Caltrol Inc. is hiring: Sr. CAD Designer in Irvine

Caltrol is hiring a Sr. CAD Designer for our Irvine, CA, location.

The Sr. CAD Designer/Drafter specializes in DCS and PLC process control systems. You will be responsible for developing high-quality design and drafting for a control systems integrator using U.S. standards for the U.S. market. This role demands strong communication skills, quick adaptability to new technical concepts, and the ability to deliver detailed drawing packages.

Why you'll love working for Caltrol:

Caltrol is recognized as a leading provider of automation including process control solutions, valves, instrumentation, and reliability. Caltrol takes great pride in the quality of our employees, products, and services we represent.

Caltrol is an employee-owned company headquartered in Las Vegas with offices across 4 states (CA, AZ, HI) and one outside the U.S. As an owner, you will be part of an essential and meaningful organization. You’ll find the resources and opportunities to make significant contributions with prospects for career growth and satisfaction. You will work in a team driven culture with talented managers and inspiring coworkers to support you.

What you'll be doing:

• Design and Draft high-quality control panel layouts, power distribution diagrams, and wiring schematics for DCS and PLC systems.
• Develop and review relay control logic wiring diagrams, I/O loop drawings, interconnect diagrams, and bus segment layouts.
• Design network layouts, including Ethernet (copper/fiber) and 19” rack enclosures.
• Draft panel mechanical drawings for interior and exterior layouts, ensuring compliance with UL508A and UL689A standards.
• Specify wire gauges, colors, types, and necessary circuit protection for each design.
• Conduct enclosure power, heat calculations, and short circuit protection assessments.
• Coordinate with the engineering team to ensure consistent design standards, block library management, and adherence to client specifications.
• Recreate the style and format of existing client drawings for consistency across projects.
• Read P&IDs and spec documents to provide advice on panel design and I/O requirements.
• Support project documentation, including as-built drawings and drawing quality reviews.

What we’re looking for:

• Diploma/Degree in Electrical or Instrumentation Engineering or equivalent technical education.
• 10+ years of relevant drafting and design experience in control systems for industrial applications.
• Knowledge of control system components, including DeltaV, Rockwell/Allen Bradley systems, and VFDs.
• Experience with communication busses such as Profibus, ProfiNet, DeviceNet, Foundation Fieldbus, and Asi.
• Familiarity with industry standards such as UL, CE, CSA, NFPA/NEC.
• Ability to design and draft in both JIC/Ladder and IEC formats.
• Draft complex I/O circuits, AC/DC power distribution, and alarm circuits.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, I/O lists, and electrical schematics.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and AutoCAD Electrical and Visio; experience with other CAD platforms is a plus!

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to recreate the look and feel of Emerson and Caltrol drawings for consistent design presentation.
• Experience with multiple CAD platforms and drafting formats.
• Knowledge of UL, CE, CSA, NFPA/NEC, and other standards.
• Experience with drawing automation for improved efficiency and custom report generation.
• Understanding of short circuit and arc flash analysis, and seismic design considerations.

Hiring Range:

The hiring range for this position is $110,000-$130,000 annually plus Quarterly Profit Sharing. This is the base pay scale range Caltrol reasonably expects to pay for this position at the time of this posting. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and may vary based on geographic region, skills, qualifications, and experience of the candidate along with the requirements of the position. In addition, you will receive a company performance bonus structured to match the thrill of your success stories.

What we offer:

• A work culture that's not just inclusive, but downright celebratory of diversity
• Generous base salary + Quarterly Profit Sharing
• Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) opportunities
• Unlimited Flexible time-off
• Medical, Dental, Vision – all effective 1st day of the month after your hire date
• HSA (with employer contribution) and FSA
• Comprehensive supplementary benefits
• Wellness Benefits
• 401(k) with employer match - because your future is just as important as your present
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Company paid life insurance and buy up options
• Company paid short-term disability insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Student loan repayment match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities because we believe in investing in greatness

Physical Demands:

This job is performed in a typical office setting. Hybrid work schedule available. Three days in the office required.

Travel:

Less than 15%, mainly within the Caltrol territory (CA, NV, AZ). 20%.

Other Duties:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Caltrol is deeply committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone is respected, treated fairly, and given equal opportunities to perform to their fullest potential. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our employees are critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. Reasonable accommodation is available for candidates with disabilities, ensuring they can effectively perform essential job functions.