Electric Distribution Designer

NV5•San Diego, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

NV5 is a provider of engineering and consulting services to public and private sector clients, delivering solutions through six business verticals: Testing, Inspection & Consulting; Infrastructure; Utility Services; Environmental Health Sciences; Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial Technology. With offices nationwide and abroad, NV5 helps clients plan, design, build, test, certify, and operate projects that improve the communities where we live and work. As engineers, architects, construction/program managers, environmental professionals and beyond, NV5 team members play a significant role in shaping communities through the services provided. NV5 is seeking motivated and driven individuals to join a collaborative team focused on delivering solutions and improving lives. This position supports electric distribution design efforts across a range of project types and complexities, including overhead and underground systems, wildfire mitigation/hardening programs, and system improvements. Team members contribute to project delivery by preparing construction-ready designs, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, and ensuring adherence to client standards, regulatory requirements, and company quality expectations. Depending on experience, candidates may contribute as developing designers, independent contributors, or technical leaders responsible for guiding design efforts, reviewing work, and mentoring others.

Requirements

Certifications related to utility design (e.g., SDG&E underground/overhead or gas design certifications)
Experience with SDG&E or similar utility standards (underground, overhead, service, and design manuals); experience level may range from early-career to advanced
Relevant experience in electric utility distribution design (overhead and/or underground systems)
Familiarity with utility design standards, construction practices, and regulatory requirements
Understanding of engineering fundamentals and ability to perform design calculations
Familiarity with GIS, SAP, SharePoint, Smartsheet, or similar tools
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams
Demonstrated ability to manage workload, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with AutoCAD, GIS, or utility design/work management tools preferred
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to project sites as needed (typically up to 30%)
Ability to work in field environments including construction zones, high-traffic areas, and remote locations

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or related STEM discipline preferred; equivalent technical education or experience considered
Experience preparing construction drawings, cost estimates, and bills of materials
Knowledge of CPUC regulations, utility safety practices, and compliance requirements
Experience reviewing design packages and performing QA/QC
Demonstrated leadership experience, including mentoring or leading project teams

Responsibilities

Develop and prepare electric distribution designs, including overhead and underground systems, relocations, and system improvements
Produce construction drawings, work orders, bills of materials, cost estimates, and supporting design documentation
Perform engineering calculations, system analysis, and design validation to support project requirements
Coordinate with project teams, contractors, utility personnel, and external stakeholders to resolve design challenges and advance project milestones
Conduct and/or support field walks to document existing conditions and inform design solutions
Apply and adhere to client standards, codes, safety requirements, and regulatory guidelines (e.g., CPUC, NEC, OSHA)
Review designs for accuracy, completeness, constructability, and compliance prior to submittal
Manage and maintain organized project documentation and design records
Support multiple concurrent projects, prioritizing tasks to meet schedule and budget requirements
Participate in internal and external meetings, representing NV5 in a professional manner
Utilize design tools and software to develop and manage deliverables (e.g., AutoCAD, GIS, 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
Lead design efforts for complex projects or programs with minimal oversight
Perform formal design reviews (e.g., 30/60/90%) and quality assurance/quality control evaluations
Provide technical guidance, direction, and mentorship to other 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