Distribution Designer

Job Title:

Designer / CAD Specialist – Underground Utility Distribution

This role supports a long-term strategic undergrounding program focused on improving grid resiliency and reducing storm-related power outages by relocating outage-prone overhead tap lines underground. As a Designer / CAD Specialist, you work closely with right-of-way and design teams to create accurate, detailed plat exhibits and easement documents that guide the design and construction of underground and overhead electric distribution systems.

You contribute directly to a multi-year initiative to convert thousands of miles of overhead lines to underground systems, enhancing reliability for customers and streamlining restoration efforts after severe weather.

• Use AutoCAD and related tools to prepare detailed plat exhibits that visually represent project parcels for underground and overhead electric distribution easement documents.
• Collaborate closely with right-of-way and design teams to translate project scopes and field data into accurate, buildable designs.
• Review the scope of work for each project and draft the necessary easements along proposed cable routes for distribution systems.
• Ensure all spelling, title blocks, addresses, property ownership information, and parcel numbers are accurate and complete on all drawings and exhibits.
• Perform thorough proofreading and quality control checks on all drafted documents and drawings, following established QC checklists.
• Submit completed drawings and documentation for supervisory review and final approval, incorporating feedback and revisions as needed.
• Support utility design efforts by understanding layouts, clearances, standards, and safety requirements for overhead and underground distribution systems.
• Produce deliverables that engineers and construction crews use for planning, permitting, and construction activities.
• Participate in field work as needed, including interacting with customers, collecting field data, and verifying site conditions to ensure designs are practical and constructible.
• Use GIS and Automated Utility Design (AUD) tools, where applicable, to support design, mapping, and documentation of distribution infrastructure.
• Maintain organized project documentation and follow established standards, templates, and procedures for drafting and design.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance drafting practices, data accuracy, and design workflows.

• Proficiency with AutoCAD for creating detailed drawings, plat exhibits, and utility design deliverables.
• Experience or formal schooling in drafting or design, particularly related to infrastructure or utility projects.
• Foundational understanding of utility design, including layouts, clearances, standards, and safety requirements for overhead and underground distribution systems.
• Ability to produce accurate deliverables that engineers and construction crews can rely on for planning and construction.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to proofread and perform thorough quality control on drawings and documents.
• Ability to verify and accurately document spelling, title blocks, addresses, property ownership, and parcel numbers.
• Capability to interpret scopes of work and translate them into accurate easement drawings and cable route layouts.
• Willingness and ability to interact with customers during field work and data collection activities.
• Comfort working with field data, including site measurements and conditions, to ensure designs are practical and buildable.
• Ability to meet screening and other badging requirements for access to utility facilities and systems.

• Experience working with GIS tools to support mapping and documentation of utility infrastructure.
• Interest in building a long-term career in the energy and utility industry, especially in distribution engineering and grid resiliency projects.
• Prior exposure to large-scale infrastructure or utility projects, either through education or professional experience.
• Strong customer service skills for interacting with property owners, customers, and project stakeholders…