Distribution Design Engineer (Entry Level)
The Distribution Design Engineer I role involves planning, engineering, and designing electric and gas distribution systems to ensure reliable power delivery. The position requires developing design packages, performing field engineering, applying engineering principles and safety codes, and collaborating with project teams. This entry-level contract role offers hybrid work with significant fieldwork in Michigan and opportunities for professional growth within a leading power delivery organization.
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 & Sciences services supporting power delivery and utility engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
This entry-level Distribution Design Engineer role supports planning, engineering, and design of electric and gas distribution systems to ensure safe, reliable power delivery. Working under supervision on less-complex projects, you will balance technical, economic, regulatory, environmental, and reliability considerations while developing design deliverables for overhead and underground systems.
- Plan and design electric and gas distribution systems that support reliable customer service.
- Determine the need, size, location, and timing of new or upgraded infrastructure.
- Develop work packages for overhead distribution, underground residential distribution (URD), and cable/conduit systems.
- Perform field engineering to collect project requirements and document site conditions.
- Identify conflicting utilities and field constraints that impact design and construction.
- Perform engineering calculations and basic distribution analyses (voltage and pole analysis).
- Produce accurate design drawings and documentation using AutoCAD, MicroStation, or comparable CAD tools.
- Apply relevant codes and standards (including NESC) to ensure safety and compliance.
- Participate in post-construction reviews, maintain project records, and capture lessons learned.
- Travel within the assigned Michigan territory for field work as required.
- Follow established procedures to resolve routine technical issues and communicate design decisions clearly with project teams.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Environmental, or closely related), preferably; 0–2 years of relevant experience. A Master’s degree in Engineering is also acceptable.
- OR Associate’s degree in a relevant technical field with 1–3 years of relevant experience.
- Relevant experience with an electric utility or utility consulting firm preferred.
- Experience using CAD tools (AutoCAD and/or MicroStation) for engineering design.
- Basic knowledge of power delivery and distribution design concepts.
- Strong attention to detail in drawings, calculations, and documentation.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills for collaborating with peers and teams.
- Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation for field assignments.
- Ability to lift up to 20 pounds and walk up to 2 miles on unpaved surfaces during field visits.
Preferred / Additional Skills
- Familiarity with MicroStation and other utility design programs.
- Knowledge of NESC standards and their application to distribution design.
- Experience creating work packages for overhead and underground distribution projects.
- Prior exposure to utility infrastructure projects (generation, substations, transmission) is a plus.
- Interest in long-term growth into technical lead roles and flexibility to support programs in other regions.
Work Environment & Schedule
- Hybrid: approximately 70% remote/work-from-home and 30% field work in the assigned territory in Michigan.
- Field duties include visiting project sites, walking on unpaved surfaces, and carrying tools or equipment.
- Office/home attire is generally business casual; field visits require appropriate safety clothing and PPE.
- This role emphasizes safety, quality, and adherence to established engineering procedures.
Employment Type & Location
- Contract position based in Kalamazoo, MI.
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay: $29.00 per hour.
- Actual compensation within the stated range will depend on qualifications, experience, location, and other job-related factors.
- If eligible, benefits for this temporary role may include medical, dental & vision; critical illness/accident/hospital plans; 401(k) options; voluntary life & AD&D; short- and long-term disability; HSA; transportation benefits; Employee Assistance Program; and paid time off (eligibility and offerings may vary by classification).
EEO, Accommodations & Hiring Practices
Confidential Client is an equal opportunity employer and will consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact Careertakes for assistance.
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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