Mechanical Engineer

Job Title:

Distribution Design Engineer I
**** Training provided ***
* Job Description

This entry-level Power Distribution Design Engineer I role focuses on planning, engineering, and designing electric distribution systems that support safe, reliable, and efficient power delivery. You will help determine the need, size, location, and timing of power delivery infrastructure while balancing economic, environmental, social, regulatory, and reliability requirements. Working under the guidance of experienced engineers, you will contribute to work packages for overhead and underground residential distribution, perform field engineering, support design calculations, and participate in post-construction reviews.

This position offers strong growth potential within a large, established power engineering organization with significant project backlog and opportunities for advancement.

Responsibilities

+ Plan, engineer, and design electric distribution systems that support reliable power delivery to residential and commercial customers.

+ Determine the need, size, location, and timing of power delivery infrastructure developments while considering economic, environmental, social, regulatory, and reliability constraints.

+ Develop work packages for overhead distribution, underground residential distribution, and underground cable and conduit systems.

+ Perform field engineering to gather project requirements, verify existing conditions, and identify conflicting utilities or site constraints.

+ Conduct engineering and design calculations using established procedures, standards, and applicable codes.

+ Use CAD and other design tools, such as AutoCAD and Micro Station or equivalent programs, to create and update distribution design drawings and documentation.

+ Support post-construction reviews to confirm that designs meet project requirements and to identify opportunities for improvement.

+ Collaborate with internal project teams and external utility clients to clarify requirements, resolve design issues, and ensure alignment with project goals.

+ Follow established engineering procedures, policies, and standards, including relevant codes such as the National Electric Safety Code (NESC) where applicable.

+ Assist with power distribution and power delivery design tasks involving voltage, transformers, and related distribution equipment.

+ Communicate clearly with peers, team members, and client representatives to explain technical facts, basic analyses, and design processes.

+ Perform simple, routine technical problem-solving within a defined scope, escalating more complex issues to senior engineers as needed.

+ Support administrative tasks and customer follow-up activities related to design packages, field inspections, and project documentation.

+ Participate in a mix of field inspections and office or remote design work, ensuring that project schedules and quality expectations are met.

+ Demonstrate professional communication, dress, and demeanor in all client-facing and team interactions.

Essential Skills

+ Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Environmental preferred)

+ Associate's degree in a related technical field with 1-3 years of relevant experience will be considered.

+ Relevant experience working directly with an electric utility or an electric utility consulting company performing design engineering.

+ Experience using CAD tools for engineering design, such as AutoCAD and Micro Station or similar design software.

+ Foundational knowledge of electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering principles as they relate to power distribution and power delivery.

+ Ability to apply basic engineering theories, concepts, and principles within a narrow technical domain to develop design solutions.

+ Comfort working in both field and office (or remote) settings, including performing site visits and field inspections.

+ Ability to lift up to 20 pounds and walk up to 2 miles on unpaved surfaces during fieldwork.

+ Reliable personal transportation suitable for traveling to field locations and client sites.

+ Valid driver's license.

+ Strong verbal and written communication skills suitable for client-facing interactions.

+ Ability to work effectively in teams and collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and locations.

+ Positive attitude and willingness to learn under the supervision of more experienced engineers.

+ Must live within a 50 min radius of West Branch, MI

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Experience in utility or power systems, particularly in power distribution and power delivery, is preferred.

+

Experience with the National Electric Safety Code (NESC) and applicable NESC codes.

+ Familiarity with design tools such as Micro Station, Open Utilities, and other power and utilities design software.

+

Experience with SAP or similar enterprise systems used in utility environments.

+ Exposure to tools such as Pole Foreman or similar pole loading and analysis software.

+ Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certification…