Distribution Engineer - Greater Kansas City Area

Orbital Career•Kansas City, MO

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

Orbital Engineering, Inc. is seeking a REMOTE Distribution Engineer to support electric utility projects in the Greater Kansas City area. While the role is remote, candidates must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the Greater Kansas City area. The Utility Services Department partners with Utility and Communication Companies on Joint Use Pole Attachment Programs and Distribution Engineering Design Projects, focusing on pole attachment applications and utility distribution design. This position will be instrumental in preparing distribution voltage construction packages, assisting with line design, creating drawings, preparing proposals and cost estimates, providing technical support, and performing quality reviews. The role involves evaluating equipment loading, inspecting field conditions, applying relevant codes and standards (NESC, Client Standards, etc.), analyzing field data, and utilizing client proprietary software. The engineer will be accountable for assigned work, ensuring completion within project schedule and budget, and communicating status to management. They will also communicate with clients to determine cost-effective solutions, provide documentation for accounting, and transcribe notes using measuring devices. While primarily remote/office-based, fieldwork may be required in various weather conditions and environments. Travel, including overnight stays, may be necessary for project assignments, client meetings, and interaction with the public. Please note that this job posting does not list all duties and responsibilities; these may change with or without notice.

Requirements

Must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the Greater Kansas City area
Bachelor's degree from a four-year ABET accredited college or university with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering; preferably electrical
Experience or basic knowledge of concepts in the electric utility industry, including primary and secondary distribution systems, & utility standards
Understanding of basic engineering theories and principles
Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization, and problem-solving skills
Ability to prioritize work on multiple projects and effectively communicate project status
Computer proficiency including general Microsoft Office products, distribution design, GIS, and business enterprise software
Must have dependable transportation and a valid driver’s license with insurance
Must be able to pass a fit for duty test
Ability to work from home and an office setting, as required
This position requires the ability to pass a post-offer drug (including marijuana) and alcohol test in compliance with Federal regulations and is also subject to random testing as a condition of continued employment.

Nice To Haves

Successful completion of the Engineer in Training (EIT) or Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam from a state licensing board preferred
Have or willing to obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) license from a state licensing board
Ability to read and understand engineering drawings/schematics preferred
Working knowledge of electrical distribution assets and/or communication equipment construction preferred
Experience in pole loading (Spida Calc, O-Calc, Pole Foreman, or Katapult) or other construction modeling software (AutoCAD) is beneficial
Knowledge of industry utility or joint-use software (SPANS, NJUNS, IkeGPS) for make-ready engineering and construction is beneficial
Familiar with Design and Checking practices for engineering drawings and deliverables preferred
Familiar with Safe Work Practices and PPE applications preferred

Responsibilities

Prepare and develop distribution voltage construction packages for both overhead and underground projects, including distribution equipment installation, feeder replacement, cable replacement, and pole replacements as part of an infrastructure improvement program
Assist with distribution line design 2.4kV - 34kV
Work with Designers and Engineers to prepare new drawings, modify existing drawings, or create as-built documents
Assist in the preparation of proposals, engineering/project cost estimates, and execution schedules
Provide technical support for customers and support regional business development initiatives
Provide quality reviews of work prepared by others and adhere to the QA/QC process
Prepare calculations and assist with equipment specifications
Evaluate loading of various equipment components being installed such as transformers and structural loading of poles to ensure a cost-effective, safe and reliable design utilizing client specifications.
Visually identify, inspect, and record equipment and different construction situations in the field, including rights-of-way
Apply National Electric Safety Code (NESC) Standards, Client Standards, Federal, State or Local Municipal Guidelines, and/or other applicable guidelines to complete engineering designs (Pole Replacements, Communication Space Rearrangements, Joint-Use Design) for possible joint-use or make-ready construction
Analyze field collected data (including imagery) and accurately update applicable software packages for successful design implementation
Regularly utilizes Client proprietary software packages or equipment to complete daily responsibilities in the engineering design workflow process, may include facilitating new attachment permitting process
Accountable for work assigned and responsible for completing work on project schedule and within project budget while regularly communicating status with management team
Frequently communicates with Client(s) on engineering design to best determine the most cost-effective solution for their project
Provides timely and detailed documentation and support to Orbital accounting functions for ensuring projects are on budget and appropriately accounted
Transcribe notes, use measuring devices to identify, inspect, and record the data which is found in an organized manner
As needed, must be able to work in all weather conditions and in residential, commercial, and industrial areas
Work is primarily remote/office based, but fieldwork may be needed throughout the engineering design process
Must be willing to travel overnight or for extended periods of time, based on project assignment
Will be required to attend meetings at clients’ sites and regularly interact with the general public, including landowners and operators