Make Ready Designer – Power Distribution (Remote)

Sigma Technologies • Louisville, KY

13d • Remote

About The Position

Sigma Technologies is seeking experienced Make Ready Designers to support engineering programs for major electric and telecommunications utilities. The primary focus of this position is overhead make-ready and joint-use design, including evaluating existing pole conditions, applying NESC clearance requirements, identifying attachment conflicts and required modifications, performing or interpreting pole-loading analysis, and developing accurate construction-ready design packages. Strong candidates may come from make-ready, joint-use, or electric distribution design backgrounds, but should have demonstrated experience working with overhead utility poles and distribution infrastructure. Experience with platforms such as DDS, Katapult, O-Calc, GIS, MicroStation, AutoCAD, PoleForeman, or utility-specific design systems is highly valuable. Applicants without previous utility pole design, make-ready, joint-use, or electric distribution design experience will not be considered. Although this position is remote, all new hires must attend a 2-week paid, in-person orientation at our Perrysburg, Ohio headquarters.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Minimum 2 years of experience in make-ready engineering, joint-use design, or electric power distribution design
• Proven experience in utility pole design, including NESC application, clearance analysis, pole loading concepts, and preparation of construction-ready design packages
• Proficiency with CAD or MicroStation
• Solid understanding of power distribution construction practices, with the ability to learn utility-specific proprietary systems efficiently
• Must hold a valid driver’s license, maintain active auto insurance, and pass all required background, drug, and MVR screenings
• Authorization to work in the United States is required
• Willingness to travel occasionally, including minimal overnight travel when project needs require
• Ability to work a standard Monday–Friday schedule aligned to Eastern Time, with Central/Mountain/Pacific adjustments as appropriate
• Ability to work for extended periods using a computer keyboard, monitor, and telephone
• Ability to prepare and analyze data, review detailed information, and work with design tools requiring close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment
• Ability to communicate effectively through oral and written channels

Nice To Haves

• An associate degree or higher in engineering, drafting, or a related field is preferred
• 3+ years of experience in make-ready engineering, joint-use design, or electric power distribution design strongly preferred
• Experience with DDS, Katapult, O-Calc, or similar utility design platforms is strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Complete make-ready and overhead utility pole design work orders while meeting established quality, schedule, and budget expectations
• Review and interpret field collection and walkout data, pole information, attachment details, and existing utility conditions
• Evaluate joint-use attachments, NESC clearances, pole loading, and required make-ready modifications
• Develop construction-ready make-ready designs, including pole replacements, transfers, attachment adjustments, guying, anchoring, and other required utility modifications
• Apply established NESC requirements, utility construction standards, engineering guidelines, and client-specific design criteria
• Perform end-to-end make-ready and joint-use design and support related overhead distribution design when required
• Conduct applicable permitting and easement research, including pole ownership, right-of-way, property rights, and required approvals
• Collaborate with project teams to resolve design conflicts, field-data discrepancies, and constructability concerns
• Use design platforms such as DDS, Katapult, O-Calc, PoleForeman, AutoCAD, MicroStation, GIS, and utility-specific systems
• Perform or support quality-control reviews to ensure accurate and complete deliverables
• Support additional project and design responsibilities as assigned

Benefits

• No-cost monthly healthcare plan option for employees
• Competitive pay
• Medical, dental, and vision plans with up to 80% of the premium sponsored by Sigma
• 401(k) plan with matching contributions up to 5% of salary
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time
• Education and professional licensing assistance programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED