Power Distribution and Make Designer; Remote

Power Distribution and Make Ready Designer

Overhead Utility Pole Design

• NESC-Compliant Make-Ready Work
• Joint-Use Engineering

Job Type: Full-time

Birmingham, AL (Remote)

Note:

This position is remote, but new hires must attend a 2-week paid, in-person orientation at our Perrysburg, OH headquarters.

We are seeking skilled Make-Ready Designers (primary focus) and Power Distribution Designers to support engineering programs for major electric and telecom utilities. Ideal candidates bring demonstrated experience in overhead utility pole design, NESC application, clearance assessment, pole loading analysis, and construction package development. Useful design platforms include DDS, Katapult, O-Calc, GIS, Micro Station, AutoCAD, or client-specific drafting systems.

In this role, you will review field/walkout data, evaluate existing attachment conditions, model pole loading, determine make-ready requirements, and prepare accurate construction-ready deliverables. Applicants without utility pole design or distribution engineering experience will not be considered.

• Execute overhead distribution and make-ready design work orders while meeting quality, time, and budget expectations.
• Apply established engineering design standards, NESC requirements, and internal processes.
• Perform end-to-end make-ready, joint-use, and/or general distribution design.
• Conduct permitting and easement research (pole ownership, ROW, property rights, approvals).
• Collaborate with team members to resolve design challenges and ensure accurate deliverables.
• Use design software such as AutoCAD, Micro Station, DDS, Pole Foreman, O-Calc, Katapult, or client systems.
• Perform quality control reviews when required.
• Support additional duties as assigned.

Make-Ready Engineering, Joint-Use Design, Pole Loading Analysis, Utility Pole Design, Overhead Distribution Design, NESC Compliance, Utility Engineering, Pole Attachments, Make-Ready Construction, Aerial Design, Utility Coordination, Right-of-Way Permitting, Pole Replacement Design, Make-Ready Estimates, Field Survey Interpretation, CAD for Utility Design, GIS for Utility Design, Electrical Distribution Design, Utility Construction Standards, Telecommunications Make‑Ready.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or higher in engineering, drafting, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in make-ready engineering, joint-use design, or electric power distribution design (3+ years strongly preferred).
• Proven experience in utility pole design, including NESC application, clearance analysis, pole loading concepts, and preparation of construction-ready design packages.
• Proficiency with CAD or Micro Station; experience with DDS, Katapult, O-Calc, or similar platform strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of power distribution construction practices, ability to learn proprietary systems efficiently.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license, maintain active auto insurance, and pass all required background, drug, and MVR screenings.
• Authorization to work in the United States required.
• Willingness to travel occasionally, including minimal overnight travel when project needs require.
• Ability to work a standard Monday–Friday schedule aligned to Eastern Time, with Central/Mountain/Pacific adjustments as appropriate.

• Ability to work for extended periods using a computer keyboard, monitor, and telephone.
• Ability to prepare and analyze data, review detailed information, and work with design tools requiring close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
• Ability to communicate effectively through oral and written channels.

Sigma Technologies is a growing engineering and design firm with 500+ team members across 30+ states. For over 25 years, we’ve supported major power and telecommunications utilities with work that directly impacts communities nationwide. Our core values — Safety, Honesty, Truth, and Decency — shape how we work and who we hire. We are Team Sigma™.

To learn more about working at Sigma, view our video and…