Design Engineer - Electric Distribution

ENTRUST Solutions Group; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

ENTRUST Solutions Group, a Leidos company, seeks a Design Engineer to support electric distribution design projects in Chicagoland and Northern Illinois. This hybrid role offers growth for both new and experienced engineers in the electric utility industry.

You will work with experienced engineers to develop construction-ready designs using AutoCAD and related software, prepare drawings and specs, and assist with site visits and field activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering is required.
• Must be located in the Chicago area.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel locally for project and field activities.

Responsibilities

• Design overhead and underground electric distribution facilities.
• Develop construction-ready design packages using AutoCAD and other utility design software.
• Prepare engineering drawings, layouts, equipment specifications, and construction documentation.
• Support electric service extensions for new customer developments and load growth projects.
• Apply utility standards, design practices, and safety requirements throughout project development.
• Collaborate with engineers, project managers, field personnel, and leadership to deliver successful projects.

Skills

MS Office

field collaboration

design support

site visits

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

GIS

Job description

Description

ENTRUST Solutions Group is seeking a Design Engineer to support electric distribution design projects for our client in Chicagoland and Northern IL. This position offers an excellent opportunity for both entry-level and experienced candidates who are interested in building a career in the electric utility industry. This is a hybrid role with approximately 2-3 days per week in our client’s office or in the field.

In this role, you will work alongside experienced utility engineers, designers, and project stakeholders while contributing to projects that improve electric service reliability and support community growth. The collaborative work environment provides significant opportunities for mentorship, technical development, and exposure to utility operations.

What You’ll Do

• Design overhead and underground electric distribution facilities supporting residential, commercial, and industrial customers.

• Develop construction-ready design packages using AutoCAD and other utility design software.

• Prepare engineering drawings, layouts, equipment specifications, and construction documentation.

• Support electric service extensions for new customer developments and load growth projects.

• Apply utility standards, design practices, and safety requirements throughout project development.

• Collaborate with engineers, project managers, field personnel, and leadership to deliver successful projects.

• Perform design calculations, material takeoffs, and cost estimates.

• Participate in project planning, scheduling, and coordination activities.

• Conduct field visits to gather site information and support project development.

• Assist with permitting, easement coordination, and construction support as needed.

• Ensure designs meet quality expectations, project schedules, and client requirements.

Examples of Typical Projects

Projects may include:

Underground Distribution Projects

• Underground conversions of existing overhead facilities.

• Design of underground cable systems, transformers, switchgear, and associated equipment.

New Service Extensions

• Designing electric distribution facilities to serve new residential subdivisions and commercial developments.

• Extending overhead and underground primary distribution systems to support customer growth.

Reliability Improvement Projects

• Pole replacement programs.

• Conductor upgrades and reconductoring projects.

• Feeder improvements to improve system reliability and reduce outage risk.

System Capacity and Growth Projects

• Distribution system upgrades supporting increased customer demand.

• Equipment upgrades for load growth and infrastructure modernization.

Grid Modernization Initiatives

• Incorporation of new technologies and utility standards.

• Support for resiliency and distribution system improvement programs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering

• Must be located in the Chicago area

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

• Valid driver's license and ability to travel locally for project and field activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with electric utility distribution design.

• Familiarity with overhead and underground electric distribution systems.

• Experience using AutoCAD, MicroStation, GIS, or similar design software.

• Knowledge of utility construction practices and design standards.

• Understanding of NESC, utility specifications, and engineering documentation practices.

• Previous experience working for a utility, engineering consulting firm, utility contractor, or electric cooperative.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We welcome candidates ranging from recent engineering graduates to experienced utility design professionals. Successful candidates will be eager to learn, enjoy working in a collaborative team environment, and have an interest in supporting infrastructure projects that directly impact local communities.

Why Join Us?

At ENTRUST Solutions Group, a Leidos company, we are driven by a commitment to innovation, technical excellence, and delivering the critical infrastructure that powers and connects communities. Together with Leidos, we are building a scaled, end-to-end energy and infrastructure organization focused on modernizing the grid, improving reliability, and helping utilities and network providers meet rising demand.

As an ENR top ranked firm, our team of more than 5,000 professionals brings deep technical expertise and advanced technology across electric, gas, and telecommunications infrastructure. We solve complex challenges for clients across North America and expanding markets, helping them strengthen reliability, expand capacity, and adapt to evolving infrastructure needs.

We foster a culture where innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement are expected, and where people are empowered to challenge convention, think boldly, and make an impact. Whether you are looking to grow your expertise, lead transformative projects, or help shape the future of infrastructure, you will find opportunities to thrive here.

If you are ready to outthink the status quo, tackle meaningful challenges, and build what is next, we would love to hear from you.

To learn more about ENTRUST Benefits and Culture, please visit our company LinkedIn page and follow us at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrustsolutionsgroup

The base salary for this position ranges from $74,000 to $82,000 annually. The specific amount within this range will be influenced by the work location and various factors, such as internal equity, professional skills, work experience, and pertinent education or training.

ENTRUST Solutions Group is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.