Ntry Level Power Distribution Engineer
This entry-level Power Distribution Design Engineer role involves planning, engineering, and designing electric distribution systems to ensure safe and reliable power delivery. The position requires collaboration with experienced engineers to develop design packages, perform field engineering, and support post-construction reviews, offering strong growth potential within a large power engineering organization. The role features a hybrid work arrangement with a focus on both office and fieldwork in the Grand Rapids, MI area.
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.
What You’ll Do
This is an entry-level Distribution Design Engineer role supporting power distribution planning, design, and field engineering. You will work under experienced engineers to produce design packages, perform field verification, and support post-construction reviews. This is a hybrid role with a mix of remote/office design work and field inspections in the Grand Rapids, MI area.
- Plan, engineer, and design electric distribution systems that support reliable power delivery to residential and commercial customers.
- Develop work packages for overhead distribution, underground residential distribution (URD), and underground cable/conduit systems.
- Perform field engineering to gather project requirements, verify existing conditions, and identify conflicting utilities or site constraints.
- Execute engineering and design calculations using established procedures, standards, and codes (including NESC where applicable).
- Create and update design drawings and documentation using CAD tools (AutoCAD, MicroStation, or equivalent).
- Support post-construction reviews to confirm designs meet requirements and identify improvements.
- Collaborate with internal teams and external utility clients to clarify requirements and resolve design issues.
- Assist with design tasks involving voltage levels, transformers, poles, and related distribution equipment.
- Communicate technical information clearly to peers, team members, and client representatives.
- Escalate complex issues to senior engineers while independently resolving routine technical problems.
- Support administrative and customer follow-up activities related to design packages, field inspections, and project documentation.
- Maintain professional conduct in all client-facing interactions.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Electrical preferred; Mechanical, Civil, Environmental considered).
- OR Associate degree in a related technical field plus equivalent relevant experience considered.
- Relevant experience or internship experience with an electric utility or utility consulting company is strongly preferred.
- Experience using CAD tools for engineering design (AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar).
- Foundational knowledge of electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering principles as they relate to power distribution.
- Comfortable working in both field and office settings; able to perform site visits and field inspections.
- Ability to lift up to 20 pounds and walk up to 2 miles on unpaved surfaces during fieldwork.
- Reliable personal transportation and valid driver’s license.
- Must live within a 45-minute radius of Grand Rapids, MI.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to work effectively on teams.
- Positive attitude and willingness to learn under the guidance of experienced engineers.
Preferred / Additional Skills
- Bachelor’s degree specifically in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
- Familiarity with power delivery projects (generation, substation, transmission, distribution).
- Experience or interest in MicroStation or comparable design software.
- Understanding of voltage considerations, pole loading/analysis, and NESC codes.
- Exposure to investor-owned utilities, municipal utilities, cooperatives, or private developers.
- Desire for professional growth and potential to progress into technical lead roles.
Work Arrangement & Location
- Hybrid: approximately 70% remote/office design work and 30% field work within the assigned territory (Grand Rapids and North Grand Rapids, MI).
- This is a contract position based out of Grand Rapids, MI.
- Must reside within a 45-minute radius of Grand Rapids, MI and be able to travel to job sites as required.
Pay & Benefits
- Pay: $29.00 per hour (hourly rate shown in source).
- Benefits (eligibility dependent on classification and length of employment) may include: medical, dental & vision; 401(k) plan; life and disability insurance; HSA; paid time off; employee assistance program; transportation benefits. Benefits are subject to change and program terms.
Why This Role?
- Structured training and mentorship under experienced engineers.
- Opportunity to build foundational distribution design skills and progress within a large engineering organization.
- Hands-on mix of field and design work—ideal for early-career engineers seeking practical utility experience.
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.
Negotiate a higher salary! Check the salary ranges for this job type in your area.
View My Salary Range