Design Engineer
The Distribution Design Engineer I role involves planning, engineering, and designing electric distribution systems to ensure safe and reliable power delivery. This entry-level position combines fieldwork and remote design tasks, supporting overhead and underground distribution projects while collaborating with utility clients and internal teams. The role offers strong growth potential within a large power engineering organization, emphasizing professional development and technical skill advancement.
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 and sciences services and talent solutions.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Position Summary
This is an entry-level Distribution / Power Delivery Design Engineer role supporting electric distribution system planning and design. The position is hybrid (primarily remote with field work) and is based in Walled Lake, MI. The role is a contract assignment offering on-the-job training, mentoring, and clear advancement pathways into more senior technical roles.
What You’ll Do
You will work under the guidance of experienced engineers to support planning, engineering, and design of electric distribution systems. Key duties include:
- Plan, engineer, and design overhead and underground distribution systems for residential and commercial customers.
- Prepare work packages for overhead distribution, underground residential distribution (URD), and underground cable/conduit systems.
- Perform field engineering: gather requirements, verify site conditions, and identify utility conflicts and constraints.
- Run engineering and design calculations using approved procedures, standards, and codes.
- Create and update design drawings and documentation using CAD tools (AutoCAD, MicroStation, or equivalents).
- Support post-construction reviews to confirm designs meet requirements and to capture lessons learned.
- Coordinate with internal teams and external utility clients to resolve design issues and align on project goals.
- Assist with distribution equipment tasks related to voltage selection, transformers, and associated hardware.
- Provide clear, professional communication to peers, clients, and construction partners.
- Complete routine technical problem-solving within a defined scope and escalate complex issues to senior engineers.
- Support administrative tasks, customer follow-up, and project documentation as needed.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Electrical preferred; Mechanical, Civil, Environmental, or Design considered).
- An Associate degree plus extensive relevant experience (per the original requirement) may be considered.
- Experience with CAD tools for engineering design (AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar).
- Foundational knowledge of power distribution engineering principles.
- Comfort working in both office/remote settings and in the field (site visits and inspections).
- Ability to lift up to 20 pounds and walk up to 2 miles on unpaved surfaces during fieldwork.
- Reliable personal transportation and a valid driver’s license.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to collaborate on teams.
- Positive attitude, eagerness to learn, and willingness to work under the supervision of more experienced engineers.
- Must live within a 40 minute radius of Lansing, MI.
Preferred / Additional Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Environmental, or Civil Engineering preferred.
- Prior experience supporting electric utility or utility-consulting distribution projects is highly beneficial.
- Familiarity with industry standards and codes relevant to power delivery (e.g., National Electric Safety Code practices).
- Interest in professional growth with potential to advance into technical lead or specialty roles.
- Openness to supporting other power delivery areas (generation, substations, transmission) as needed.
Work Environment & Schedule
- Hybrid role: approximately 70% remote/home-based design work and ~30% field activities within an assigned Michigan territory.
- Field work includes site visits, walking on uneven terrain, and verifying existing conditions.
- Modern CAD and design tools will be used; collaboration with utilities, construction partners, and stakeholders is required.
- Professional, safety-focused culture with mentoring and growth opportunities.
Job Type & Location
- Contract position
- Workplace type: Hybrid — based in Walled Lake, MI (local travel within assigned territory required)
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay range: $29.00 per hour
- Actual pay within the posted range will depend on qualifications, experience, location, and other job-related factors.
- If eligible, benefits for this temporary role may include: medical, dental & vision; critical illness, accident, and hospital plans; 401(k) with pre-tax and Roth options; voluntary life and AD&D; short- and long-term disability; HSA; transportation benefits; employee assistance program; and time off (PTO, vacation, sick leave). Benefits eligibility depends on job classification and length of assignment.
Legal & Compliance Notes
- This posting is provided by Careertakes as a third-party recruiting platform; the hiring organization is referred to as Confidential Client in this listing.
- Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, notify the recruiter or contact Careertakes for assistance.
- The client and Careertakes prohibit discrimination or harassment in all hiring decisions and employment practices.
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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