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 project teams and clients, with a hybrid work arrangement combining remote office work and field inspections. This role offers strong growth potential within a large power engineering organization and requires foundational engineering knowledge and proficiency with CAD tools.
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.
Position Overview
This is a contract Distribution Design Engineering I role supporting a Confidential Client in the Engineering industry. The role is entry-level to early-career and focuses on planning, engineering, and designing electric distribution systems (overhead and underground) to ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective power delivery. You'll work under experienced engineers, contribute to design packages, perform field engineering, support calculations and CAD drafting, and participate in post-construction reviews. This position includes a hybrid schedule (primarily remote/design work with regular field work) and strong opportunities for growth.
What You’ll Do
- Plan, engineer, and design electric distribution systems for residential and commercial customers.
- Assess need, size, location, and timing of distribution infrastructure while balancing economic, environmental, social, regulatory, and reliability constraints.
- Prepare work packages for overhead distribution, underground residential distribution (URD), and conduit/cable systems.
- Perform field engineering: collect site requirements, verify existing conditions, and identify conflicting utilities or site constraints.
- Execute engineering and design calculations per established procedures, standards, and codes (including NESC where applicable).
- Produce and update distribution design drawings using AutoCAD, MicroStation, or equivalent CAD tools.
- Support post-construction reviews to confirm designs meet requirements and identify improvement opportunities.
- Collaborate with internal project teams and external utility clients to resolve design issues and align deliverables.
- Communicate technical information clearly to peers, supervisors, and client representatives.
- Handle routine technical problem-solving within scope and escalate complex issues to senior engineers.
- Support administrative tasks, field inspection documentation, and customer follow-ups.
- Maintain professional communication, dress, and demeanor in client-facing situations.
Essential Skills & Requirements
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Electrical preferred; Mechanical, Civil, or Environmental considered).
- An Associate degree plus extensive relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a BS.
- Hands-on or consulting experience with electric utilities, distribution systems, or power delivery work is preferred.
- Experience using CAD tools for engineering design (AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar).
- Foundational knowledge of electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering principles as they apply to power distribution.
- Comfortable working in both field and office/remote 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 suitable for travel to client sites and field locations.
- Valid driver's license.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to work effectively in teams.
- Positive attitude, willingness to learn, and ability to take direction from experienced engineers.
- Must live within a 45-minute radius of Grand Rapids, MI.
Additional Skills & Qualifications (Preferred)
- Familiarity with MicroStation or similar design software.
- Interest or experience in power delivery projects (generation, substation, transmission, distribution).
- Understanding of voltage considerations, pole analysis, and NESC codes relevant to distribution design.
- Exposure to working with investor-owned utilities, municipal utilities, cooperatives, or private developers.
- Attention to detail and commitment to quality in design and documentation.
- Motivation for professional growth and potential progression to technical lead roles.
Work Environment & Schedule
- Hybrid arrangement: approximately 70% remote/design work and ~30% field work across the assigned territory (Grand Rapids area).
- This is a contract position based out of Sparta, MI, with travel across the Grand Rapids / North Grand Rapids territory as required.
Job Type & Compensation
- Employment type: Contract (classified with potential full-time contractor opportunities).
- Pay: $29.00 per hour.
- Actual compensation offered will depend on qualifications, experience, geographic location, and other job-related factors.
Benefits (if eligible)
If eligible, benefits for this temporary role may include:
- Medical, dental & vision
- Critical illness, accident, and hospital coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan (pre-tax and Roth options where applicable)
- Voluntary life and AD&D insurance for employee and dependents
- Short- and long-term disability
- Health Savings Account (HSA) options
- Transportation benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Time off / leave (PTO, vacation, sick leave) — eligibility may vary by classification and length of service
Location Requirements
- This role is based in Sparta, MI. Candidates must live within a 45-minute radius of Grand Rapids, MI and have reliable transportation for field visits.
About the Confidential Client
This role supports a Confidential Client in the Engineering industry. Careertakes is assisting as a third-party recruiting platform; if selected you will be employed directly by the Confidential Client.
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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