Electrical Designer — Shape Systems That Keep Industries Moving

VAA is expanding its footprint and seeking an astute, solutions-oriented Electrical Designer eager to leave a tangible imprint on the built environment. This is more than a drafting role — it is an invitation to engineer the unseen framework that fuels enterprise, sharpens municipal functionality, advances sustainability initiatives, and transforms ordinary structures into remarkable public destinations.

At VAA, ingenuity is not shelved behind process charts. Your technical acumen, analytical instinct, and design fluency will be entrusted with projects that demand precision, adaptability, and inventive thinking.

The Electrical division concentrates on the orchestration of electrical power distribution and illumination systems spanning commercial developments, industrial complexes, and agribusiness operations.

Commercial assignments encompass both ground-up developments and modernization ventures, integrating building power systems, high-efficiency lighting strategies, intelligent controls, and emergency or standby power infrastructure.

Within industrial and agribusiness sectors, projects extend across grain storage operations, milling environments, seed-oil extraction facilities, manufacturing plants, and power-generation sites. Designs routinely involve medium- and low-voltage distribution systems, lighting layouts, raceway planning, and hazardous-location classifications.

What You’ll Be Entrusted WithAs an Electrical Designer, you will collaborate closely with Engineers and Project Managers to craft comprehensive construction documentation while remaining engaged through the construction-support lifecycle.

Your daily responsibilities may include:

• Producing layouts, sectional drawings, and detailed schematics aligned with established CAD protocols

• Developing immersive 3D electrical system models in direct coordination with engineering personnel and project leadership

• Preparing one-line diagrams alongside detailed power and lighting plans

• Delegating assignments and offering technical direction to Technicians

• Auditing and validating completed drafting work for accuracy and consistency

• Synchronizing designs with multidisciplinary teams and equipment manufacturers

• Addressing RFIs and field inquiries from contractors and clients with clarity and technical confidence

• Examining shop drawings to verify alignment with project intent

• Elevating technical proficiency through continued refinement of design capabilities

• Participating in both internal planning sessions and external coordination meetings

• Conducting occasional site visits for observations and field measurements when project demands arise

Qualifications That Will Distinguish YouApplicants should possess either:

• A certificate in construction-related drafting/design — or higher education credentials — paired with a minimum of three years of directly aligned experience

OR

• Four or more years of directly related industry experience in lieu of formal certification

A foundational grasp of the National Electrical Code (NEC) is also expected.
Compensation & AdvantagesThe anticipated starting hourly compensation ranges from $28.50 to $33.50, influenced by variables such as geographic market conditions, professional tenure, technical specialization, and demonstrated expertise.
VAA also extends a robust benefits portfolio, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Life insurance

• Profit-sharing opportunities

• 401(k) participation

• Paid leave programs

• Additional employee-focused perks

Discover VAAVAA is a multidisciplinary Engineering, Planning, and Design organization recognized for its expertise in commercial developments, bulk commodity-handling systems, value-added processing facilities, manufacturing operations, and distribution environments.
With nearly five decades of distinguished performance, VAA merges institutional depth with progressive momentum. Its clientele stretches from multinational enterprises to municipalities, independent agricultural operations, and privately owned businesses.
To explore authentic employee experiences, career pathways, and the professional ecosystem that supports growth at VAA,
visit: VAA Careers
Why Professionals Choose VAALife at VAA extends far beyond calculations and CAD terminals. The culture is animated by camaraderie, creativity, and authentic community engagement.
Employees regularly gather for spirited chili cookoffs, homebrew tastings, and company-wide events — including opportunities to dunk the CEO during the annual Community Caring Campaign. Team members are encouraged to invest in causes meaningful to them through charitable PTO initiatives that strengthen the communities where they live and work.
Additional workplace advantages include:

• Flexible scheduling arrangements that respect life beyond the office

• Onsite fitness amenities

• Employee Assistance Programs

• Friendly competitions and morale-building activities

• Continuous professional enrichment through mentorship, digital learning platforms, and tuition reimbursement

VAA’s workplace culture has earned repeated national acclaim, including recognition by:

• USA Today as a Top Workplace USA recipient for 2024, 2025, and 2026

• Star Tribune as one of Minnesota’s Top 200 Workplaces across multiple consecutive years

Let’s Get Growing.®Your profession. Your ingenuity. Your future network.
Apply today and become part of a firm where technical craftsmanship and human connection carry equal weight.