Distribution Design Engineer

Valdes Architecture & Engineering; Lombard (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

401K plan

Disability insurance (LT/STD)

Life and AD&D insurance

Pet insurance

Gym membership discount

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Valdes Architecture & Engineering is seeking a Distribution Design Engineer to join our team supporting overhead and underground utility distribution projects (34kV and below). You will manage full design lifecycle from field assessments to construction support, collaborating with utility clients, internal design teams, and field personnel.

This role emphasizes hands-on design work, problem-solving, and seeing projects come to life in the field, with opportunities to mentor teammates and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering.
• 3–7 years of experience in utility distribution engineering or related field.
• Familiarity with overhead and underground distribution design practices.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and with clients.
• Experience with GIS tools and design software is preferred.
• Must possess exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.

Responsibilities

• Perform engineering and design for overhead and underground utility distribution systems (34kV and below).
• Develop distribution line designs using client-specific standards, processes, and network design software.
• Manage and prioritize multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborate with internal teams and interface directly with utility clients to ensure project alignment and success.
• Prepare complete construction packages for overhead and underground distribution projects.
• Utilize GIS data and mapping tools to support design development and accuracy.
• Conduct field walkdowns to validate existing conditions and inform design decisions.
• Respond to field questions during construction and provide technical support as needed.
• Coordinate with equipment suppliers, surveyors, and construction personnel throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to less experienced team members.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering

Tools

GIS software

Design software

Job description

We are seeking a Distribution Design Engineer to join our growing team supporting overhead and underground utility distribution projects (34kV and below). This role offers the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects that directly impact power delivery and community infrastructure.
You will be involved in the full design lifecycle—from initial field assessments through construction support—while collaborating closely with utility clients, internal design teams, and field personnel. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys hands-on design work, problem-solving, and seeing projects come to life in the field.

Responsibilities

• Perform engineering and design for overhead and underground utility distribution systems (34kV and below)
• Develop distribution line designs using client-specific standards, processes, and network design software
• Manage and prioritize multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced environment
• Collaborate with internal teams and interface directly with utility clients to ensure project alignment and success
• Prepare complete construction packages for overhead and underground distribution projects
• Utilize GIS data and mapping tools to support design development and accuracy
• Conduct field walkdowns to validate existing conditions and inform design decisions
• Respond to field questions during construction and provide technical support as needed
• Coordinate with equipment suppliers, surveyors, and construction personnel throughout the project lifecycle
• Provide guidance and mentorship to less experienced team members

Typical Project Assignments

• Overhead and underground distribution design for new and rebuild line projects
• Pole replacements and system upgrades
• Grid automation and system modernization efforts
• New customer service interconnections
• Underground cable replacements and cable vault design
• Joint-use coordination and design
• Preparation of design calculations and material selection in accordance with client standards
• GIS mapping and system documentation

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering
• 3–7 years of experience in utility distribution engineering or related field
• Familiarity with overhead and underground distribution design practices
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and with clients
• Experience with GIS tools and design software is preferred
• Must possess exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future

What The Role Offers

• Exposure to a diverse mix of utility distribution projects
• Hands-on experience across design, fieldwork, and construction support
• A collaborative environment with opportunities to learn from experienced engineers and grow your career
• The ability to contribute to critical infrastructure that powers communities

$60,000 - $120,000 a year

Salaries for all positions are based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, total years of experience in the industry, education, skills, and qualifications. Compensation may vary depending on the candidate's individual background and expertise. Salaries are subject to fluctuation outside of the given range. The indicated range is not a commitment and meant as a guideline. All compensation, exempt or non-exempt status, and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.

Valdes Architecture & Engineering Company is looking for bright and talented people that want to take their career to the next level. We offer many rewarding career paths to challenge and engage our employees at all phases of their careers. Our office provides a team environment, and excellent working conditions, which allow individuals to maximize their potential. Valdes Architecture & Engineering offers an outstanding benefits package including Medical, Dental, 401K plan, Company paid Long Term and Short Term Disability Insurance, Company paid Life and AD&D Insurance, Pet Insurance, a discounted gym membership and tuition reimbursement.

EEO/AAE

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.