Distribution Design Engineering I
The Distribution Design Engineer I is an entry-level role focused on planning, engineering, and designing electric distribution systems to ensure safe and reliable power delivery. The position involves developing design packages, performing field engineering, and collaborating with utility clients while working primarily remotely with periodic field visits. This role offers strong growth potential within a large power engineering organization and requires foundational engineering knowledge and CAD proficiency.
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.
Summary
Confidential Client is seeking an entry-level Distribution Design Engineer I to support power distribution planning, engineering, and design for utility clients. This is a contract, hybrid role based in Lansing, MI (approximately 70% remote / 30% field). Training is provided and the role has clear growth potential into technical lead positions.
Responsibilities
- Plan, engineer, and design overhead and underground electric distribution systems for residential and commercial customers.
- Determine need, size, location, and timing of power-delivery infrastructure while balancing economic, environmental, social, regulatory, and reliability factors.
- Prepare work packages and distribution design drawings using AutoCAD, MicroStation, or equivalent CAD tools.
- Perform field engineering: site verification, data collection, and identification of conflicting utilities or site constraints.
- Conduct engineering and design calculations following established procedures, standards, and applicable codes (including NESC where applicable).
- Support post-construction reviews to confirm designs meet requirements and identify improvements.
- Collaborate with internal project teams and external utility clients to resolve design issues and align on project goals.
- Escalate complex technical issues to senior engineers and support administrative tasks related to design packages and inspections.
- Communicate clearly with team members and client representatives; maintain professional client-facing conduct.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Electrical preferred). An Associate degree plus relevant experience may be considered.
- Practical experience or coursework in power distribution or related engineering domains.
- Proficiency with CAD tools (AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar).
- Foundational knowledge of electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering principles as applied to distribution systems.
- Comfortable working in both field and remote/office settings.
- Ability to lift up to 20 pounds and walk up to 2 miles on unpaved surfaces during fieldwork.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable personal transportation.
- Strong verbal and written communication; ability to work well on multidisciplinary teams.
- Must live within a 40-minute radius of Lansing, MI.
Preferred Qualifications
- Direct experience supporting electric utilities or utility consulting engagements.
- Familiarity with power delivery equipment, voltage considerations, and industry codes/standards.
- Interest in professional growth toward technical lead or senior design roles.
- Willingness to support projects across other utility domains (generation, substations, transmission) as needed.
Work Environment & Logistics
- Hybrid role: roughly 70% remote (work-from-home) and 30% field work within the assigned Michigan territory.
- Field work includes site visits, inspections, verifying existing conditions, and collecting project data.
- This is a contract position based in Lansing, MI. Reliable transportation and local travel are required.
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay range: $29.00 per hour (listed range: $29.00 - $29.00/hr).
- Benefits (if eligible for the contract assignment) may include: medical, dental & vision; 401(k); life insurance; short- and long-term disability; HSA; employee assistance; and paid time off policies where applicable.
- Actual pay offered will depend on qualifications, experience, location, and other job-related factors.
Location & Employment Type
- Location: Lansing, MI (must reside within a 40-minute radius).
- Employment Type: Contract (CONTRACTOR); may include full-time hours depending on assignment.
About the Recruiting Process
Careertakes is acting as the third-party recruiter for this opening. Applicants may receive notifications about other matched opportunities via the Careertakes platform. AI tools may be used to assist with application screening, but human reviewers make final hiring 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.
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