Distribution Design Project Lead

At Stantec, we’re leading the energy transition. How? By combining the strength of a large company with the agility of specialized teams to think big and tackle the hardest challenges. Join us, and you’ll be at the forefront of an evolving industry creating renewable energy solutions, modernizing the electric grid, and developing natural gas infrastructure.

And as part of one of the world’s top design firms, you’ll have the chance to create connections and grow professionally while building our clean energy future. #Feeling Energized

Stantec is hiring a Distribution Design Project Lead to join our US West region Distribution group. We understand the challenges of the power sector in meeting worldwide demand for clean, efficient energy in the midst of financial, strategic, and regulatory uncertainty. Within our positive team environment, our employees enjoy great career advancement opportunities and the chance to work on a variety of projects including transmission, distribution substation, converter stations, telecom, protection and control, renewable energy, and generation.

We provide career opportunities as unique as you are.

• Coordinate with project teams, contractors, utility personnel, and external stakeholders to resolve design challenges and advance project milestones
• Apply and adhere to client standards, codes, safety requirements, and regulatory guidelines (e.g., CPUC, NEC, OSHA)
• Review designs for accuracy, completeness, constructability, and compliance prior to submittal
• Manage and maintain organized project documentation and design records
• Support multiple concurrent projects, prioritizing tasks to meet schedule and budget requirements
• Participate in internal and external meetings, representing Stantec in a professional manner
• Utilize design tools and software to develop and manage deliverables (e.g., AutoCAD, GIS, utility work management platforms)
• Identify risks, constructability concerns, and cost impacts, and collaborate with project teams to develop solutions
• Provide input on design standards, process improvements, and best practices
• Advanced / Leadership Responsibilities (based on experience):
• Lead design efforts for complex projects or programs with minimal oversight
• Perform formal design reviews (e.g., 30/60/90%) and quality assurance/quality control evaluations
• Provide technical guidance, direction, and mentorship to other designers and team members
• Serve as a client-facing technical resource, supporting project planning and execution
• Review and approve contractor or third-party design packages
• Coordinate across multidisciplinary teams and manage stakeholder expectations
• Develop and prepare electric distribution designs, including overhead and underground systems, relocations, and system improvements, if required
• Produce construction drawings, work orders, bills of materials, cost estimates, and supporting design documentation, if required
• Perform engineering calculations, system analysis, and design validation to support project requirements, if required

• Detailed, first-hand knowledge of design, construction, O&M of overhead and underground distribution lines at or below 34.5 kV
• Experience with CAD systems such as Bentley Micro Station or Autodesk AutoCAD/Civil3D is desirable
• General knowledge of other electrical grid-related disciplines (transmission, substations, generation) is a plus
• Experience with SDG&E or similar utility standards (underground, overhead, service, and design manuals); experience level may range from early-career to advanced
• Experience with both overhead and underground systems
• Experience with medium-voltage systems in both utility and industrial contexts is desirable
• PLS-CADD,…