Distribution Design Project Lead

Stantec•San Diego, CA

2d•Remote

About The Position

Stantec is hiring a Distribution Design Project Lead for its US West region Distribution group. The role supports a variety of power-sector projects, including transmission, distribution substations, converter stations, telecommunications, protection and control, renewable energy, and generation. Work is primarily conducted remotely, with occasional travel to noted office locations for in-person engagements. The Project Lead coordinates with project teams, contractors, utility personnel, and external stakeholders to resolve design issues and advance project milestones. The role applies client standards, codes, safety requirements, and regulatory guidelines, and reviews designs for accuracy, completeness, constructability, and compliance. Depending on experience and project needs, the position may lead complex design efforts, conduct formal design reviews and quality evaluations, mentor team members, serve as a client-facing technical resource, and review third-party design packages. The position may also develop electric distribution designs for overhead and underground systems, relocations, and system improvements, and produce construction drawings, work orders, bills of materials, cost estimates, and supporting documentation. Engineering calculations, system analysis, and design validation may be performed as required. The typical office environment involves computer work and prolonged periods of sitting; field work may involve exposure to the elements, including inclement weather. Duties may be assigned or changed at any time.

Requirements

At least 6 years of direct electric utility or utility/power consulting experience; other infrastructure-related experience will be considered.
At least 3 years of leading projects while managing and directing staff performing the work.
Detailed, first-hand knowledge of the design, construction, and operation and maintenance of overhead and underground distribution lines at or below 34.5 kV.
Experience with both overhead and underground systems.
Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook and Office.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks or projects with varying due dates.

Nice To Haves

Experience with CAD systems such as Bentley MicroStation or Autodesk AutoCAD/Civil3D.
General knowledge of other electrical grid-related disciplines, such as transmission, substations, and generation.
Experience with SDG&E or similar utility standards, including underground, overhead, service, and design manuals; experience level may range from early-career to advanced.
Experience with medium-voltage systems in both utility and industrial contexts.
PLS-CADD, PLS-Pole, and OCalc experience.
Completion of a related STEM credential.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with project teams, contractors, utility personnel, and external stakeholders to resolve design challenges and advance project milestones.
Apply and adhere to client standards, codes, safety requirements, and regulatory guidelines, including CPUC, NEC, and OSHA requirements.
Review designs for accuracy, completeness, constructability, and compliance before submittal.
Manage and maintain organized project documentation and design records.
Support multiple concurrent projects and prioritize tasks to meet schedule and budget requirements.
Participate in internal and external meetings, representing Stantec professionally.
Use design tools and software to develop and manage deliverables, including AutoCAD, GIS, and utility work management platforms.
Identify risks, constructability concerns, and cost impacts, and collaborate with project teams to develop solutions.
Provide input on design standards, process improvements, and best practices.
As applicable to experience, lead design efforts for complex projects or programs with minimal oversight.
Perform formal design reviews, such as 30/60/90% reviews, and quality assurance/quality control evaluations.
Provide technical guidance, direction, and mentorship to designers and team members.
Serve as a client-facing technical resource supporting project planning and execution.
Review and approve contractor or third-party design packages.
Coordinate across multidisciplinary teams and manage stakeholder expectations.
As required, develop electric distribution designs for overhead and underground systems, relocations, and system improvements.
As required, produce construction drawings, work orders, bills of materials, cost estimates, and supporting design documentation.
As required, perform engineering calculations, system analysis, and design validation to support project requirements.