Entry-Level Design Technician – Cincinnati, IN
The Design Technician role involves developing detailed design and construction work packages for electrical distribution systems ranging from 4kV to 138kV, focusing on programmatic tasks such as overloaded transformers and inspection reports. This position combines office-based engineering design with field inspections, requiring strong analytical skills, client interaction, and the ability to support construction activities. It offers career growth opportunities within the power distribution industry and requires onsite work in Cincinnati, OH.
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, Power Utilities & Engineering Services.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
Confidential Client is hiring an Entry‑Level Design Technician to support electrical distribution design and field inspection work across the Cincinnati, IN area. This is a Contract‑to‑Hire opportunity focused on power distribution systems (4 kV to 138 kV) with a mix of office design tasks and field visits. The role offers strong training, career growth, and the chance to move into longer‑term engineering responsibilities.
What You’ll Do
- Develop detailed design and construction work packages for overhead and underground electrical distribution systems (4 kV–138 kV), with emphasis on programmatic work (overloaded transformers, inspection & maintenance, joint use, inspection reports).
- Perform engineering calculations including wood pole loading/structural analysis, guying calculations, conductor sag/tension, voltage drop, and flicker.
- Complete permitting documentation and ensure compliance with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) and local requirements.
- Conduct field inspections to collect data and verify site conditions, then translate findings into completed design packages.
- Provide engineering support during construction, respond to field questions, and review construction for conformance with design intent.
- Perform post‑construction reviews and root‑cause analysis of outages, proposing mitigation strategies.
- Collaborate professionally with internal teams, clients, and contractors; manage project priorities and deliver high‑quality work on schedule.
- Grow into technical leadership tasks and mentor junior engineers/techs as experience increases.
Essential Qualifications
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, or related discipline.
- Foundational knowledge of power distribution and electrical distribution systems.
- Ability to produce design and construction work packages for distribution systems.
- Competence in structural calculations, sag/tension specifications, voltage drop and flicker analyses.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills; experience or aptitude for outage root‑cause analysis.
- Familiarity with GIS and other engineering/design tools used in utility work.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to represent the business to clients and field personnel.
- Willingness and ability to travel to field sites as needed.
Preferred / Additional Qualifications
- Engineer‑in‑Training (EIT) certification preferred.
- Any prior experience in power distribution or utility engineering is a plus.
- Experience with utility standards and permitting processes is beneficial.
- Demonstrated interest in long‑term career growth within power delivery and infrastructure modernization.
Work Environment & Schedule
- Location: Cincinnati, IN area (Blue Ash office team presence noted in original posting).
- Workplace: Onsite-heavy role with a combination of office design work and field visits.
- Onsite expectation: Typically onsite multiple days per week during the initial months (per client onboarding policies); field travel mileage reimbursed as required.
- Schedule: Monday–Friday, first shift (standard project hours). This position supports projects within a defined service territory across Ohio and the Cincinnati region.
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay: $24.04 per hour (Contract to Hire). Individual offer will depend on qualifications, experience, and other job‑related factors.
- Benefits (eligibility may apply and are subject to change): medical, dental & vision; voluntary life & AD&D; short & long‑term disability; 401(k) options; HSA; transportation benefits; employee assistance; paid time off (varies by classification).
- Employment type: Contract to Hire (initial contractor engagement with potential for direct hire).
Employment Location & Legal Notices
- This posting is for a position based in Cincinnati, IN (on‑site). Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.
- Confidential Client is an equal opportunity employer and will consider applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics.
- Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available upon request under applicable law.
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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