Associate Designer

Windsor Mill, MD (Hybrid – 3 days in office)

Contract to Hire

$28.00 - $36.00/hr (Depending on Experience – 40hr/week)

We are seeking an Associate Designer to support system protection and control drawing production for transmission and substation projects. The Associate Designer will translate engineer-developed markups into accurate, production-ready CAD drawings and supporting the delivery of design packages across project milestones.

The team is actively piloting AutoCAD Electrical as part of a broader initiative to modernize its protection and control design environment, making this an exciting time to join. The Associate Designer will work closely with Senior Engineers and a tight-knit team of experienced designers, building technical competency in utility substation drafting within a structured, professional corporate environment.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and execute engineer-developed markups to produce and update system protection and control drawings in AutoCAD, including one-line diagrams, AC/DC schematic diagrams, elementary drawings, and panel layouts
• Develop point-to-point control wiring diagrams (CWDs)
• Support the full design workflow, updating drawings at each milestone as markups are reviewed and approved by engineers
• Maintain and revise existing substation drawing sets to reflect field as-built conditions and design changes
• Apply and adhere to drafting standards, drawing conventions, and configuration control procedures
• Prepare QA checklists and ensure drawings comply with design configuration control policies and applicable regulatory standards
• Support pilot projects within AutoCAD Electrical as the team transitions to expanded use of the platform
• Coordinate with engineers, project teams, and field personnel to verify drawing accuracy and resolve technical discrepancies
• Provide technical drawing support to field construction, testing, and commissioning crews as needed
• Maintain awareness of NERC PRC & CIP Standards as they apply to documentation and design deliverables

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Engineering Technology, Drafting Technology, Electrical Technology, Computer-Aided Drafting, or a related technical field
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline with an understanding and passion for the designer career path and related experience
• 0–3 years of experience in CAD drafting, design technology, or a related technical role; recent graduates from Associate's degree programs with strong AutoCAD training are encouraged to apply
• Proficiency in AutoCAD or other design software
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, one-line diagrams, wiring diagrams, and technical specifications
• Familiarity with protection and control drawing types used in substation environments (elementary diagrams, CWDs, panel layouts) is a plus
• Strong attention to detail and ability to execute technical markups accurately
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple drawing revisions across concurrent projects
• Effective communication skills; ability to collaborate with engineers, designers, and field personnel
• AutoCAD Electrical experience or knowledge is a plus
• Utility, power, or industrial plant drafting experience is a plus

What's in it for you?

• A welcoming, team environment with the opportunity to work with a Fortune 100 company
• Health, Dental, and Vision benefits
• Weekly pay, holiday paid time off, and sick leave
• Access to the Elevate program: 12 months of technical training, upskilling, professional development, and exposure to upper leadership to support a seamless full-time conversion process

Eight Eleven Group provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, citizenship, disability, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.e