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.

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What You’ll Do

This entry-level Distribution Design Engineer I (Power Distribution) role supports the planning, engineering, and design of electric distribution systems for residential and commercial customers. Working under the guidance of experienced engineers, you will help produce work packages for overhead and underground distribution, perform field engineering tasks, run basic design calculations, create CAD drawings, and participate in post-construction reviews. This position offers hands-on CAD training, client-facing experience, and clear growth paths in a large utility engineering practice.

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Responsibilities

• Plan, engineer, and design electric distribution systems to support safe, reliable power delivery.
• Determine need, size, location, and timing for distribution infrastructure while considering economic, environmental, regulatory, and reliability constraints.
• Develop work packages for overhead distribution, underground residential distribution (URD), and cable/conduit systems.
• Perform field engineering: gather requirements, verify conditions, and identify conflicting utilities or site constraints.
• Conduct engineering and design calculations using established procedures, standards, and applicable codes.
• Produce and update distribution design drawings using CAD tools (AutoCAD, MicroStation, or equivalents).
• Support post-construction reviews to confirm designs meet project requirements and capture lessons learned.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external utility clients to resolve design issues and align on deliverables.
• Follow established engineering procedures, policies, and relevant codes (e.g., NESC where applicable).
• Assist with distribution equipment considerations (voltage, transformers, protection basics).
• Communicate technical findings clearly in client-facing and internal meetings.
• Complete routine technical problem-solving within defined scope; escalate complex issues appropriately.
• Support related administrative tasks: documentation, customer follow-up, and field inspection reporting.
• Balance a mix of remote/office design work with field inspections as required.
• Maintain professional presentation and conduct in all client and team interactions.

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Required / Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Electrical preferred; Mechanical, Civil, Environmental, or related design degrees considered).
• Candidates with an Associate degree plus substantial relevant experience will be considered.
• Direct experience with electric utilities or utility-focused engineering consulting is strongly preferred.
• Experience using CAD tools (AutoCAD, MicroStation, or equivalent).
• Foundational knowledge of electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering principles relevant to distribution systems.
• Comfortable working in both office/remote and field settings, including site visits.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs and walk up to 2 miles on unpaved terrain during fieldwork.
• Reliable personal transportation for travel to field locations and client sites.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for client-facing interactions.
• Ability to collaborate effectively on teams across diverse locations.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn under mentorship.
• Must live within a 40-minute radius of Hamilton or Hastings, MI.

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Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree specifically in Electrical Engineering (preferred).
• Experience on power delivery projects for utilities (overhead and underground distribution).
• Familiarity with industry standards and codes applicable to power distribution (including NESC-related practices).
• Experience supporting projects for electric utilities, power generation owners, or large industrial clients.
• Interest in professional growth toward technical lead or senior engineering roles.
• Willingness to support work across other utility disciplines (generation, substations, transmission) when needed.

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Work Environment

This is a hybrid role with approximately 70% remote/office work and ~30% field activity within an assigned territory in Michigan. You will use modern CAD tools to develop designs and perform field inspections to verify site conditions. Field tasks may include walking on unpaved surfaces and light lifting while collecting data. The team emphasizes safety, quality, and professional client engagement. Strong training and advancement opportunities are available.

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Job Type & Location

• Contract (CONTRACTOR) — based in Hamilton, MI (hybrid).

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Pay & Benefits

• Pay range: $29.00 per hour.
• Actual compensation will depend on candidate qualifications, experience, geographic location, and other job-related factors.
• If eligible, benefits for this temporary role may include medical, dental & vision; 401(k) retirement plan; voluntary life & AD&D; short- and long-term disability; HSA; transportation benefits; employee assistance program; and applicable time off policies. Eligibility and plan availability depend on classification and length of assignment.

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Reasonable Accommodation

If you require a reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process due to a disability, please notify us. Careertakes and our client make employment decisions without regard to disability and will provide reasonable accommodations when requested.

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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.