Job at a glance
Job Title: Distribution Designer (must sit in Seattle/Bellevue) Job Description This role focuses on designing overhead and underground electric distribution systems ranging from 4kV to 69kV. The distribution designer prepares and reviews detailed design documents, monitors and maintains project schedules, reports changes that impact scope, schedule, and budget, and identifies risks and opportunities to improve the design and construction of distribution projects.
The position requires close collaboration with engineering teams and field personnel to ensure accurate, efficient, and standards-compliant designs. Responsibilities Design overhead and underground electric distribution facilities for voltages from 4kV through 69kV. Prepare design sketches, drawings, cost estimates, bills of material, and other required construction documentation. Apply established standards, guidelines, specifications, practices, procedures, and industry standards when preparing designs for electric distribution facilities.
Perform distribution system design calculations to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation. Prepare and oversee the preparation of construction design documents, including plans and profiles, structure loadings, detailed design drawings, trench and conduit layouts, and equipment specifications. Communicate with engineering teams and other stakeholders to clarify system requirements and design expectations.
Identify and coordinate Right of Way needs for proposed equipment and distribution facilities. Acquire field data as necessary to support accurate design, and collaborate with field surveying personnel to develop appropriate design solutions. Monitor and maintain project schedules, ensuring that design activities are completed on time. Report changes that may affect project schedule and budget, and help assess their impact.
Identify risks that may affect schedule and costs and propose mitigation strategies. Present opportunities to improve the design and construction of distribution projects, focusing on quality, efficiency, and constructability. Essential Skills At least five years of design experience using MicroStation or AutoCAD. Proficiency in AutoCAD for drafting and design of electric distribution systems. Strong drafting skills, including the ability to produce clear and accurate design sketches and drawings.
Experience preparing cost estimates, bills of material, and construction documentation. Ability to perform electric distribution system design calculations. Knowledge of standards, guidelines, specifications, practices, procedures, and industry standards related to overhead and underground electric distribution facilities. Associate degree in applied science (AAS) in drafting and computer aided design (CAD) or in civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering technology, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to communicate effectively with engineers and other project stakeholders regarding system requirements and design details. Capability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment. Additional Skills & Qualifications Background in design and drafting for utility or infrastructure projects. Experience preparing plan and profile drawings, structure loading diagrams, trench and conduit drawings, and equipment specifications.
Familiarity with piping design or related infrastructure design disciplines. Comfort acquiring and interpreting field data in support of design activities. Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality, constructible designs. Ability to manage multiple tasks and adjust to changing project schedules. Flexible approach to work that supports collaboration across remote and office-based teams.
Work Environment This position primarily operates in a remote work environment, with occasional visits to the office as needed for meetings, coordination, or project reviews. The role involves extensive use of CAD software such as