About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by Confidential Client, Engineering (Power Delivery & Utilities).

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 is an entry-level Distribution Design Engineer I role supporting power distribution planning, engineering, and design for overhead and underground distribution systems. You will work under experienced engineers to develop design packages, perform field engineering, support design calculations, and participate in post-construction reviews. Typical responsibilities include:

• Plan, engineer, and design electric distribution systems for residential and commercial customers.
• Determine need, sizing, location, and timing of distribution infrastructure while balancing economic, environmental, regulatory, and reliability factors.
• Create work packages for overhead distribution, underground residential distribution (URD), and underground cable/conduit systems.
• Perform field engineering: gather requirements, verify existing conditions, and identify conflicting utilities or site constraints.
• Perform engineering and design calculations using established standards and applicable codes (e.g., NESC where relevant).
• Use CAD and design software (AutoCAD, MicroStation, or equivalent) to produce and update drawings and documentation.
• Support post-construction reviews and identify opportunities for design improvements.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external utility clients to clarify requirements and resolve design issues.
• Communicate technical facts and basic analyses clearly to peers, supervisors, and client representatives.
• Escalate complex technical problems to senior engineers; handle routine technical problem-solving within scope.
• Support administrative tasks related to design packages, field inspections, and project documentation.
• Maintain professional conduct and client-facing demeanor at all times.

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Qualifications (Minimum / Essential)

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Electrical preferred; Mechanical, Civil, Environmental, or Design considered).
• OR Associate degree in a related technical field with significant related experience may be considered.
• Familiarity or relevant experience working with electric utilities or consulting firms on distribution design.
• Experience or coursework using CAD tools (AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar).
• Foundational knowledge of engineering principles applicable to power distribution and delivery.
• Comfortable splitting time between field work and remote/office work.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds and walk up to 2 miles on unpaved surfaces for field visits.
• Reliable personal transportation and a valid driver’s license.
• Strong verbal and written communication and ability to work effectively in teams.
• Must live within a 40-minute radius of Kalamazoo, MI.

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Nice-to-Have / Additional Skills

• Bachelor’s degree specifically in Electrical Engineering (preferred).
• Direct experience with utility power delivery projects (overhead & underground distribution).
• Familiarity with National Electric Safety Code (NESC) and other utility-related standards.
• Experience supporting projects for electric utilities, generation owners, or industrial clients.
• Interest in technical career growth and potential to advance to technical lead roles.
• Willingness to support other utility program areas (substations, transmission, generation) as needed.

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Work Arrangement & Location

• Job Type: Contract (Contractor)
• Workplace: Hybrid — approximately 70% remote (work from home) and ~30% field activities within an assigned territory in Michigan.
• Base location: Kalamazoo, MI. Candidates must live within a 40-minute radius of Kalamazoo.
• Field work: site visits to utilities, walking on unpaved surfaces, and light lifting (up to 20 lbs).

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Compensation & Benefits

• Pay rate: $29.00 per hour.
• Individual offers will depend on qualifications, skills, experience, and other job-related factors.
• If eligible (per classification and length of engagement), temporary-role benefits may include:
  • Medical, dental & vision
  • Critical illness, accident, and hospital coverage
  • 401(k) retirement plan (pre-tax and Roth options)
  • Voluntary life & AD&D
  • Short- and long-term disability
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Transportation benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid time off / leave (subject to role eligibility)

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Why Apply (Quick Sell)

Confidential Client is a nationally recognized engineering organization with a large project backlog and clear career progression paths. This role is an excellent entry point to gain practical power delivery design experience, develop CAD and field engineering skills, and work alongside experienced utility engineering professionals.

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Legal & Accessibility Notes

Confidential Client is an equal opportunity employer and will consider applications without regard to any characteristic protected by law. If you need a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please notify the hiring team through the application process. Careertakes and Confidential Client comply with all applicable US employment laws.

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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.