Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$128K - $192K/yr

Designs & develops electrical/electronic/electro-mechanical solutions for released products ... Knowledge and understanding of power distribution for industrial machines a must * Must be familiar ...

Ecompex

Electrical Engineer (Hybrid)

Oakland, CA · On-site

Replace and expand exterior distribution systems; perform load sizing for emergency generator ... Must have experience evaluating designs and the ability to confirm compliance with nationally ...

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Electrical Distribution Designer information

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How much do electrical distribution designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for electrical distribution designer in California is $38.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.06 and $44.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an electrical distribution designer do?

An electrical distribution designer assists with the design and layout of residential and commercial electric systems. Your responsibilities as an electrical distribution designer include designing these electric systems to avoid overload and prevent outages. You may update existing systems or create networks from scratch for new commercial or residential builds. Your duties also include collaborating with engineers on a design project. You use various computer programs to track deadlines and project progress. You may have to make reports to update other relevant departments on the build. Electrical distribution designers must also stay current on safety policies and procedures.

How does an electrical distribution designer typically collaborate with engineers and field crews during a project?

Electrical Distribution Designers work closely with electrical engineers to interpret project requirements and ensure designs meet safety and regulatory standards. Throughout a project, they frequently coordinate with field crews to clarify design details, address site-specific challenges, and incorporate feedback from on-site conditions. This collaboration helps ensure plans are practical, constructible, and adhere to timelines. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as designers often serve as a bridge between engineering teams and field operations.

What does an electrical distribution designer do?

An Electrical Distribution Designer is responsible for planning and designing the layouts of electrical distribution systems that deliver electricity from substations to homes, businesses, and other end users. They create detailed drawings and specifications for overhead and underground power lines, ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations. Their work often involves using specialized software, collaborating with engineers, and coordinating with utility companies to ensure reliable and efficient power delivery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an electrical distribution designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Electrical Distribution Designer, you need a solid understanding of electrical engineering principles, power distribution systems, and relevant industry standards, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, GIS systems, and utility design tools like AutoCAD and ESRI ArcGIS is essential, along with knowledge of NESC or NEC codes. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for collaborating with engineers, clients, and field teams. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and code-compliant power distribution designs that meet project and regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Electrical Distribution Designer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectElectrical Distribution DesignerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related field; certifications like PE or EITBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering; PE license often required
Work EnvironmentDesigning power distribution systems, working with CAD software, field visitsDesign, analysis, project management, often in office or lab settings
Industry UsagePower utilities, renewable energy, infrastructure projectsBroad engineering sectors including power, construction, manufacturing

Electrical Distribution Designers focus on creating detailed power distribution plans, often working closely with field teams. Electrical Engineers have a broader scope, including system analysis, project oversight, and design. Both roles require similar credentials and are vital in power and infrastructure projects, but their responsibilities and work environments differ.

More about Electrical Distribution Designer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Electrical Distribution Designer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Electrical Distribution Designer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Electrical Distribution Designer jobs in California?

For Electrical Distribution Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Electrical Distribution Designer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Electrical Distribution Designer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Electrical Distribution Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Electrical Distribution Designer job openings:

Electrical Distribution Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Electrical Distribution Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,437 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

Entry-level Electrical Designer

Salas O'Brien

Vista, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Salas O'Brien rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

158th of 449 rated engineering

Job description

Electrical Designer - Vista
At Salas O'Brien we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That's why we're committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.
Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career-and they'll receive great total rewards along the way.
About Us:
Founded in 1975, Salas O'Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow's requirements are today's opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.
We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.
Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.
Job Summary:
We are seeking a professional, self-motivated, energetic, and enthusiastic Electrical Designer with 2-3 years of consulting engineering experience. The successful candidate will possess strong communication and interpersonal skills and will support the design of electrical systems for a variety of project types, including educational, healthcare, military, hospitality, multifamily residential, and commercial facilities.
This position works closely with senior engineers, project managers, and other design disciplines to develop construction documents and provide technical support throughout the design and construction process.
Previous consulting engineering firm experience is required.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Assist in the design of electrical systems for commercial, educational, healthcare, hospitality, multifamily, military, and government facilities.
  • Prepare electrical plans, one-line diagrams, panel schedules, and construction documents utilizing AutoCAD and Revit.
  • Perform electrical load calculations, voltage drop calculations, and conductor sizing calculations under the direction of senior engineers and project managers.
  • Assist in the design and layout of:
  • Normal and emergency power distribution systems
  • Emergency generators and transfer switches
  • Switchgear, switchboards, panelboards, and transformers
  • Grounding and bonding systems
  • Lighting and lighting control systems
  • Develop lighting layouts and perform photometric calculations using industry-standard software.
  • Research and apply applicable NEC, NFPA 70, California Building Code, and California Energy Code requirements.
  • Coordinate designs with architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, and other project disciplines.
  • Participate in site surveys and field investigations to document existing conditions.
  • Assist with specification preparation and editing.
  • Support construction administration activities, including submittal reviews, RFI responses, and contractor coordination.
  • Maintain project documentation and support project delivery efforts to meet quality standards, schedules, and budgets.

Qualifications and Experience
Required:
  • 2-3 years of electrical design experience within a consulting engineering, architectural/engineering, or building systems design environment.
  • Experience preparing construction documents for building-related projects.
  • Working knowledge of:
    • Normal and emergency power distribution systems
    • Electrical load calculations
    • Grounding and bonding systems
    • Lighting design and photometric calculations
    • NEC and NFPA 70 requirements
    • California code requirements and energy standards
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD.
  • Working knowledge of Revit.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Excel, Outlook, Teams, and Word).
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize assignments and meet deadlines.
  • Eagerness to learn and develop technical and professional skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Previous consulting engineering firm experience.
  • Experience with healthcare, educational, military, government, hospitality, commercial, or multifamily projects.
  • Low-voltage and fire alarm design experience.
  • Experience with field investigations and construction administration activities.
  • Familiarity with arc flash hazard analysis studies.
  • Experience with EnergyPro or working knowledge of California Title 24 requirements.
  • Familiarity with ComCheck and International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) requirements.
  • Experience with Helioscope or similar photovoltaic energy modeling software.
  • BIM coordination experience and strong Revit skills.
  • EIT certification or progress toward EIT certification.

Education
  • Associate's Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology or related technical field preferred.
  • Equivalent technical training and relevant experience will be considered.

Location: Vista, CA (Hybrid, first three months in office)
Travel: Travel up to 10% for site visits, field investigations, and project meetings.
Compensation & Benefits:
The expected hourly compensation range for this role is $40 - 45 USD per hour. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.
This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses, equity participation, and a comprehensive U.S.-based benefits package, including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and company holidays
  • Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
  • Professional development support

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Salas O'Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O'Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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