Electrical Principal Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Electrical Principal Designer

Company: UDR Consulting Inc

Location: Greenville, SC & Houston, TX

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering & Design Operations

Date Posted: May 08, 2026

Experience Level: 15+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for the successful execution of Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) projects, focusing on advanced electrical design and technical leadership.

• The Electrical Principal Designer will serve as an Area Lead Designer, guiding junior designers and ensuring technical accuracy and project compliance.

• Key responsibilities include the preparation and checking of complex designs using 3D modeling and 2D CADD automation tools, requiring a deep understanding of electrical systems and industry standards.

• This position demands strong coordination skills with various disciplines, project management, vendors, and clients to ensure seamless project delivery within scope, cost, and schedule baselines.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Electrical Principal Designer," this role is being categorized under "Engineering & Design Operations" to align with the operational aspects of managing design processes, technical documentation, and cross-functional coordination within large-scale EPC projects. The emphasis on "design work," "3D modeling," "CADD automation tools," and "coordination" points to operational execution within the engineering domain.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as an Area Lead Designer, providing technical guidance, supervision, and mentorship to a team of electrical designers.

• Prepare and meticulously check electrical designs of advanced complexity, leveraging 3D modeling and 2D Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) automation tools.

• Proactively coordinate technical issues and design requirements with other engineering disciplines, project management teams, vendors, and clients to ensure integrated project solutions.

• Execute all design work in strict compliance with the Project Quality Plan, established procedures, and approved project scope, cost, and schedule baselines.

• Conduct thorough analysis and tabulation of bulk material take-offs to support procurement and project budgeting accurately.

• Provide critical technical support for equipment and material procurement, including the thorough review of vendor submittals for compliance and technical suitability.

• Offer essential technical support during the construction administration phase, responding effectively to construction requests for information (RFIs) and field changes.

• Perform advanced electrical design calculations, including but not limited to lighting, raceway sizing, wire sizing, voltage drop, cable pulling, panel board, and breaker sizing.

• Interpret field direction, generate minor design details, create new drawings, and modify existing drawings with minimal supervision, directing junior drafters as needed.

• Ensure all designs comply with applicable federal, state, and local codes and standards, such as those from the Department of Energy and relevant industry bodies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed heavily emphasize the operational execution of design processes, technical oversight, and cross-functional collaboration within an EPC project lifecycle. The inclusion of "coordination," "compliance," "material take-off analysis," "procurement support," and "construction administration support" highlights the operational nature of this design leadership role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate degree in a related technical field of study.

Experience: Minimum of fifteen (15) years of work-related experience, with significant experience in EPC services on large industrial projects.

Required Skills:

• U.S. Citizenship required.

• Extensive knowledge of applicable federal (including Department of Energy orders), state, and local codes and standards relevant to electrical design.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences including project management, coworkers, clients, vendors, and subcontractors.

• Proficient in executing large engineering projects utilizing 3D modeling and 2D CADD automation tools in a multi-discipline environment.

• Advanced knowledge of relevant discipline codes and standards.

• Ability to perform work in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal codes, statutes, and guidelines.

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to work efficiently and meet deadlines.

• Intermediate computer and software skills, including proficiency in word processing, email, spreadsheet, and electronic presentation programs.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software, specifically Bentley MicroStation, with a demonstrated ability to originate and produce drawings with minimal supervision.

• Proficiency in 3D modeling using Intergraph Smart3D (S3D).

• Experience with the design of systems, structures, and components for nuclear facilities under the requirements of ASME NQA-1.

• Practical field experience in an industrial or construction setting.

• EPC project experience in industries such as U.S. Department of Energy, other U.S. Federal Government Agencies, nuclear facilities, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology.

• Advanced knowledge of electrical design requirements including grounding/earthing, lighting, wiring, motors, conduit fill and sizing, panelboards, and breaker sizing.

• Familiarity with the commercial availability and cost of electrical materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "15+ years" combined with the "Associate degree" suggests a role that values extensive practical experience and hands-on technical expertise over formal higher education, which is common in senior design and operations roles within engineering firms. The emphasis on specific CAD software like Bentley MicroStation and 3D modeling tools like Smart3D indicates a need for operational proficiency in design execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a history of successful project execution through detailed case studies showcasing complex electrical designs.

• Provide examples of how you have utilized 3D modeling and 2D CADD tools to optimize design workflows and improve efficiency.

• Include documentation illustrating your ability to perform advanced electrical design calculations (e.g., lighting, raceway, wire sizing) and their impact on project outcomes.

• Showcase experience in coordinating with multiple disciplines and stakeholders, highlighting your ability to manage technical interfaces and resolve conflicts effectively.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to developing and implementing electrical design processes within an EPC framework.

