Designer (contract)

Xcel Energy; Alton (IL); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage reimbursement

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Xcel Energy is seeking a qualified candidate to support electric distribution design and project management across Wisconsin locations. The role blends office-based design work with field assessments, coordinating with engineering staff and customers from initial contact to construction support.

Responsibilities include designs using GE Smallworld GIS, transformer sizing, cable routing, and field visits. A collaborative, customer-focused approach and hybrid schedule are valued at this service

Qualifications

• Experience in electric distribution design or project coordination.
• Familiarity with GIS platforms or drafting tools.
• Strong customer and team interaction skills.

Responsibilities

• Create, update, and revise sketches and contract documents using GIS or drafting methods.
• Prepare 2D/3D models to support distribution design projects.
• Design and manage distribution projects including transformer sizing and cable routing.
• Conduct field assessments and coordinate with customers and engineering staff.
• Check SAP for new contacts and manage project workflows.
• Prepare bills of materials and schedules to support drawings.
• Assist with drawing transmittals and issue resolution.
• Read customer requirements and support data and supplier specs.
• Participate in weekly planning meetings and team touchpoints.
• Follow standard safety protocols during field activities.

Skills

Communication

Project management

Electrical knowledge

Reading drawings

Team collaboration

MS Office

Self-motivation

Tools

GE Smallworld GIS

AutoCAD

Job description

Job Summary

This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative and dynamic team supporting electric distribution design and project management across multiple service center locations in Wisconsin. Working in a hybrid environment that blends office-based design work with hands-on field assessments, the successful candidate will be responsible for managing electric distribution projects from initial customer contact through final design and construction support. Using GE Smallworld GIS software and other tools, this individual will design systems for new and existing customers, conduct field visits to residential, commercial, and construction sites, and coordinate closely with engineering and technical staff. No two days are alike - from checking SAP for new customer contacts and attending weekly scheduling meetings to performing transformer sizing, underground cable routing, and pole placement, this role offers a rich variety of tasks in a supportive, team-oriented culture that values work-life balance. Phillips Service Center (310 Hickory Hills Lane, Phillips, WI 54555), Ashland Service Center (2400 Farm Rd., Ashland, WI 54806), Amery Service Center (801 Keller Ave S, Amery, WI 54001), or no location preference.

Responsibilities

• Create, update, and revise sketches, working drawings, and contract documents using SmallWorld GIS software or manual drafting methods
• Prepare 2D and 3D models to support electric distribution design projects
• Design and manage electric distribution projects for new and existing customers, including transformer sizing, underground cable routing, and pole placement
• Conduct field assessments at residential, commercial, and construction sites, using a personal vehicle with mileage reimbursement
• Interact directly with customers throughout the project lifecycle to gather requirements and communicate design solutions
• Check SAP regularly for new customer contacts and manage project workflows accordingly
• Prepare bills of material, schedules, and documentation to support design drawings
• Assist engineering personnel with formal drawing transmittals and construction issue resolution
• Read and comprehend detailed customer requirements, data sheets, and supplier specifications
• Participate in weekly scheduling meetings and team touchpoints to coordinate workload and share ideas
• Adhere to standard utility safety protocols during all field activities

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills for customer interaction and team collaboration
• Solid organizational and project management abilities to handle multiple concurrent projects
• Basic electrical knowledge or background sufficient to support distribution system design
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite for documentation and scheduling tasks
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and blueprints
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new tools, processes, and technical concepts
• Strong people skills and a collaborative mindset suited to a hybrid individual/team work environment
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently, particularly on remote workdays
• GIS or AutoCAD experience is a plus but not required
• Electrical or utility industry background is a plus but not required

Experience

• No specific number of years of experience required; candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply
• Experience in electrical, utility, construction, or related fields is advantageous
• Prior exposure to GIS platforms such as GE Smallworld or drafting tools such as AutoCAD is beneficial
• Experience with customer-facing roles or project coordination in any industry is valued

The closing date for applications for this job posting is 10/29/2026.

Should you require any accommodations in responding to this job posting or at any stage during the application process, kindly e-mail : [e-mail]

Pay Rate Range

20.3 - 27.06 USD hourly