Electrical Designer/Electrician

From the Tools to the Table: Become an Electrical Designer

At Progressive Design, Inc., we believe the best designs don't come from people who only look at screens—they come from people who have actually pulled the wire. Founded in 1986 by Robert Ranson and now led by President Erica Burgess, we are a private, family-owned, and Woman-Owned engineering firm with a 40-year legacy. We are looking for a Licensed Journeyman or an experienced Industrial Electrician ready to trade the tool belt for a lead role in the design process.

We know you might not be an AutoCAD expert yet. We don't care. We will teach you the software. What we can't teach is the "field sense" you already have: knowing how much room a conduit rack actually needs, how the NEC applies to a real-world motor control center, and what makes a project "constructible."

Why Make the Switch?

Transition into a professional office role while staying deep in heavy industrial power, machine control, and instrumentation. This is a stable, full-time position based in Midlothian (Richmond area), eliminating the need to chase out-of-town shutdowns. We provide a bridge from the trades to engineering, supporting you with mentorship as you adjust to a collaborative office environment.

The Role in Context

You won't just be sitting at a desk. You will be the technical bridge between the client's needs and a finished set of prints. Your day will involve walking the site to identify components and research existing equipment—still getting your boots dirty, but with a clipboard instead of a bender. You will develop power distribution and control concepts that actually work for the guys in the field, create accurate construction cost estimates, and apply NEC and NFPA standards to ensure safety and compliance. You will work side-by-side with Project Managers and Engineers who respect your hands-on perspective.

Our Culture and Values

Progressive Design has grown to become one of the largest privately held multi-discipline engineering firms in central Virginia. We serve Fortune 500 companies across chemical, tobacco, power, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing sectors. Our team's knowledge and hands-on experience take projects from concept to startup. We hire the best in Engineering & Design, valuing continuous training, commitment to excellence, and an entrepreneurial spirit. We embrace an integrity-driven approach that focuses on client success.

Equal Opportunity

We are a Woman-Owned business committed to diversity and inclusion. We consider qualified applicants regardless of background, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.