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Utility Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Designer

Ontario, CA · On-site +1

$20/hr

HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support ... HBK Engineering is seeking a Designer for our Ontario, CA office to deliver comprehensive design ...

Designer

Baldwin Park, CA · On-site

$71K/yr

Santa Ana, CA (hybrid onsite Tuesday and Wednesday) Designer (3502) Pay Rate: $34.51/hr Duration ... interpreting utility mapping information via ArcGIS platform or similar. • Experience with ...

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Drafter/Designer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$28 - $36/hr

Additionally, the Drafter/Designer is responsible for preparing the drawing sets which may include gas, electric, phone, and cable television infrastructure for utility companies. Essential Duties ...

Designer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$20/hr

HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support ... About this Role HBK Engineering is seeking a Designer for our Ontario, CA office to deliver ...

Designer

Ontario, CA · On-site +1

$20/hr

Quanta's focus on the utility industry and HBK's focus on constructability in our designs has made our integration into the Quanta family of companies seamless. About this Role HBK Engineering is ...

Piping Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$60 - $65/hr

Job Title: Senior Designer (Plant 3D / Civil 3D) Location: Downtown Los Angeles, CA (Hybrid ... Proven experience in utility, infrastructure, or industrial projects * Demonstrated leadership in ...

Piping Designer

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$60 - $65/hr

Job Title: Senior Designer (Plant 3D / Civil 3D) Location: Downtown Los Angeles, CA (Hybrid ... Proven experience in utility, infrastructure, or industrial projects * Demonstrated leadership in ...

Piping Designer

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$60 - $65/hr

Job Title: Senior Designer (Plant 3D / Civil 3D) Location: Downtown Los Angeles, CA (Hybrid ... Proven experience in utility, infrastructure, or industrial projects * Demonstrated leadership in ...

Piping Designer

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$60 - $65/hr

Job Title: Senior Designer (Plant 3D / Civil 3D) Location: Downtown Los Angeles, CA (Hybrid ... Proven experience in utility, infrastructure, or industrial projects * Demonstrated leadership in ...

Utility Services; Environmental Health Sciences; Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial ... Depending on experience, candidates may contribute as developing designers, independent ...

Utility Services; Environmental Health Sciences; Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial ... Depending on experience, candidates may contribute as developing designers, independent ...

Utility Services; Environmental Health Sciences; Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial ... Depending on experience, candidates may contribute as developing designers, independent ...

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Showing results 1-20

Utility Designer information

See California salary details

$35K

$82.1K

$108.6K

How much do utility designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for utility designer in California is $82,059.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $107,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a utility designer?

Utility Designers are professionals who plan and design the infrastructure for public utilities, such as electricity, water, gas, and telecommunications. They create detailed technical drawings and layouts for utility lines and systems, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and engineering standards. Utility Designers often collaborate with engineers, surveyors, and construction teams to bring utility projects from concept to completion. Their work is essential for both new developments and upgrades to existing utility networks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a utility designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Utility Designer, you need a solid background in civil engineering or a related field, along with proficiency in utility layout and design principles. Familiarity with CAD software, GIS systems, and relevant industry codes or certifications such as NCEES is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills set outstanding professionals apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring accurate, safe, and efficient utility infrastructure design that meets regulatory and client standards.

How does a utility designer typically collaborate with engineers and field crews during a project?

Utility Designers play a crucial role in bridging the gap between engineering teams and field crews. They work closely with engineers to interpret technical requirements and ensure that design plans meet regulatory and safety standards. During project implementation, Utility Designers often coordinate with field crews to address on-site challenges, clarify design details, and make adjustments as needed. This collaboration helps ensure that utility infrastructure—such as power lines, water systems, or telecommunications—are installed accurately and efficiently.

What is the difference between Utility Designer vs Utility Engineer?

AspectUtility DesignerUtility Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, design certificationsBachelor's degree in engineering, professional engineering license
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, project planning sitesConstruction sites, project development environments
Industry UsageDesign phase of utility systems in infrastructure projectsImplementation and maintenance of utility systems
Common Search/ComparisonUtility Designer vs Utility Engineer

Utility Designers focus on planning and designing utility systems, ensuring they meet project specifications. Utility Engineers are more involved in implementing, testing, and maintaining these systems. While both roles require engineering knowledge, Utility Engineers often hold professional licenses and work more on the operational side, whereas Utility Designers concentrate on the planning and design stages.

How do you become a utility designer?

To become a utility designer, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions, developing skills in design software like AutoCAD, and obtaining relevant certifications can also enhance qualifications for this role.

