Job Title: Distribution Designer
Job Description
The Distribution Designer independently develops design and construction work packages for overhead and underground electrical distribution systems for utility customers, with a strong emphasis on overhead distribution. This role combines field data collection, technical design using industry-specific software, and preparation of complete construction packages that support new construction and reliability projects. The position offers the opportunity to grow within a rapidly expanding utility energy division and to work closely with utility clients on impactful infrastructure projects.
Responsibilities
Independently develop detailed design and construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems, with the majority of work focused on overhead distribution.
Review project scopes and requirements provided by the utility client and translate them into accurate and constructible design solutions.
Perform field work as needed, including visiting assigned sites to capture photos, take measurements, and document existing conditions for use in the design process.
Use field data to create complete distribution designs that may include determining power requirements, defining main distribution panels, subpanels, transformers, and branch circuits, selecting appropriate equipment such as transformers, circuits, power lines, and utility poles, and laying out the physical arrangement of the distribution system and associated equipment.
Design power distribution systems using Open Utilities and other industry-specific design software as required by the utility client.
Conduct energy and load analysis to verify that selected materials and equipment meet the electrical demands of residential or commercial sites.
Develop and maintain accurate Bills of Materials (BOM) and enter them into SAP or similar material tracking software.
Assist with identifying and preparing documentation for permits related to utility line routing, including road crossings, easements, and access across private property, as well as coordination for vegetation management where needed for new line routes.
Utilize structural analysis tools such as PoleForeman, Pole Loading Analysis (PLA), or similar software to evaluate wood pole integrity and strength, determine the need for pole replacement, and perform wood pole loading and guying calculations.
Specify conductor sags and tensions for recommended spans and perform calculations related to voltage drop and flicker to ensure system performance and reliability.
Apply National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) requirements when developing designs and selecting materials to ensure safety and compliance.
Collaborate with a designated Quality Control approver to review designs, address comments, and implement revisions prior to finalizing the electrical distribution design package.
Prepare and submit complete electrical construction packages, including photos, measurements, designs, BOMs, and permits, for internal approval and subsequent delivery to the utility client.
Incorporate feedback and requested changes from the client into revised design packages to support construction crews in making accurate electrical connections at project sites.
Communicate frequently and professionally with client representatives via email, phone, and online collaboration tools to clarify requirements, resolve issues, and provide status updates.
Support new construction electrical work orders and contribute to the overall reliability and performance of the utility distribution network.
Potentially assist with quality control or quality assurance activities, including reviewing work for accuracy and adherence to standards.
Contribute to team development by sharing knowledge, and potentially supporting training of new team members or helping to document and refine process standards as experience grows.
Essential Skills
Design and drafting experience in an engineering or utility-related environment, or an Associate's degree with a focus in Design, CAD, or a closely related discipline.
Proficiency with computer-aided design (CAD) tools such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA, MicroStation, Revit, or similar software.
Ability to learn and effectively use Open Utilities and other utility-specific design tools required by the client.
Understanding of electrical distribution design concepts, including transformers, low voltage distribution (LVD), electrical demand, and utility distribution systems.
Familiarity with or experience applying National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) requirements in design and material selection.
Ability to perform structural and loading analysis for distribution poles using tools such as PoleForeman, Pole Loading Analysis (PLA), or similar software, including guying calculations and conductor sag and tension specifications.
Strong capability to work in fast-paced environments while managing multiple work orders and deadlines.
Effective customer and client communication skills, including clear verbal and written communication with utility stakeholders.
Capacity to think both quickly and strategically, making sound technical decisions based on field data, client requirements, and safety codes.
Basic understanding of permitting considerations for utility distribution projects, including road crossings, easements, and right-of-way constraints.
Ability to work with GIS or mapping tools related to distribution design, or willingness to learn similar systems.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality design packages.
Comfort working both independently and as part of a collaborative project team.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Associate's degree or higher in a field related to design, drafting, CAD, electrical engineering technology, or a similar discipline.
Coursework or academic focus related to the utility industry, power grid, power systems, or electrical distribution.
Experience working directly with an electric utility, a utility energy division, or a consulting firm specializing in electric distribution design or engineering.
Internships or co-op experience with major utility companies or utility-focused engineering firms, particularly those involved in electric distribution and reliability work.
Exposure to or experience with GIS-based tools, permitting workflows, joint use or make-ready processes, pole inspection, and pole replacement projects.
Knowledge of low voltage distribution (LVD) systems, joint use considerations, and make-ready engineering.
Experience with quality control or quality assurance (QA/QC) activities in an engineering or design environment.
Experience assisting with training new employees or writing process standards, procedures, or best practices.
Interest in professional development in the utility and power industry, including potential pursuit of the FE exam, EIT, and ultimately PE licensure with organizational support.
Experience using SAP or similar enterprise resource planning or material tracking systems for managing Bills of Materials.
Ability to adapt to evolving tools, standards, and client requirements as the utility energy division grows.
Work Environment
The work environment combines remote, office-based, and field settings, offering flexibility based on where you live and project needs. Work is primarily tied to utility distribution projects in Michigan, with field assignments in designated territories such as Lansing/Owosso, Flint, Saginaw, Bay City, Midland, Jackson, Adrian/Monro and West Branch/ Clare, ideally within approximately a 60-mile radius of one of the supported locations. Field work involves visiting outdoor sites in varying weather conditions to take photos, measurements, and site notes, often around existing power lines, poles, and distribution equipment. Of
