Sr. Design Engineer - Electric Distribution
About The Position
ENTRUST Solutions Group is seeking an experienced Sr. Design Engineer to support electric distribution projects for a client throughout Chicagoland and Northern Illinois. The role develops and coordinates electric distribution designs supporting system reliability, customer growth, capacity improvements, and infrastructure modernization. The engineer works with engineers, project managers, field personnel, construction teams, and client stakeholders from initial scoping and field investigation through detailed design and construction support. The position is hybrid, with approximately three days per week in the client’s office or in the field. Underground electric distribution experience in the Chicago area is strongly preferred. The role encompasses overhead and underground distribution design for residential, commercial, industrial, and system improvement projects. The engineer prepares construction-ready design packages, drawings, layouts, specifications, material requirements, cost estimates, and construction documentation. Work includes field investigations, engineering calculations, technical reviews, permitting and easement coordination, constructability reviews, and project coordination. The engineer applies client design standards, NESC requirements, engineering practices, and safety requirements, and may provide technical guidance to less-experienced team members. Typical projects include underground conversions and system modifications; new service extensions; pole replacement, conductor upgrades, and other reliability improvements; system capacity upgrades; and grid modernization and resiliency initiatives. The base salary range is $85,000 to $94,000 annually, with the specific amount influenced by work location and factors including internal equity, skills, experience, education, and training.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
- At least 3 years of professional experience supporting electric utility, power distribution, utility engineering, or related infrastructure projects.
- Working knowledge of engineering design principles and ability to apply them to moderately complex projects.
- Ability to develop and coordinate designs with a high level of independence.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and technical communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
- Must be located in or within commuting distance of the Chicagoland area and able to support the hybrid work schedule.
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel locally for field investigations, client meetings, and project activities.
Nice To Haves
- Experience designing underground electric distribution facilities; highly preferred but not required.
- Experience with overhead electric distribution design.
- Experience with distribution voltages, primary and secondary systems, transformers, switchgear, cable systems, poles, conductors, and related electric distribution equipment.
- Experience using AutoCAD, MicroStation, GIS, or comparable utility design applications.
- Knowledge of electric utility construction practices, design standards, and field operations.
- Familiarity with NESC requirements, utility specifications, permitting, easements, and engineering documentation.
- Experience preparing construction-ready design packages, material takeoffs, and cost estimates.
- Previous experience working for an electric utility, engineering consulting firm, utility contractor, or electric cooperative.
- Experience coordinating multiple projects or designs simultaneously in a client-focused environment.
Responsibilities
- Independently develop overhead and underground electric distribution designs for residential, commercial, industrial, and system improvement projects.
- Produce construction-ready design packages using AutoCAD and other utility design and documentation systems.
- Prepare and review engineering drawings, layouts, specifications, material requirements, cost estimates, and construction documentation.
- Evaluate field conditions and develop practical engineering solutions that meet utility standards and project requirements.
- Design electric service extensions and system improvements supporting new customer connections, load growth, reliability, and infrastructure upgrades.
- Apply client design standards, NESC requirements, engineering practices, and safety requirements throughout project development.
- Coordinate with project managers, engineers, designers, field personnel, construction teams, permitting agencies, and other stakeholders.
- Perform engineering calculations, material takeoffs, cost estimates, and technical evaluations.
- Support project scoping, planning, scheduling, constructability reviews, and design coordination.
- Conduct field investigations and site visits to obtain measurements, verify existing conditions, and identify design or construction constraints.
- Coordinate permitting, easements, right-of-way considerations, and construction support as required.
- Review designs for technical accuracy, constructability, quality, and compliance with client standards.
- Identify design issues and recommend solutions to help maintain project schedules, budgets, and client expectations.
- Provide technical guidance and support to less-experienced designers or project team members as appropriate.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