• Detail your experience with quality assurance processes for design deliverables, ensuring compliance with project plans and industry standards.

• Provide insights into how you manage design changes and RFIs during the construction administration phase, ensuring timely and accurate resolution.

• Explain your methods for ensuring designs are executed within approved scope, cost, and schedule baselines.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Principal Designer role, a portfolio is crucial to demonstrate practical application of skills. The emphasis here is on showcasing the operational aspects of design: process efficiency, calculation accuracy, multi-disciplinary coordination, and material management within a project lifecycle.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for an Electrical Principal Designer with 15+ years of experience in the Greenville, SC and Houston, TX regions, the estimated salary range is $100,000 - $140,000 annually. This range accounts for the specialized technical expertise, leadership responsibilities, and the complexity of EPC projects.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Paid Time Off (PTO) package for work-life balance.

• Medical Insurance with robust coverage options.

• Dental Insurance to support oral health.

• Life Insurance for financial security.

• Vision Insurance for eye care.

• Disability Insurance to provide income protection.

• 401(k) Retirement Account with Company matching contributions for long-term financial planning.

• 100% vesting in Company matching contributions for eligible participants beginning Day 1, offering immediate benefit.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work schedule, likely 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime depending on project demands. The role is on-site, requiring consistent presence at the designated office location.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on general industry data for senior design roles in engineering consulting and EPC firms in comparable US metropolitan areas. Actual compensation will be determined by specific experience, qualifications, and the final negotiation. The benefits package is typical for full-time roles in the engineering and construction sector, with a notable emphasis on immediate vesting for the 401(k) match.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: UDR Consulting Inc operates within the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) sector, with a strong focus on supporting large industrial projects, including those for the U.S. Department of Energy, nuclear facilities, manufacturing, and biotechnology. This context implies a culture that values technical rigor, safety, compliance, and project delivery excellence.

Company Size: UDR Consulting Inc is described as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, Woman-Owned, Minority-Owned, Small Disadvantaged Business. This classification suggests a potentially dynamic and agile work environment, where individual contributions can have a significant impact. The specific employee count isn't provided, but such businesses often foster close-knit teams.

Founded: The founding date of UDR Consulting Inc is not explicitly stated, but its status as a specialized consulting firm implies a history of providing expert services in demanding industrial sectors.

Team Structure:

• The Electrical Principal Designer will likely be part of a larger engineering department, potentially organized by discipline (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, etc.) and project.

• The role involves acting as an "Area Lead Designer," indicating a leadership or supervisory element over a group of designers working on specific project areas or systems.

Methodology:

• Design processes will adhere to strict Project Quality Plans, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local codes, as well as client-specific requirements (e.g., DOE orders, ASME NQA-1 for nuclear).

• Emphasis will be placed on utilizing advanced 3D modeling and 2D CADD automation tools for design creation and checking, aiming for efficiency and accuracy.

• Technical support will be provided throughout the project lifecycle, from initial design and procurement through construction administration and resolution of field issues.

• A data-driven approach to calculations (lighting, sizing, voltage drop) and material take-offs will be fundamental.

Company Website: http://www.udrconsulting.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's status as a small, disadvantaged business with multiple diversity certifications (SDVOB, WOB, MOB) suggests a unique company culture that may prioritize teamwork, adaptable processes, and a mission-oriented approach, particularly given its work with government agencies and specialized industries like nuclear.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Principal-level role, signifying a senior position with significant technical expertise, leadership responsibilities, and a high degree of autonomy. It represents a career pinnacle for an individual contributor focused on design execution and technical guidance within the engineering and construction operations domain. The role requires seasoned professionals who can independently manage complex design tasks and lead others.

Reporting Structure: The Electrical Principal Designer reports to the Discipline Lead Engineer or Design Supervisor. They, in turn, provide guidance and supervision to other designers, functioning as an Area Lead. This structure indicates a clear hierarchy within the engineering discipline, with a focus on technical oversight and project execution.

Operations Impact: The operations impact of this role is substantial, directly influencing the quality, accuracy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of electrical designs for critical EPC projects. Effective design execution, coordination, and adherence to project baselines are paramount to successful project outcomes, client satisfaction, and the company's reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of electrical design (e.g., high-voltage systems, hazardous locations, nuclear facility design) through challenging project assignments and continuous learning.

• Leadership Development: Transition into formal management roles, such as Discipline Lead Engineer or Design Supervisor, by demonstrating effective leadership, mentorship, and project oversight capabilities.

