Jarid Johnston

Electrical / Controls Designer, AutoCAD Electrical Designer, and CAD Manager in Blissfield, MI 49228

Professional summary

Electrical / Controls Designer with 25+ years of experience producing AutoCAD Electrical and instrumentation design packages for industrial, commercial, manufacturing, and oil-and-gas projects nationwide. I specialize in standardizing CAD workflows, automating drawing production, and delivering accurate, code-compliant design packages that meet client specifications, schedules, and construction requirements.

Core strengths

  • Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD / AutoCAD Electrical (ACADE) for 2D/3D modeling, schematic development, panel design, and workflow automation using AutoLISP and standardized CAD libraries
  • Electrical and automation system design including PLCs, MCCs, VFDs, circuits, power distribution, instrumentation, grounding, lighting, raceway, and conduit routing
  • Complete documentation packages including one-lines, AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, BOMs, panel layouts, installation details, and construction drawings
  • 3D electrical room and plant modeling integrated with architectural, mechanical, and structural disciplines
  • Load and voltage-drop calculations, QA/QC, drafting standards, and engineering-change control for accuracy and traceability
  • Cross-functional collaboration with engineers, field teams, and clients; design reviews, mentoring, and continuous improvement

Experience highlights

  • Standardized AutoCAD Electrical workflows and reduced design time by up to 90% through custom scripting, symbol libraries, and reusable CAD standards
  • Delivered 100+ control, MCC, and VFD panel designs with integrated 3D layouts for industrial facilities
  • Produced full electrical design packages for material-handling, packaging, gas control, and industrial automation systems
  • Supported redesign efforts projected to save $100K per project through improved panel documentation and design coordination
  • Designed 65 multi-bay conveyor control panels with integrated PLCs, VFDs, and line/load reactors
  • Maintained CAD/IT administration, drafting standards, and system support to improve efficiency, accuracy, and consistency across teams

Selected roles

Controls Designer | AutoCAD Electrical Instructor | AutoCAD Electrical Designer | Panel Designer | CAD Manager | AutoCAD IT Administrator | Electrical Design Engineer

Industry background

Industrial automation, instrumentation, panel design, controls engineering, electrical drafting, CAD management, and design support for manufacturing, oil & gas, commercial, and facilities projects.

Education

  • University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee — Advanced AutoCAD Certificate
  • University of Toledo — Electrical / Mechanical Engineering coursework
  • Owens Community College — Mechanical Engineering coursework
  • Evergreen High School — Drafting / Design Engineering Technologies

Additional background

  • U.S. Army Aircraft Armament Technician experience with electrical, electronic, mechanical, and diagnostic troubleshooting
  • Extensive exposure to Revit for Electrical Design, AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD P&ID, SOLIDWORKS mechatronics, and related drafting tools
  • Representative client experience includes Ford, General Motors, BP, NASA, GE, Pfizer, Rolls-Royce, Parker Hannifin, Caterpillar, FedEx, Philip Morris, and public-sector agencies
  • Work
    • Cad Automation Pro
  • Education
    • University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
    • University of Toledo
    • Owens Community College
    • Evergreen High School
Testimonials
Jarid is a highly skilled electrical designer with a great attitude and work ethic. He was instrumental in establishing new work practices using the latest tools and technology.
Bruce Thames, CEO, Thermon
I worked with Jarid on several projects at Thermon and was very happy with the support that he provided to the team. He consistently supplied products that were on time and error free.
Greg Pool, Aerospace Senior Principal Systems Engineer / Scrum Master / Pro
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