Design Engineer
The Distribution Design Engineer I is an entry-level role focused on planning, engineering, and designing electric distribution systems to ensure safe and reliable power delivery. The position involves developing design packages, performing field engineering, and collaborating with utility clients while working primarily remotely with periodic field visits. This role offers strong growth potential within a large power engineering organization and requires foundational engineering knowledge and CAD proficiency.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Overview
Confidential Client is seeking an entry-level Distribution Design Engineer (Design Engineer) to support power distribution planning, engineering, and design. This hybrid role combines remote design work with field engineering and site visits within an assigned territory around Alabaster, MI. Training is provided and the position offers clear growth opportunities into technical lead roles.
What You’ll Do
This role supports the design and delivery of electric distribution systems that provide safe, reliable, and efficient power to residential and commercial customers.
- Plan, engineer, and design overhead and underground distribution systems.
- Develop work packages for overhead distribution, underground residential distribution (URD), and underground cable/conduit systems.
- Perform field engineering to verify existing site conditions, gather requirements, and identify conflicting utilities or constraints.
- Complete engineering and design calculations following established standards and applicable codes (e.g., NESC where applicable).
- Produce and revise CAD drawings and design documentation using AutoCAD, MicroStation, or equivalent tools.
- Support post-construction reviews to confirm designs meet project requirements and identify improvements.
- Collaborate with internal project teams and utility clients to resolve design issues and align on deliverables.
- Communicate clearly in client-facing interactions and escalate complex technical issues to senior engineers.
- Perform routine technical problem-solving within a defined scope and support related administrative tasks.
Essential Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Electrical preferred; Mechanical, Civil, Environmental or Design considered).
- Associates degree plus relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a B.S.
- Experience working with electric utilities or utility-focused engineering/consulting preferred.
- Proficiency with CAD tools (AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar).
- Foundational knowledge of electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering principles related to power distribution.
- Comfortable working in both field and office/remote settings; ability to perform site visits and field inspections.
- Ability to lift up to 20 pounds and walk up to 2 miles on unpaved surfaces during fieldwork.
- Reliable personal transportation for travel to client sites and a valid driver’s license.
- Strong verbal and written communication and teamwork skills.
- Positive attitude and willingness to learn under supervision.
- Must live within a 40-minute radius of Alabaster, MI.
Additional Skills & Qualifications (Preferred)
- Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or Civil Engineering.
- Experience on utility power delivery projects (overhead and underground distribution).
- Familiarity with industry standards and codes related to distribution and voltage considerations.
- Experience supporting projects for electric utilities, generation owners, or industrial clients.
- Interest in professional development with potential to advance into technical lead positions.
Work Environment
- Hybrid position: approximately 70% remote (work-from-home/design) and 30% field work within an assigned territory in Michigan.
- Field activities include site visits, walking on unpaved surfaces, and light equipment/material handling.
- Use of modern engineering tools and CAD software (AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar).
- Professional, safety-focused culture with opportunities for advancement.
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay range: $29.00 per hour.
- Individual pay within the range depends on qualifications, experience, job knowledge, and location.
- If eligible, benefits for this contract role may include: medical, dental & vision; short- and long-term disability; life insurance options; 401(k) retirement plan; HSA; transportation benefits; employee assistance program; and paid time off policies — eligibility may vary by job classification and length of employment.
Position Details
- Employment type: Contract (may include full-time hours depending on assignment).
- Location: Alabaster, MI — hybrid with field visits in the assigned Michigan territory.
- Anticipated application deadline (provided by client): 2026-10-26.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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