• Project Management: Develop skills in overall project execution, potentially moving into project engineering or project management roles that encompass broader project responsibilities beyond a single discipline.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gain broader exposure to other engineering disciplines and project phases, enhancing understanding of the entire EPC lifecycle and opening doors to more comprehensive roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Principal Designer" title signifies a high level of technical mastery and operational influence. Growth opportunities naturally extend into leadership and broader project management roles, reflecting the operational responsibilities inherent in managing complex design execution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is explicitly on-site, indicating a traditional office-based work environment within UDR Consulting's Greenville, SC or Houston, TX locations. This setup facilitates direct collaboration, access to physical resources, and real-time team interaction.

Office Location(s): Greenville, SC and Houston, TX. These locations are major hubs with significant engineering and industrial activity, offering access to a skilled workforce and proximity to potential clients and project sites.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be an open-plan office or cubicle arrangement, designed to foster collaboration among designers and engineers.

• Access to high-performance workstations equipped with specialized 3D modeling and 2D CADD software (Bentley MicroStation, Intergraph Smart3D) will be standard.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with other engineering disciplines, project managers, and potentially clients will be frequent, supporting a dynamic and collaborative work culture.

• The environment will be geared towards focused work, requiring individuals to manage their time effectively to meet project deadlines.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, common for full-time engineering positions. However, given the EPC project context and the need to meet critical deadlines, overtime may be required periodically. The on-site nature means a fixed schedule, though some flexibility might be offered within the standard working day, subject to project and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is typical for roles involving extensive collaboration, direct supervision, and the use of specialized, often licensed, software that may not be efficiently accessible or compliant remotely.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications against the basic and specific job requirements. Key areas of focus will be years of experience, technical skills (CAD software proficiency), and EPC project background.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve in-depth discussions about your experience with electrical design principles, specific software tools (Bentley MicroStation, Smart3D), and relevant codes/standards. Expect to be asked about your approach to complex design challenges, calculations, and problem-solving.

• Portfolio Review/Presentation: You may be asked to present a portfolio showcasing your past work. This is a critical step to demonstrate your practical skills in 3D modeling, 2D CADD, design calculations, and your ability to lead design efforts. Be prepared to walk through specific project examples and highlight your contributions.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions will assess your leadership capabilities, ability to coordinate effectively with diverse teams, problem-solving skills under pressure, and how you handle complex technical situations. Expect questions related to your experience as an Area Lead Designer.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership or a hiring manager to discuss cultural fit, overall career goals, and confirm suitability for the Principal Designer role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Complexity: Highlight projects involving advanced electrical design calculations, intricate 3D modeling, and multi-discipline coordination.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, quantify the impact of your work, such as improvements in design efficiency, cost savings, or adherence to stringent project timelines.

• Detail Software Proficiency: Include examples that clearly demonstrate your mastery of Bentley MicroStation, Intergraph Smart3D, and other relevant CAD/modeling tools.

• Illustrate Leadership: If possible, include examples where you mentored junior designers, led design reviews, or managed specific design areas.

• Explain Processes: Be ready to explain the design process behind your portfolio pieces, including how you ensured compliance with codes and standards.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenarios: Prepare to discuss hypothetical electrical design challenges for industrial projects, focusing on your problem-solving methodology.

• Code Interpretation: Be ready to discuss how you apply specific codes and standards (e.g., DOE orders, NEC, IEEE) to design scenarios.

• Software Application: You might be asked to describe how you would use specific CAD features or modeling techniques to solve a particular design problem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "portfolio review" and "advanced design calculations" strongly suggests that practical demonstration of skills and technical depth will be a significant part of the evaluation process for this senior design operations role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 2D CADD: Bentley MicroStation is a declared requirement, indicating proficiency in creating and manipulating technical drawings.

• 3D Modeling: Intergraph Smart3D (S3D) is explicitly mentioned, requiring advanced skills in creating and managing complex 3D models for electrical systems.

• 3D Visualization: Intergraph SmartPlant Review is listed, suggesting the need to navigate and interpret 3D models for design review and coordination purposes.

• Electrical Design Software: SmartPlant Electrical is a preferred tool, implying experience with specialized software for electrical design tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as separate tools, the role involves performing "bulk material take-off analysis and tabulations," which typically utilizes features within CAD/3D modeling software or integrates with dedicated quantity takeoff or spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel) for reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management/Documentation: Experience with systems for managing project scope, cost, schedule baselines, and quality plans will be essential, though specific CRM or automation tools are not listed. The role requires adherence to project management principles.

• Vendor & Client Coordination: Proficiency in communication tools (email, potentially project collaboration platforms) is implied for coordinating with external stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The focus on specific Intergraph and Bentley software suite tools indicates a standardized design environment for this company, and proficiency in these is a key operational requirement for efficient design execution.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A strong emphasis on accuracy, precision, and adherence to codes and standards in all design work, reflecting the critical nature of electrical systems in industrial and governmental projects.

