What are the responsibilities and job description for the Low Voltage Design Engineer - AV & Security Systems position at DIRECT A/V?
Company Description
Direct A/V is a growing low-voltage commercial subcontractor specializing in high-quality AV integration, paging, digital signage, cameras, access control, and related systems for commercial projects. We deliver design-build solutions that work the first time, on time, and on budget.
Role Description
We’re seeking an experienced Low Voltage Design Engineer to own the technical design and verification of our project drawings and system designs. You will build, review, and refine schematics, riser diagrams, cable schedules, and equipment layouts for paging/intercom, access control, network infrastructure, various low-voltage systems, TVs/digital signage, IP cameras/CCTV, conference AV, and supporting infrastructure. Your primary goal: confirm that every system will function as intended before it hits the field—verifying signal integrity, power requirements, cable performance, component compatibility, and code compliance. This will culminate in a set of carefully curated drawings that will serve to communicate design intent to clients and constructible prints for our field team.
Key Responsibilities
- Review, verify, and optimize low-voltage system drawings (shop drawings, as-builts, riser diagrams, rack elevations, device locations, and pathways) for paging, access control/alarm management, TVs/digital signage, cameras, and integrated AV systems.
- Perform engineering calculations and validations: cable length/attenuation, PoE power budgets, signal flow, bandwidth, heat loads, and equipment compatibility.
- Ensure designs meet TIA/EIA, BICSI, NEC, and project-specific performance requirements so systems work reliably upon installation and conform to specifications.
- Collaborate with project managers, estimators, field supervisors, and install teams to resolve design issues, respond to RFIs, and support commissioning/testing.
- Produce accurate material takeoffs, submittals, and documentation.
- Stay current with emerging technologies in IP-based AV, security, and low-voltage convergence.
Requirements
- 4–7 years of low-voltage design experience focused on commercial AV, security, and structured cabling projects.
- Strong working knowledge of paging/intercom, access control, IP cameras/CCTV, digital signage/TVs, AV distribution, DSPs, and related low-voltage systems.
- Proficiency with AutoCAD (MEP preferred), Revit/BIM, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office.
- Ability to read/interpret architectural, electrical, and MEP drawings.
- Excellent analytical skills with a focus on making sure systems “will actually work.”
- Ability to coordinate with manufacturers and consultants to bring project documentation to fruition.
Preferred Qualifications
- BICSI RCDD, AVIXA CTS-D, or equivalent certification.
- Experience on commercial subcontractor or design-build projects.
- Familiarity with PoE, network basics, and IP convergence of AV/security systems.
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Telecommunications, or related field (or equivalent experience).