Associate Design Engineer

Associate Design Engineer

Windsors Mill, MD (Hybrid - 3 Days in Office)

Contract-to-Hire

Pay Rate - $28.00 - $36.00/hr

We are seeking an Associate Design Engineer to support substation equipment replacement projects within a major utility's engineering organization. The Associate Designer will translate engineer-developed markups into accurate, production-ready CAD drawings and support the delivery of design packages across project milestones. Designers brought on through this program will begin executing smaller-scope projects, including transformer, arrester, and battery replacements and progress into larger, more complex design work over their first year.

The Associate Design Engineer will work closely with Senior Engineers and a tight-knit team of experienced designers, with direct mentorship built into the engagement from day one.

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 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 or Certificate in Engineering Technology, Drafting Technology, Electrical Technology, Computer-Aided Drafting a related technical field OR Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering with a passion for the designer career path
• 1–3 years of experience in CAD drafting, design technology, or a related technical role
• 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 where you will be provided an opportunity to work with a Fortune 100 company. Eight Eleven group offers Health, Dental and Vision benefits, weekly pay, holiday paid time off and sick leave (Earned sick and safe leave accrues at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year, in accordance with the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act.)

The Elevate program allows for 12-months of technical training and upskilling, professional development, and exposure to upper leadership at our client to ensure the full-time conversion process is as seamless as possible

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.

Application Deadline - Monday, November 2nd, 2026