Electrical Engineer

Orbital’s hardware solutions solve the biggest challenges in data centers. Each of our products contains an advanced material discovered with our AI, giving it breakthrough real-world performance. We’re looking for ambitious thinkers and builders; those excited by the challenge of bridging AI and industry, chemistry and computation, discovery and deployment.

Our mission is to usher in an era where new, advanced materials are both discovered and engineered with AI and we’ll use this to build hardware that solve major global technology challenges.

Joining Orbital means working at the intersection of deep tech, applied science, and engineering innovation. We are a truly global organisation with sites in London (UK) San Francisco (CA), Princeton (NJ) & Calgary (Canada) building teams in ML Research and Product Development to Mechanical and Chemical Engineering, offering opportunities for talented individuals who want to shape the future of materials and their applications in high-impact industries.

Role Overview

The Electrical Engineer will play a critical leadership role in the design, development, and delivery of advanced electrical and controls systems for our engineered products and modular data centers. This position is responsible for owning the full electrical design lifecycle - from early-stage concept development to detailed construction-ready electrical installation drawing packages - using Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD Electrical, and associated digital tools.

The successful candidate will lead electrical system architecture, coordinate with mechanical engineering, software teams, external stakeholders, future production personnel and ensure all electrical and controls designs meet safety, applicable codes, performance, regulatory and manufacturability requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Electrical Design and Engineering

• Develop complete electrical system architectures for industrial equipment, automation systems, and modular deployments including cable sizing and % fill calculations for tray and conduit.

• Produce detailed electrical installation drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, harness/conduit routes, panel layouts, PLC I/O maps, and sensor/actuator integration.

• Model electrical components and cable paths within Autodesk Inventor assemblies, including point-to-point routing, conduit/cable tray design, and interference checks.

• Build and maintain electrical content libraries, templates, and standards to streamline repeatable design patterns.

Controls Engineering

• Define control strategies, functional specifications, and instrumentation selection for automated systems.

• Collaborate with client teams on PLC programming requirements, HMI architecture, and network/communication topology.

• Ensure controls logic, safety circuits, and emergency-stop logic comply with design standards (e.g., NFPA 79, IEC/UL, CSA).

Documentation & Deliverables

• Generate release-ready drawing packages including electrical installation drawings, panel fabrication drawings, BOMs, cable schedules, single-line diagrams, and load calculations.

• Lead internal design reviews and cross-disciplinary coordination to ensure seamless integration of electrical design with mechanical, thermal, and structural systems.

• Maintain engineering change documentation, revision control, and compliance with company quality procedures.

Technical Leadership

• Mentor current mechanical (and future electrical) engineers, designers, and drafters on best practices for electrical and controls installation to be able to assist in construction drawing creation.

• Champion design automation workflows with the AI team, including parameterized assemblies, iLogic, and Inventor-based electrical design acceleration.

• Engage in vendor coordination and review of supplier component specifications (switchgear, RPPs, PLCs, VFDs, sensors, etc.).

Compliance & Standards

• Ensure all designs meet relevant electrical codes and standards (NEC, CEC, UL/CSA, NFPA 70/79, IEC).

• Conduct arc-flash calculations, load studies, and grounding/bonding design where required.

• Support testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting during build or integration phases.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent; P.Eng. or ability to obtain is required. You will be the first member of the electrical team.

• 5+ years of experience in electrical and controls design.

• Experience in 3D CAD software, Autodesk Inventor or equivalent.

• Strong experience producing electrical installation drawings, control panel layouts, and industrial wiring schematics.

• Deep understanding of PLC I/O interactions, instrumentation, VFDs, safety circuits, and industrial control systems.

• Working knowledge of relevant electrical standards and codes.

• Experience with AutoCAD Electrical, Inventor Cable & Harness, and 3D panel design workflows is an asset.

• Familiarity with modular equipment (data center specific equipment experience an asset), power distribution (480V/600V), and low-voltage controls integration.

• Proven experience in control system and electrical design for HVAC, industrial equipment, advanced manufacturing, or automation systems.

Why Join Orbital?

• Competitive salary and equity package - the ability to own part of Orbital as we grow

• Flexible and generous paid time off

• Excellent health, dental and vision insurance plan

• Regular company offsites

• The experience of working in a cutting-edge organisation dedicated to a better future

Orbital is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.