Entry Level Distribution Engineer
The Entry Level Distribution Engineer supports power distribution infrastructure upgrades and storm hardening projects by performing engineering calculations, design, and field inspections to enhance power reliability in the Southeastern U.S. This role involves preparing construction drawings, evaluating equipment loading, ensuring compliance with utility standards, and collaborating with project teams on-site in Tampa, FL.
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, Energy, Oil & Gas.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role overview
Confidential Client is seeking an Entry Level Distribution Engineer to support power distribution infrastructure upgrades and storm-hardening projects serving the Southeastern U.S. This contract-to-hire, onsite role is based in East Lake-Orient Park, FL and focuses on distribution design, field verification, and producing construction-ready design packages.
Responsibilities
- Conduct site visits and capture field notes: visual inspections, equipment inventories, measurements, sketches, photographs, and comparisons to base plans.
- Evaluate equipment loading (transformers, pole structural loading) and specify safe, cost-effective designs per client specifications.
- Review and interpret design manuals, local jurisdiction details, and utility standards.
- Determine and document design requirements and prepare distribution designs based on field notes.
- Produce and draft construction drawings for review and approval by federal, state, and local agencies.
- Prepare project/job packages including material estimates and requisitions.
- Review proposed construction plans for impacts on existing distribution systems.
- Identify and resolve conductor and structural clearance violations.
- Develop final design plan packages and ensure ISO compliance for projects.
- Participate in regular (bi-weekly) project team meetings and coordinate with stakeholders.
Essential qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
- ~1 year of engineering experience (entry-level).
- Interest in power / energy / utilities and distribution design.
- Proficiency in distribution design principles and engineering calculations.
- Experience or familiarity with Bentley Open Utility Designer, AutoCAD, Pole Load analysis, Smallworld, Maximo, and quality control processes.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Self-motivated, strong interpersonal skills, and initiative.
Additional skills & qualifications (preferred)
- Hands-on design / drafting experience in distribution projects.
- Basic knowledge of primary and secondary distribution systems and utility standards.
- Experience with Duke Energy systems or similar utility-specific platforms is a plus.
- Experience interacting with customers, developers, and field crews on distribution projects.
- Familiarity with MicroStation and BOUD/Maximo/Smallworld workflows.
- EIT or passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.
- Strong customer service orientation.
Job type & location
This is a Contract-to-Hire position. Work site: fully onsite in East Lake-Orient Park, FL (Tampa area).
Pay & benefits
- Pay range: $27.00 / hr (hourly rate shown reflects the posted range).
- Final compensation within this range depends on qualifications, experience, and job-related factors.
- If eligible, benefits for this temporary role may include: medical, dental & vision; critical illness, accident & hospital insurance; 401(k) retirement plan (pre-tax & Roth options); voluntary life & AD&D; short- and long-term disability; HSA; transportation benefits; Employee Assistance Program; and PTO/leave options.
Workplace & hiring timeline
- Workplace type: Fully onsite in East Lake-Orient Park, FL.
- Anticipated application close date listed in source: 2026-11-06 (candidates are encouraged to apply early).
- Contract to hire — final hiring decision made by Confidential Client.
Equal Opportunity & hiring notes
Confidential Client is committed to inclusive hiring and compliance with applicable local, state, and federal employment laws. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available; request accommodations through the recruiter or application contact.
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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