Electric Distribution Designer

Overview

NV5 is a provider of engineering and consulting services to public and private sector clients, delivering solutions through six business verticals:
Testing, Inspection & Consulting;
Infrastructure;
Utility Services;
Environmental Health Sciences;
Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial Technology. With offices nationwide and abroad, NV5 helps clients plan, design, build, test, certify, and operate projects that improve the communities where we live and work.

As engineers, architects, construction/program managers, environmental professionals and beyond, NV5 team members play a significant role in shaping communities through the services provided. NV5 is seeking motivated and driven individuals to join a collaborative team focused on delivering solutions and improving lives.

This position supports electric distribution design efforts across a range of project types and complexities, including overhead and underground systems, wildfire mitigation/hardening programs, and system improvements. Team members contribute to project delivery by preparing construction-ready designs, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, and ensuring adherence to client standards, regulatory requirements, and company quality expectations.

Depending on experience, candidates may contribute as developing designers, independent contributors, or technical leaders responsible for guiding design efforts, reviewing work, and mentoring others.

• Develop and prepare electric distribution designs, including overhead and underground systems, relocations, and system improvements
• Produce construction drawings, work orders, bills of materials, cost estimates, and supporting design documentation
• Perform engineering calculations, system analysis, and design validation to support project requirements
• Coordinate with project teams, contractors, utility personnel, and external stakeholders to resolve design challenges and advance project milestones
• Conduct and/or support field walks to document existing conditions and inform design solutions
• 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 NV5 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

• Certifications related to utility design (e.g., SDG&E underground/overhead or gas design certifications)
• Experience with SDG&E or similar utility standards (underground, overhead, service, and design manuals); experience level may range from early-career to advanced
• Relevant experience in electric utility distribution design (overhead and/or underground systems);
• Familiarity with utility design standards, construction practices, and regulatory requirements
• Understanding of engineering fundamentals and ability to perform design calculations
• Familiarity with GIS, SAP, SharePoint, Smartsheet, or similar tools
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams
• Demonstrated ability to manage workload,…