Distribution Designer

Job Title:

Distribution Designer Job Description

This role offers the opportunity to help launch a new office in Southfield, Michigan, as one of the first Distribution Designers on site. You will split your time between field work in Southeast Detroit and office-based design, developing detailed design and construction work packages for overhead and underground electrical distribution systems. The position suits a candidate with a strong design background, familiarity with AutoCAD, and foundational utility knowledge who is eager to take on meaningful, technically challenging work in a collaborative engineering consulting environment.

• Develop complete design and construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems for electric utility customers.

• Review client-provided information and assess scope requirements to determine design needs and constraints.

• Perform engineering calculations, including structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying calculations, conductor sag and tension specifications for recommended spans, and voltage drop and flicker calculations.

• Provide engineering support during construction, including post-construction reviews to verify that all applicable engineering and construction standards have been met.

• Conduct root cause analysis of outages and develop mitigation measures using sound engineering principles and design practices.

• Coordinate with other utilities and address conflicting utilities and field design requirements, particularly in dense urban environments.

• Assist in assessing and developing large design packages for complex cable and conduit projects, including work permit development, easements, and right-of-way (ROW) applications.

• Spend approximately 50% of time in the field visiting assigned poles and lines to observe existing conditions, record accurate measurements, and capture detailed photographs.

• Use field data, measurements, and photographs to produce accurate and comprehensive design drawings in the office.

• Travel within Southeast Detroit and surrounding areas, typically up to approximately 1.5 hours from the office, with very rare overnight travel.

• Collaborate closely with colleagues in a group-oriented environment to share knowledge, review work, and ensure high-quality deliverables.

• Follow internal standards, client specifications, and industry best practices to ensure designs are safe, reliable, and compliant.

• At least an associate degree in a design-related discipline.

• Experience in a design role, ideally 2–3 years, which may be outside the utility industry.

• Proficiency with AutoCAD for creating and modifying design drawings.

• Experience with Solid Works or similar 3D design software is highly beneficial.

• Basic knowledge of electric utility systems and distribution design concepts.

• Ability to perform or learn to perform engineering calculations, including structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying, conductor sag and tension, and voltage drop and flicker.

• Capability to interpret and apply engineering and construction standards in design work.

• Comfort working in both office and field environments, including traveling to and working at outdoor sites.

• Strong attention to detail for recording field measurements, documenting site conditions, and producing accurate drawings.

• Effective communication skills to work with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders.

• Ability to work independently and manage assigned tasks from field data collection through design completion.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field is a plus, particularly for candidates interested in an engineering career path.

• Experience working directly with an electric utility or an…