Job Title: Distribution Design Engineer IJob DescriptionThis role focuses on planning, engineering, and designing electric and gas distribution systems to support reliable power delivery. You determine the need, size, location, and timing of power infrastructure development while balancing economic, environmental, social, regulatory, and reliability considerations. You work under supervision on less complex projects and assignments, solving routine technical problems using established procedures and basic engineering principles. This position offers strong growth potential within a leading power industry engineering organization that supports major utilities across the United States and contributes to improved grid infrastructure.
Responsibilities- Plan and design electric and gas distribution systems, ensuring reliable and efficient power delivery.
- Develop work packages for overhead distribution, underground residential distribution, and underground cable and conduit projects.
- Perform field engineering to gather project requirements and verify existing conditions.
- Identify conflicting utilities and other field constraints that may impact design and construction.
- Complete engineering and design calculations in accordance with applicable standards, codes, and company procedures.
- Conduct post-construction reviews to confirm that installations meet design specifications and quality expectations.
- Apply basic engineering principles, theories, and concepts within a narrow technical domain to develop products, solutions, and processes.
- Use CAD tools such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar design software to produce accurate and compliant design drawings.
- Communicate with peers to explain technical facts, basic analysis, processes, and practices related to distribution design engineering.
- Follow established procedures and policies to solve simple, routine technical problems and contribute to project deliverables.
- Balance economic, environmental, social, regulatory, and reliability constraints when determining infrastructure needs.
- Support power delivery projects for electric utilities and consulting engagements, contributing to large energy and grid infrastructure initiatives.
- Travel within the assigned territory in Michigan to perform fielding activities, including site walks and data collection on unpaved surfaces.
Essential Skills- Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (such as Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Environmental, or related discipline) is preferred, with 0–2 years of prior relevant experience, or a Master’s degree in Engineering.
- Associate’s degree in a technical field will be considered with 1–3 years of relevant experience.
- Relevant experience working directly with an electric utility or an electric utility consulting company performing design engineering.
- Basic knowledge of and ability to apply engineering principles, theories, and concepts within a narrow technical domain.
- Experience using CAD tools for design work, including AutoCAD, MicroStation, or other comparable design programs.
- Ability to solve simple, routine technical problems by following established procedures and policies.
- Valid driver’s license and access to reliable personal transportation for travel within the assigned territory.
- Ability to work comfortably in both field and office settings.
- Ability to lift up to 20 pounds as part of field and office activities.
- Ability to walk up to 2 miles on unpaved surfaces during fielding and site visits.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for collaborating with peers and explaining technical information.
- Comfort with power delivery concepts and distribution design engineering tasks.
Additional Skills & Qualifications- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field is strongly preferred.
- Experience with power delivery projects, including voltage considerations, pole analysis, and application of National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) requirements.
- Familiarity with NESC codes and industry standards for electric distribution design.
- Experience supporting electric utilities, power generation owners, industrial clients, or municipal and cooperative utilities.
- Interest in developing toward technical lead responsibilities within one to two years, supported by strong performance and growth.
- Ability and willingness to support programs and projects that may extend to other states as company needs evolve.
- Demonstrated ability to work on day-to-day objectives w