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.

---

What You’ll Do

This is an entry-level Distribution Design Engineer I role supporting power distribution projects for a confidential client. Under the guidance of experienced engineers you will help plan, engineer, and design electric distribution systems that deliver safe, reliable power to residential and commercial customers. This is a hybrid role with a mix of field work and remote/office design.

• Plan, engineer, and design overhead and underground electric distribution systems.
• Develop work packages for overhead distribution, underground residential distribution (URD), and underground cable and conduit systems.
• Perform field engineering: gather project requirements, verify existing conditions, and identify conflicting utilities or site constraints.
• Perform engineering and design calculations using established procedures, standards, and applicable codes (e.g., NESC where applicable).
• Produce and update distribution drawings and documentation using CAD tools (AutoCAD, MicroStation, or equivalent).
• Assist with voltage consideration, pole analysis, transformer selection, and related distribution equipment tasks.
• Support post-construction reviews to confirm designs meet requirements and capture lessons learned.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external utility clients to clarify requirements and resolve design issues.
• Communicate technical findings clearly to team members and client representatives.
• Escalate complex technical issues to senior engineers; perform routine technical problem solving within a defined scope.
• Support administrative tasks related to design packages, field inspections, and project documentation.
• Maintain professional communication, dress, and demeanor for client-facing interactions.

---

Minimum Qualifications (Essential Skills)

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Electrical preferred; Mechanical, Civil, Environmental considered).
• Associate degree plus substantial relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.
• Relevant experience or coursework with electric utilities or utility consulting preferred.
• Experience or familiarity with CAD design tools (AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar).
• Foundational knowledge of electrical/civil/mechanical engineering principles as they relate to power distribution.
• Comfortable working in both field and remote/office settings; able to perform 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 for travel to field locations and client sites; valid driver’s license required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for client-facing work.
• Positive attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to work effectively in teams.
• Must live within a 45-minute radius of Grand Rapids, MI.

---

Preferred / Additional Skills

• B.S. in Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Environmental Engineering, or closely related field.
• Familiarity with power delivery topics: generation, substation, transmission, and distribution.
• Experience or interest in working with investor-owned utilities, municipal utilities, co-ops, or private developers.
• Experience with MicroStation preferred.
• Understanding of NESC requirements, voltage considerations, and pole analysis.
• Desire for professional growth with potential to progress to technical lead roles.

---

Work Environment & Schedule

• Hybrid arrangement: approximately 70% remote/home-based design work and about 30% field inspections and site visits in the assigned territory (Grand Rapids / North Grand Rapids area).
• This is a contract role based out of Greenville, MI. Occasional local travel and site visits are expected.

---

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay: $29.00 per hour (contract). Actual compensation offered will depend on qualifications, experience, and other job-related factors.
• Potential benefits (subject to eligibility and role classification): medical, dental & vision; 401(k) options; voluntary life/AD&D; short- and long-term disability; HSA; transportation benefits; Employee Assistance Program; PTO/leave options.
• Benefits and eligibility vary by assignment and may change.

---

Job Type & Location

• Employment type: Contract (hourly).
• Location: Greenville, MI (role covers Grand Rapids territory). Candidates must be located within the required commute radius.

---

Important Hiring Notes

• This posting is managed by Careertakes for a confidential client in the Engineering industry.
• Careertakes uses best-practice third-party recruiting processes; selected candidates will be employed by the client.
• Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities — please request accommodations through Careertakes if needed.
• This role may use AI tools to assist with initial resume screening; human hiring managers make final decisions.

---

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.