Designer III – Distribution

Elcora Engineering Solutions; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 127,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan with company employer

Paid time off

Professional development and cert. Re-

Job summary

Elcora Solutions seeks a Designer III – Distribution to lead the development of overhead and underground electrical distribution designs for utility and infrastructure projects. This senior role requires advanced design experience, strong technical knowledge, and the ability to mentor junior designers.

The role involves coordinating with engineers and project managers, preparing complex design packages, performing field investigations, and ensuring deliverables meet utility standards and client

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology, Drafting, Design, or related technical discipline; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in utility distribution design, electrical infrastructure, or power delivery projects.
• Strong ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid Driver's License and ability to travel to client sites for field investigations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of overhead and underground electrical distribution designs from 4kV to 69kV.
• Prepare and review construction drawings, design packages, work orders, and material specifications.
• Develop plan and profile drawings, conduit layouts, pole loading information, staking sheets, and BOM documentation.
• Coordinate with engineers, project managers, clients, and field personnel for successful project execution.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to Designer I and II personnel; assist with onboarding and training.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology or related technical discipline

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

GIS platforms

Job description

As a Designer III – Distribution, you will serve as a senior technical designer responsible for leading the development and coordination of overhead and underground electrical distribution designs for utility and infrastructure projects. This role requires advanced design experience, strong technical knowledge, and the ability to work independently while providing guidance and mentorship to junior designers.

The Designer III – Distribution will be responsible for preparing complex design packages, coordinating with engineers and project managers, conducting field investigations, and ensuring that project deliverables meet utility standards, client requirements, and quality expectations. This individual will play a key role in supporting project execution and delivering safe, reliable, and constructible designs.

Please note that while this is a remote role, candidates need to be based in the following states: IL, IN, MI, WI, KY, MO, and IA.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of overhead and underground electrical distribution designs ranging from 4kV to 69kV.
• Prepare and review construction drawings, design packages, work orders, and material specifications.
• Develop plan and profile drawings, conduit layouts, pole loading information, staking sheets, and bill of material documentation.
• Interpret utility standards, engineering specifications, and client requirements to ensure compliant and constructible designs.
• Support system improvement, reliability, and relocation projects.
• Perform field walk-downs and site investigations to collect design information and verify existing conditions.
• Develop labor and material estimates and support project cost analysis.
• Coordinate with engineers, project managers, clients, and field personnel to ensure successful project execution.
• Participate in project planning meetings and provide technical input throughout the design process.
• Coordinate with civil, structural, substation, and protection & controls teams on multi-discipline projects.
• Support project schedules and ensure deliverables are completed on time and within scope.
• Perform quality reviews of design packages prepared by junior designers.
• Ensure compliance with utility standards, NESC requirements, client specifications, and internal quality procedures.
• Review field notes and verify constructability of design solutions.
• Troubleshoot design issues and recommend practical solutions.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to Designer I and Designer II personnel.
• Assist with onboarding and training of new designers.
• Promote best practices and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support a culture of safety, accountability, and teamwork.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology, Drafting, Design, or related technical discipline; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in utility distribution design, electrical infrastructure, or power delivery projects.
• Valid Driver's License and ability to travel to client job sites and conduct field investigations.
• Strong understanding of overhead and underground distribution systems.
• Experience interpreting utility standards and construction specifications.
• Ability to independently manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting electric utility clients and investor-owned utilities.
• Advanced proficiency with AutoCAD, MicroStation, GIS platforms, and utility design software.
• Experience with pole loading analysis software and distribution design tools.
• Familiarity with NESC, utility construction standards, and right-of-way requirements.
• Experience mentoring junior designers and coordinating project activities.
• Exposure to project management or team leadership responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary with performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan with company contributions
• Paid time off
• Professional development support, including training and certification reimbursement

Why Join Elcora?

At Elcora Solutions, we are committed to providing a supportive work environment. As part of our team, you will contribute to impactful projects while expanding your engineering expertise. Additionally, Elcora supports the ongoing development of its employees, offering opportunities for training, industry conference attendance, and professional certification.

Who We Are:

Elcora Solutions specializes in distribution and substation engineering, quality assurance, field implementation, and project planning support. We partner with leading utilities to provide reliable, customized engineering solutions for communities and businesses.

Starting salary is between $83,000 - $127,000 based on skills and qualifications.

Disclaimer:

Elcora Engineering Solutions is committed to being an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or veteran status.