Entry Level Electrical Designer Jobs in California

Medium Voltage Switchgear Electrical Engineer

Location: Irvine, CA – Hybrid 2-3 days in office per week
Salary: $90,000–$130,000 annually
Job Type: Full-time

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Medium Voltage Switchgear Electrical Engineer to support the design, development, testing, and implementation of medium-voltage (MV) switchgear equipment.

This is a hands-on engineering position focused specifically on medium-voltage switchgear design and testing. The Engineer will develop electrical designs and schematics, including one-line and three-line diagrams, support equipment testing and validation, troubleshoot electrical issues, and ensure switchgear designs meet technical and regulatory requirements.

The ideal candidate will have direct engineering experience with medium-voltage switchgear, power distribution equipment, electrical circuit design, protection systems, and switchgear testing.

Key Responsibilities

Medium Voltage Switchgear Design

• Design and develop medium-voltage switchgear systems, configurations, and electrical circuits
• Develop and review one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, schematics, wiring diagrams, and electrical drawings
• Design and document control, protection, metering, and power circuits associated with MV switchgear
• Select and specify appropriate electrical components based on system and application requirements
• Review customer specifications and translate technical requirements into switchgear designs
• Prepare and maintain engineering drawings, specifications, bills of materials, and related technical documentation
• Utilize CAD and electrical design software to create and maintain switchgear engineering drawings
• Review designs for functionality, safety, reliability, and manufacturability

Testing & Validation

• Develop and support testing procedures for medium-voltage switchgear and associated electrical systems
• Perform and/or support electrical testing, functional testing, and equipment validation
• Verify switchgear operation against engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements
• Troubleshoot electrical issues identified during manufacturing and testing
• Perform fault analysis and identify root causes of electrical or equipment performance issues
• Document test results and recommend corrective actions when required
• Support final inspection and quality assurance activities prior to equipment release

Engineering & Technical Support

• Provide technical support throughout the design, manufacturing, testing, and implementation process
• Work closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Product Management, Sales, and other Engineering teams
• Support resolution of design and production issues involving MV switchgear
• Review and respond to technical questions from customers and internal stakeholders
• Support installation and commissioning activities when required
• Assist with engineering changes, design revisions, and continuous product improvements

Standards & Compliance

• Ensure switchgear designs comply with applicable electrical codes, industry standards, and customer specifications
• Interpret and apply applicable IEEE, ANSI, UL, IEC, and other medium-voltage switchgear standards
• Participate in engineering and quality reviews to ensure equipment meets applicable safety and performance requirements
• Maintain accurate technical documentation supporting regulatory and customer requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline
• 2+ years of electrical engineering experience
• Direct experience designing or engineering medium-voltage switchgear
• Experience developing and interpreting one-line diagrams and three-line diagrams
• Strong understanding of electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and power distribution circuits
• Experience with electrical testing, troubleshooting, and fault analysis
• Familiarity with protection, control, and metering circuits used in MV switchgear
• Experience using CAD or electrical design software
• Ability to read and interpret customer specifications and technical requirements
• Strong technical documentation and engineering communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

Ideal Candidate Background

The ideal candidate has worked directly for a medium-voltage switchgear manufacturer, electrical equipment manufacturer, power distribution equipment manufacturer, or engineering organization designing MV switchgear.

We are specifically seeking candidates with practical engineering experience involving the design and testing of medium-voltage switchgear. General electrical engineering, controls engineering, or low-voltage-only experience without direct exposure to medium-voltage power distribution equipment will not be considered equivalent to the preferred background.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off