Designer I, Power Distribution

Disaster Resource Group • Liberty Township, OH

1d

About The Position

The Designer I applies technical skills to design complex projects and provide expertise in safe, cost-effective, and reliable distribution power facilities for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. This is an entry working-level position in the Engineering department. Incumbents perform routine tasks with supervision and support from more experienced staff; the natural progression is to Designer II. Advancement depends on demonstrated knowledge, skill proficiency, relevant industry experience, and supervisory evaluation—not years of service alone.

The role prepares project and job packages and supporting designs for overhead and underground distribution projects of moderate complexity. It involves field data collection, engineering calculations, drafting, equipment evaluation, coordination with clients and construction personnel, and regular communication about job status and deliverables. Work takes place in both a climate-controlled office and outdoor conditions, and may include storm restoration activities when needed.

Requirements

• Associate degree in engineering, engineering technology, design technology, or a related field and at least 2 years of utility experience; the posting identifies this combination as preferred.
• A Bachelor of Science in Engineering qualifies with no prior experience.
• High school diploma or GED and 4 or more years of equivalent utility experience if the applicant does not have a degree.
• Proficiency in basic algebra, geometry, trigonometry, general science, and scales of weight and measurement as applied to engineering computations and construction.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries from customers, regulatory agencies, or the business community.
• Ability to read and understand policy manuals, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to carry out written, oral, or diagrammed instructions using common-sense understanding.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and use discretion with business information.
• Self-motivated, technically competent, reliable, and trustworthy.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and manage time effectively.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to constructively manage multiple tasks.
• Valid driver's license and a vehicle suitable for business use; mileage reimbursement may apply.
• Ability to perform the essential duties satisfactorily, with reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities.
• Physical ability to regularly walk up to 2 miles per day; occasionally sit, stand, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, reach with hands and arms, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in an indoor, climate-controlled office and outdoors in conditions that may include extreme heat, extreme cold, noise, and sun exposure.
• Use of the specified personal protective equipment: hard hat, safety glasses, work gloves, ID card, cellular phone, EH-rated footwear with toe box OSHA ratings, PVDs, and DRG Safety Traffic Vest.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree in engineering, engineering technology, design technology, or a related field with at least 2 years of utility experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare project and job packages, including material lists, requisitions, labor estimates, site drawings, and construction drawings for electrical facility installations.
• Read and interpret blueprints, maps, change orders, improvement plans, construction specifications, procedure manuals, and operational procedures.
• Perform drafting work and assist with preparing designs, plans, and reports.
• Make accurate engineering calculations.
• Collect and analyze field data and prepare accurate, detailed reports and records.
• Learn, practice, and promote all safety policies and procedures.
• Apply codes, requirements, regulations, policies, and procedures to develop safe, cost-effective designs for moderately complex overhead and underground projects.
• Use design software and work management tools.
• Evaluate distribution equipment, including transformers and fusing.
• Follow utility construction practices on public rights of way and private land.
• Regularly communicate job status to meet client expectations and deliverable dates.
• Coordinate with construction personnel and clients to resolve project issues.
• Develop relationships with internal and external customers and represent the company and client professionally while supporting their business goals and expectations.
• Maintain organized files and records.
• Participate in storm restoration activities as a Driver, Wire Guard, or Assessor if needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• 401(k).
• Company-paid life and AD&D insurance.
• Paid time off (PTO) usable for vacation, sick leave, family medical leave, personal leave, bereavement, jury duty, military leave, voting, or other purposes.
• Short-term and long-term disability.
• Supplemental life and AD&D insurance.
• Group critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident coverage.
• Pet insurance.
• Company discounts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree