Job at a glance
Job Title: Entry Level Distribution Engineer Job Description This role focuses on designing and supporting overhead and underground electrical distribution systems ranging from 4kV to 138kV. You will work under the guidance of a technical lead to develop detailed design and construction work packages, perform engineering calculations, and provide field and office-based support for distribution projects.
The position offers hands-on experience with utility design, permitting, and construction support, as well as exposure to industry standards, tools, and client-specific processes. Responsibilities Develop design and construction work packages for overhead and underground electrical distribution systems operating from 4kV through 138kV, primarily for programmatic work such as overloaded transformers, inspection and maintenance, joint use, and inspection reports.
Comply with safety requirements and adhere to all design and quality expectations throughout the project lifecycle. Travel to project sites as needed to perform field inspections, gather data, and return to the office to complete engineering design work. Perform engineering calculations, including structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying calculations, specification of conductor sags and tensions for recommended spans, and calculation of voltage drop and flicker.
Develop permitting documents for various authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), ensuring accuracy and completeness of all submissions. Provide engineering support during construction, including responding to field inquiries and conducting post-construction reviews to verify compliance with applicable engineering and construction standards. Conduct root cause analysis of outages and develop mitigation solutions using sound engineering principles and distribution system design.
Use customer GIS and work management systems, such as GE Smallworld and Bentley Expert Designer, to develop work packages for overhead (OH), underground (UG), underground residential distribution (URD), make-ready, and street lighting projects. Coordinate with other utilities and stakeholders to resolve conflicts and incorporate field engineering design requirements into final designs. Assess and develop design packages for complex cable and conduit projects in dense urban environments, including work permit development, easements, and right-of-way (ROW) applications.
Contribute to the design of mainline vault medium-voltage switchgear, network system configurations, and distribution system protection and coordination schemes. Participate in training on customer engineering and construction standards and apply these standards consistently in all design work. Support storm response activities as needed, contributing engineering expertise to restoration and recovery efforts.
Gain experience and contribute to work involving NESC compliance, structural pole modeling, electrical power calculations, GIS-based design, project and financial management, and adherence to client design standards. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Civil Engineering required. Fundamental understanding of power distribution systems, including overhead and underground distribution from 4kV through 138kV.
Proficiency with engineering design tools such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks. Experience or familiarity with GIS tools such as ArcGIS and ArcMap. Ability to perform basic engineering calculations, including structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying calculations, conductor sag and tension specifications, and voltage drop and flicker calculations. Willingness and ability to work in both office and field environments, including traveling to project sites for inspections.
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established engineering, construction, and safety standards. Effective communication skills to collaborate with technical leads, field personnel, and permitting authorities. Capability to int