Designer And Drafter

Job Title:

DRAFTER (Make Ready Designer)
*** Training provided ***

The Make Ready Designer will work from a newly established office in Southfield, Michigan, supporting electric utility distribution projects across Southeast Detroit. This role combines field-based data collection with office-based design work to independently develop designs and construction work packages for overhead and underground electrical distribution systems with a Make Ready focus. The position offers significant flexibility for candidates with prior design experience and provides the opportunity to work on meaningful, technically challenging projects within an engineering consulting environment.

• Independently develop detailed design and construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground Make Ready systems for power distribution

• Review project information and scopes provided by the client and accurately assess design and engineering requirements.

• 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 strategies using sound engineering principles and design practices.

• Split time in the field and in the office, ensuring accurate data collection and high-quality design output.

• Able to drive to the Southfield, MI location, park your car and get into a company truck to perform any driving required to get to the work site for field data collection.

• Able to work a 8-10 hour work day.

• Perform field work by traveling to assigned poles and lines to observe conditions first-hand, record measurements, and capture photographs for use in office-based design work.

• Coordinate with other utilities and stakeholders to resolve conflicts and meet field engineering design requirements 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.

• Utilize AutoCAD and other design software to produce precise drawings and documentation that meet client and industry standards.

• Maintain accurate records of field observations, measurements, and design decisions to support project documentation and future reference.

• Collaborate with colleagues in a group-oriented environment to share knowledge, review designs, and contribute to continuous improvement of processes and standards.

• At least an associate degree in a discipline related to design, engineering, or a closely aligned technical field.

• Experience in a design role, ideally 23 years, which may be outside the utility industry but involves technical or 3D design work.

• Proficiency with AutoCAD for creating and modifying detailed design drawings.

• Basic knowledge of electric utility systems and distribution concepts.

• Ability to perform engineering-related calculations such as structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying calculations, conductor sag and tension, and voltage drop and flicker.

• Capability to work independently on design packages while adhering to engineering and construction standards.

• Willingness and ability to perform regular field work

• Strong attention to detail in both field data collection and office-based design work.

• Effective communication skills to interpret client requirements and document findings and design decisions clearly.

• Experience working directly with an electric utility or an electric utility consulting company performing electric distribution design engineering.

• Experience in distribution design, including experience with overhead and underground systems.

• Familiarity with 3D design tools or similar design software such as Solid Works or comparable platforms.

• An engineering degree in a relevant field is welcomed, particularly for candidates interested in an engineering track.

• Experience coordinating multiple utilities and managing complex design requirements in dense urban environments.

• Exposure to developing large cable and conduit design packages, including work permits, easements, and right-of-way applications.

• Interest in gaining new skills and certifications through training and…