What cities in California are hiring for Utility Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Utility Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Utility Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,059 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Designer - Electric Utilities

El Centro, CA • Hybrid

Cordoba Corporation
Civil Engineering Construction • 51 - 200 employees

$34 - $48/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Cordoba Corporation is a leading engineering and program management firm based in California and we are seeking Designers to join our Energy-Electric team. As a Designer, you will be responsible for designing and analyzing Overhead and Underground Electric utility lines. This role involves working on projects that contribute to the development and enhancement of power infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have experience in Electric utility design as well as knowledge of industry practices and standards. The Designer plays a pivotal role in maintaining industry standards, implementing innovative solutions, and providing technical expertise.


  • Work with engineering and design team to produce and/or review overhead and underground distribution design packages.
  • Prepare construction drawings, materials inventory (install and removals), voltage drop calculations, environmental/FAA/permitting releases, easements, fielding photos, and notes, distribution planning coordination requests, and GIS maps.
  • Understand and apply knowledge of overhead or underground Electric utility designs and construction standards, applicable codes, and industry practice to produce reliable and technically sound designs and/or quality control reviews.
  • Review design documents and drawings for accuracy and completeness, addressing any discrepancies or issues identified during the review process.
  • Provide clear and concise comments and justifications where design deficiencies are observed.
  • Review revised designs for incorporation of comments.
  • Identify trends or new issues and communicate with management to review along with potential solutions.
  • Ensure and maintain compliance with applicable company and client standards and procedures.
  • Provide technical support to junior designers.
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of department and company goals.
  • Participate in special projects or tasks as required.
  • Occasional fielding on an as-needed basis deepening on project workload and needs.

Designer I

  • High School Diploma/GED Equivalent required
  • 1-3+ years of experience in Electric Overhead and/or Underground utility design required
  • Experience calculating voltage drop and flicker preferred
  • Knowledge of industry standards and regulations
  • Proficiency using Overhead design software required; O-Calc design software preferred
  • Proficiency using the Microsoft Office Suite
  • Effective analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to provide technical support to junior designers preferred
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Pay Range: $28.00 - $43.00 per hour

Work Location: Hybrid 3 days per week in El Centro, CA

Travel: Up to 10% travel within Imperial County CA depending on project needs

Visa Sponsorship: Legal authorization to work in the U.S.A. on a full-time basis without sponsorship

Physical Requirements: Ability to pass a pre-authorized physical including a drug-screening and background check

Designer II

  • High School Diploma/GED Equivalent required
  • 3-5+ years of experience in Electric Overhead and/or Underground utility design required
  • Proficiency calculating voltage drop and flicker required
  • In-depth knowledge of industry standards and regulations
  • Proficiency using Overhead design software required; O-Calc design software preferred
  • Proficiency using the Microsoft Office Suite
  • Experience using SAP software preferred
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Experience providing technical support to junior designers
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Pay Range: $34.00 – $48.00 per hour

Work Location: Hybrid 3 days per week in El Centro, CA

Travel: Up to 10% travel within Imperial County CA depending on project needs

Visa Sponsorship: Legal authorization to work in the U.S.A. on a full-time basis without sponsorship

Physical Requirements: Ability to pass a pre-authorized physical including a drug-screening and background check


Cordoba Corporation, Making a Difference

Cordoba Corporation is a nationally recognized civil engineering, construction management, program management, and planning firm. Our expertise spans diverse sectors, including education and facilities, transportation, water, and energy. Collaborating closely with our clients, we have successfully delivered complex and high-impact infrastructure projects across California.

National Recognition - Cordoba’s efforts have garnered national acclaim. Engineering News-Record (ENR) has consistently ranked us as a “top 100 construction management firm” and a “top 50 program management firm.” Additionally, ENR recognized Cordoba as a “top 100 design firm” in California in 2018. Our business model emphasizes efficiency, fostering a dynamic work environment. We approach projects with multifaceted strategies, ensuring successful outcomes.

Statewide Presence - With headquarters in Los Angeles, Cordoba maintains a strong statewide presence. Our offices extend to San Francisco, Sacramento, San Ramon, Chatsworth, Santa Ana, Ontario, and San Diego.

Enhancing Employee Well-Being

Benefits and Perks: We offer multiple medical and dental insurance plans, as well as vision insurance. Plans are subsidized for both employees and dependents with coverage effective the first month after hire.  Additionally, Cordoba provides employees with paid AD&D and life insurance, a 401k with an industry leading employer match, generous vacation and sick leave accruals, 9 paid holidays, and other forms of paid time off.  We also offer flexible spending accounts (FSA’s) including medical care reimbursement, dependent care reimbursement, and commuter benefit plans. Employees are also eligible for our employee assistance program and well-being benefits that include stress management, nutrition, and financial well-being.

 

Cordoba Corporation provides equal employment opportunities, promoting diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.

Harassment-Free Workplace: We strictly prohibit workplace harassment based on any factor, including race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Cordoba is committed to fostering a healthy and happy lifestyle for our employees, both within and beyond the workplace.

For inquiries or accommodations, please contact our HR Department at: (213) 895-0224.

Join Cordoba Corporation and be part of shaping California’s future!

#LI-Hybrid