• Integrity and Compliance: Commitment to executing work in compliance with Project Quality Plans, safety regulations, and federal/state mandates, particularly relevant for DOE and nuclear facility projects.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: A culture that values effective communication and cooperation across disciplines, project management, and external stakeholders to achieve common project goals.

• Efficiency and Reliability: Driving designs that are not only technically sound but also cost-effective and reliable, ensuring projects stay within budget and schedule baselines.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Proactive engagement with other engineering disciplines (mechanical, civil, instrumentation, etc.) is essential for resolving design interfaces and ensuring holistic project solutions.

• Stakeholder Management: Effective communication and coordination with project management, clients, and vendors to manage expectations, address concerns, and ensure alignment on design decisions.

• Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: As an Area Lead Designer, there's an expectation to mentor junior designers, share expertise, and foster a learning environment within the electrical design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the company's background and the nature of EPC projects, the culture likely emphasizes a disciplined, safety-conscious, and results-oriented approach, where collaboration is a critical operational lever for success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Design Complexity: The primary challenge will be managing the intricate details and advanced calculations required for complex electrical systems in demanding industrial environments, ensuring all regulatory and project-specific requirements are met.

• Cross-Disciplinary Coordination: Effectively bridging communication and design requirements between electrical engineering and other disciplines (e.g., structural, mechanical, process) can be challenging, requiring strong interpersonal and technical negotiation skills.

• Adherence to Strict Standards: Working within the stringent requirements of organizations like the U.S. Department of Energy or nuclear quality assurance programs (ASME NQA-1) demands meticulous attention to detail and process discipline.

• Balancing Scope, Schedule, and Cost: As a lead designer, ensuring that electrical designs are executed within the approved project scope, schedule, and cost baselines requires proactive planning and problem-solving.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized electrical design areas, such as power distribution for critical facilities, hazardous area classifications, or advanced control systems.

• Leadership and Mentorship: Developing leadership capabilities by guiding and mentoring junior designers, and potentially taking on more formal supervisory roles within the electrical discipline.

• Project Lifecycle Exposure: Gaining broader exposure to the full EPC lifecycle, from initial conceptualization through procurement, construction, and commissioning, enhancing overall project understanding.

• Industry-Specific Knowledge: Acquiring in-depth knowledge of specific industry requirements and best practices, particularly in sectors like nuclear, renewable energy, or advanced manufacturing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to senior roles in complex engineering projects, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development within the operational execution of design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex electrical design challenge you encountered on a large EPC project and how you, as an Area Lead Designer, managed its resolution, including coordination with other disciplines and stakeholders." (Focus on problem-solving, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration.)

• "How do you ensure your electrical designs comply with stringent federal regulations (e.g., DOE orders) and industry standards like ASME NQA-1, especially when working with 3D modeling and CADD tools?" (Assess understanding of compliance and operational process.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about UDR Consulting Inc, and how do your skills and experience align with our focus on EPC projects for sectors like the DOE and nuclear facilities?" (Assess research and cultural alignment.)

• "Describe your experience working in a multi-discipline design environment. How do you foster collaboration and ensure smooth technical handoffs between departments?" (Understand collaboration style and operational integration.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or complexity. For each project, clearly state the scope, your role, the challenges, the solutions implemented using specific tools (MicroStation, Smart3D), and the outcomes.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your designs – e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, adherence to schedule, compliance achievements.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Clearly show examples of your work in Bentley MicroStation and Intergraph Smart3D, highlighting specific features or techniques you used for complex modeling or drafting.

• Explain Processes: Be prepared to articulate the design process, including how you incorporated client requirements, codes, and standards, and how you managed design reviews and approvals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on assessing not only technical skills but also the operational aspects of leadership, process adherence, and effective collaboration, which are critical for a Principal Designer role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the JazzHR platform.

• Tailor your resume: Emphasize your 15+ years of experience in electrical design, specifically highlighting your work on large EPC projects, proficiency with Bentley MicroStation and Intergraph Smart3D, and experience with relevant codes and standards. Use keywords extracted from this job description.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate examples of your most complex electrical designs, focusing on those that showcase your advanced calculations, 3D modeling skills, and cross-disciplinary coordination. Be ready to discuss them in detail.

• Research UDR Consulting Inc.: Understand their mission, the industries they serve (DOE, nuclear, etc.), and their commitment to being a diverse business. Prepare to articulate how your values and experience align with the company's culture and operational focus.

• Practice interview responses: Rehearse answers to common technical and behavioral questions, particularly those related to leadership, problem-solving, and your experience with specific design tools and regulatory compliance.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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