Electrical Design Engineer

Overview:

The Electrical Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and implementing electrical systems, harnesses, and components that meet both functional and safety requirements for motorhome or vehicle production. This role involves collaboration across engineering, production, quality, and service departments to ensure that all electrical systems deliver reliability, serviceability, and customer satisfaction.

Core Responsibilities

1. System Design & Development

• Design and document 12V DC and 120V AC systems for motorhomes, including power distribution, lighting, controls, and appliance circuits.
• Develop schematics, wiring diagrams, and harness drawings using CAD software (AutoCAD Electrical, SolidWorks Electrical, or similar).
• Design systems integrating inverters, converters, battery management, solar charging, and generator interfaces.
• Specify electrical components (wiring, connectors, breakers, fuses, relays, switches, etc.) and ensure compatibility with manufacturing and service standards.
• Collaborate with mechanical and structural engineers to ensure electrical routing, mounting, and clearance compliance.

2. Prototyping & Testing

• Build and test prototype harnesses and assemblies for new models or system upgrades.
• Conduct functional and safety testing, including load testing, insulation resistance, polarity, and fault detection.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot electrical issues during pilot builds and production launches.
• Work with suppliers and internal teams to validate new technologies (e.g., lithium batteries, multiplex systems, smart controls).

3. Documentation & Standards

• Create and maintain BOMs (Bills of Materials), harness routings, and revision-controlled schematics.
• Ensure all documentation complies with RVIA, NFPA 1192, SAE, and UL standards.
• Support production and service teams with up-to-date prints, troubleshooting guides, and installation procedures.
• Participate in Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and manage drawing updates through PLM systems.

4. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with production engineers, assembly technicians, and quality teams to ensure manufacturability and serviceability of electrical systems.
• Coordinate with purchasing and suppliers to source cost-effective, high-quality components.
• Partner with controls/software teams on smart features, multiplex wiring, or embedded control systems.
• Support customer service and warranty in diagnosing field issues and developing long-term design fixes.

5. Continuous Improvement

• Analyze production and field data to identify recurring electrical failures and develop permanent countermeasures.
• Lead initiatives to improve efficiency, reduce wiring complexity, and improve electrical reliability.
• Implement lean engineering principles to streamline documentation and design processes.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of DC/AC power systems, load balancing, and circuit protection.
• Proficiency in CAD and electrical schematic software (AutoCAD Electrical, SolidWorks Electrical, or EPLAN).
• Hands-on experience with harness design, routing, and termination.
• Familiarity with RV, automotive, or heavy-equipment wiring standards.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, blueprints, and system layouts.
• Analytical and troubleshooting skills for diagnosing electrical and control issues.
• Effective communication for cross-departmental collaboration and supplier coordination.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field (Associate experience acceptable).
• Experience: 2–5 years in electrical system design for vehicles, RVs, or similar.
• Software: AutoCAD Electrical, SolidWorks Electrical, EPLAN, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of: Multiplex systems (Spyder, Firefly, KIB, etc.), lithium battery integration, inverter/charger systems, and solar power design.
• Certifications: FE/EIT, RVIA certification, or UL familiarity a plus.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-time completion of design deliverables and drawing releases.
• Reduction of field electrical defects or warranty claims.
• Compliance with industry electrical codes and safety standards.
• Improved manufacturability and assembly time of electrical systems.
• Documentation accuracy and revision control integrity.

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with regular shop-floor interaction for prototype and production builds.
• Occasional travel to suppliers, test facilities, or trade shows.