Design Technician I

Aqua Virginia; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Peoples Natural Gas is seeking an entry‑level Design Technician to support layout, design engineering for construction, repairs, or site modifications. You will use CAD tools, maintain design records, and perform field measurements.

The role offers a defined career progression from Design Technician I to II and III, with on‑the‑job training, safety and compliance learning, and collaboration with Engineering and Operations.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Engineering.
• 1+ years of relatable experience, preferably in natural gas or underground pipeline projects.
• Valid driver's license to operate Peoples Company Vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Assist with layout and design engineering work for construction, repairs, or site modifications.
• Maintain informational databases, records, general data archives, or files using technical software, including AutoCad drawings.
• Perform field work such as measuring accurately with tape or wheel, taking basic field notes, driving locating stakes, minor right-of-way clearing, and other similar tasks.
• Provide administrative assistance or technical advice related to fieldwork needs, such as (but not limited to) permits, database entries, materials requests, map plotting, applications, gas availability, etc.
• Respond, with guidance, to calls from field crews, customers, external groups, etc., requiring gas operations information.
• Prepare cost estimates and determine cost-effective methods of project completion.
• Ensure compliance with company, federal, and state codes.
• Actively participate in safety and training activities or equipment use and repairs.
• Participate in audits, meetings, briefings, etc., with internal and external individuals or groups.

Skills

Attention to detail

Project management

Analytical thinking

Engineering knowledge

Prioritization

Education

Engineering degree (Associate or Bachelor's)

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Peoples, an Essential Utilities company, has been proudly serving Western Pennsylvania for over 130 years, offering talented individuals the opportunity to serve more than 700,000 customers in the region. Peoples is more than your average natural gas utility. We have a vision to:

• Provide valuable services to our customers
• Encourage economic growth for businesses in our region
• Improve the quality of life for our communities
• Ensure that we are protecting our environment
• Support our employees and partners

Join our team and make a difference!

About Essential Utilities

Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities.

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status - including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package as well as a commitment to career growth opportunities.

We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.

Our company is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S.

• Assist with layout and design engineering work for construction, repairs, or site modifications.
• Maintain informational databases, records, general data archives, or files using technical software, including AutoCad drawings.
• Perform field work such as measuring accurately with tape or wheel, taking basic field notes, driving locating stakes, minor right-of-way clearing, and other similar tasks.
• Provide administrative assistance or technical advice related to fieldwork needs, such as (but not limited to) permits, database entries, materials requests, map plotting, applications, gas availability, etc.
• Respond, with guidance, to calls from field crews, customers, external groups, etc., requiring gas operations information.
• Prepare cost estimates and determine cost-effective methods of project completion.
• Ensure compliance with company, federal, and state codes.
• Actively participate in safety and training activities or equipment use and repairs.
• Participate in audits, meetings, briefings, etc., with internal and external individuals or groups.

Career Development

The Design Technician role is part of a defined career progression at Peoples Natural Gas. Employees can advance through three levels-Design Technician I, II, and III-as they develop technical proficiency, project experience, and increased responsibility.

• Design Technician I: Build foundational skills in project planning and development, estimating, CAD, field scoping and measurements, design standards, permitting, and system records.
• Design Technician II: Perform intermediate design tasks, support larger projects, and work more independently while strengthening technical decision‑making.
• Design Technician III: Lead advanced design work, support complex or multi‑phase projects, and serve as a technical resource for internal teams.

Peoples supports growth through on‑the‑job training, field exposure, safety and compliance learning, and collaboration with Engineering and Operations. This progression provides clear pathways for long‑term technical and professional development.

What You'll Love

This position is ideal for entry-level engineers looking to build their skill set, grow within the company, and make a strong impact in a fascinating industry! The ideal candidate will have strong attention to detail and the ability to prioritize competing deadlines. Are you looking for a career to enhance your engineering abilities, particularly in project management and design, where you can expand your skillset and use your analytical disposition and impeccable attention to detail?

What You'll Bring

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Engineering.
• 1+ years of relatable experience, preferably in natural gas or underground pipeline projects.
• Valid driver's license (to operate Peoples Company Vehicles).

This position is considered a covered function regulated by 49 CFR Parts 192 (the pipeline safety rules) and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

Peoples Natural Gas is committed as an equal opportunity employer. To maintain the integrity of the recruitment process and to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest due to employment and/or assignment of family members and personal referrals, specific guidelines apply to the hiring and assignment of these individuals including, but not limited to: Family members cannot result in a supervisor/subordinate reporting relationship Family members cannot work in the same department

Peoples, an Essential Utilities company, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Equal emp