Designer
The Designer role at Confidential Client involves both field and office work to develop detailed design and construction packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems in Michigan. The position requires performing engineering calculations, conducting field data collection, and supporting construction activities while collaborating in a team-oriented environment. This contract-to-hire opportunity offers flexibility, professional growth, and the chance to contribute to a newly established office focused on innovative utility design solutions.
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
This Confidential Client opportunity is for a Designer based in Bingham Farms, MI. The role combines field work and office-based electrical distribution design to support overhead and underground utility projects. This is a contract-to-hire, full-time position with local field travel and opportunities for skills development and career growth.
Responsibilities
- Independently develop design and construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems.
- Review client-provided materials and verify scope requirements for complete, accurate design solutions.
- Perform engineering calculations: structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying calculations, conductor sag/tension, voltage drop, and flicker.
- Split time between the field and office to support end-to-end design activities.
- Conduct field visits to poles and lines in the project area to take measurements and capture photos.
- Produce accurate drawings and documentation using AutoCAD and other design tools.
- Provide engineering support during construction and perform post-construction reviews to confirm standards are met.
- Conduct root cause analysis of outages and recommend mitigation measures.
- Coordinate with conflicting utilities and other stakeholders in complex field environments.
- Assist with large cable and conduit design packages in dense urban areas.
- Support development of permits, easements, and right-of-way (ROW) documentation.
- Maintain accurate records of field activities, travel time, and project documentation.
Essential Skills & Qualifications
- Associate or Bachelor’s degree in a design-related discipline.
- 2–3 years of experience in a design role preferred; related industry experience considered.
- Proficiency with AutoCAD for technical drawing production and revisions.
- Basic understanding of electric utility systems and distribution design concepts.
- Ability to perform engineering-related calculations (structural, guying, sag/tension, voltage drop, flicker).
- Comfortable working independently in the field and collaboratively in an office team.
- Strong attention to detail for measurements, documentation, and drawing accuracy.
- Willingness and ability to travel locally (up to ~1.5 hours) to job sites.
- Effective communication skills for coordinating with project teams and interpreting client information.
Preferred / Additional Qualifications
- Experience with electric utilities or consulting firms performing distribution design.
- Distribution design experience, including 3D design workflows, is highly desirable.
- Experience with SolidWorks or similar design software is a plus.
- An engineering degree is a plus; entry-level engineering graduates with training will be considered.
- Experience with complex cable/conduit projects in urban environments is beneficial.
- Experience preparing permits, easements, and ROW applications is advantageous.
- Demonstrated adaptability to new office processes and interest in ongoing professional development.
Work Environment
- Onsite position based in Bingham Farms, MI with project work focused in nearby urban areas.
- Field travel is local within Michigan; overnight travel is rare.
- Travel time counts toward working hours; a company vehicle may be available for field work.
- Collaborative, team-oriented environment that encourages knowledge sharing and professional growth.
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay range: $23.00 - $28.00 per hour (contract-to-hire). Individual pay will depend on qualifications, experience, and other job-related factors.
- If eligible, benefits for this role may include: medical, dental & vision; critical illness, accident, and hospital plans; 401(k) plan (pre-tax and Roth options); voluntary life & AD&D insurance; short- and long-term disability; HSA; transportation benefits; employee assistance program; and paid time off per company policy.
Employment Type & Location
- Employment type: Contract to Hire, Full-time.
- Work location: Bingham Farms, MI (onsite). Projects are concentrated in nearby urban areas.
Application Deadline
- This position is anticipated to close on Oct 27, 2026.
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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