Design Engineer
This entry-level Distribution Design Engineer role involves planning, engineering, and designing electric distribution systems to ensure safe and reliable power delivery. The position requires collaboration with internal teams and utility clients, performing field inspections, and using CAD tools to develop design packages while adhering to industry standards such as the National Electric Safety Code. The role offers significant growth potential within a large power engineering organization, combining remote work with field activities in the Michigan area.
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.
Role Overview
Confidential Client is hiring a Distribution / Design Engineer to support power distribution planning, design, and field engineering in the Comstock / Kalamazoo, MI area. This is a contract role with a hybrid mix of remote (home) and field work, focused on overhead and underground distribution systems. Pay: $29.00/hr.
What You’ll Do
This is an entry-level to early-career engineering role working under experienced engineers. Key responsibilities include:
- Plan, engineer, and design electric distribution systems supporting residential and commercial delivery.
- Develop work packages for overhead distribution, underground residential distribution, and cable/conduit systems.
- Perform field engineering: collect site data, verify existing conditions, and identify conflicts or constraints.
- Complete engineering and design calculations using established procedures, standards, and applicable codes (e.g., NESC where relevant).
- Produce and update CAD design drawings and documentation using AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar tools.
- Support post-construction reviews and confirm designs meet project requirements.
- Assist with design tasks involving voltage, transformers, and distribution equipment.
- Communicate technical information clearly with internal teams, construction partners, and utility clients.
- Follow established engineering procedures, policies, and safety practices; escalate complex issues to senior engineers.
- Support administrative tasks tied to design packages, field inspections, and customer follow-up.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Environmental, or closely related). An A.S. plus substantial relevant experience (as specified in the original posting) may be considered.
- Hands-on or coursework experience with CAD design tools (AutoCAD, MicroStation, or equivalent).
- Foundational understanding of electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering principles as applied to power distribution.
- Comfortable working in both field and remote/office settings; able 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 and valid driver’s license.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills and a professional client-facing demeanor.
- Must live within approximately a 40-minute radius of Kalamazoo / Comstock, MI.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree specifically in Electrical Engineering preferred.
- Direct experience with electric utility or utility-consulting projects (overhead and underground distribution).
- Familiarity with National Electric Safety Code (NESC) and other utility industry standards.
- Interest in career growth into technical lead roles and willingness to support other utility disciplines (generation, substations, transmission).
- Prior exposure to power delivery projects for utilities, generation owners, or industrial clients.
Work Environment & Schedule
- Hybrid work: approximately 70% remote (work-from-home/design) and 30% field work within an assigned Michigan territory.
- Field duties require site visits, walking on uneven terrain, and on-site data collection.
- This role is part of a larger power delivery engineering team with a focus on safety, quality, and career growth.
Compensation & Benefits
- Hourly pay: $29.00 per hour (range $29.00 - $29.00/hr as posted).
- Benefits (subject to eligibility and temporary/contract classification) may include medical, dental, vision, 401(k), voluntary life and AD&D, short/long-term disability, HSA, transportation benefits, employee assistance, and accrued time off where applicable.
Location & Employment Type
- Job location: Comstock, MI (work within assigned territory; must be based within commuting distance of Kalamazoo / Comstock).
- Employment type: Contract (hybrid remote + field).
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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