Distribution Designer - Hammond, IN

ORBITAL Engineering Inc.; United States; Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Orbital Engineering, Inc. is seeking a Distribution Designer to support our Hammond, IN office and hybrid roles. You will handle pole attachment design, space rearrangements, and joint-use projects while ensuring compliance with NESC and client standards.

The role involves field data analysis, GIS and software updates, and regular collaboration with utility clients to optimize solutions on distribution systems. Travel and fieldwork are required as needed.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED with 3+ years fieldwork or construction experience.
• Associate degree in engineering or related tech discipline with 0–2 years fieldwork interest.
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings/schematics.
• Experience with pole loading software (beneficial).

Responsibilities

• Visually identify, inspect, and record equipment and construction situations in the field.
• Apply NESC standards and client guidelines to complete pole design for joint-use or make-ready work.
• Analyze field data and update applicable software for design implementation.
• Coordinate with clients and internal teams; manage status and budgets.
• Travel and fieldwork; work in various weather and locations as needed.

Skills

Fieldwork experience

Read engineering drawings

Communication

Problem solving

Valid driver’s license

Ability to travel

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associates Degree in Engineering/Engineering Technology

Tools

Spida Calc

AutoCAD

DDS

Job description

Orbital Engineering, Inc. is currently seeking a Distribution Designer for our Utility Services team to support our Hammond, IN office. Orbital Engineering’s Utility Services Department partners with Utility and Communication Companies in Engineering and Construction operations for Joint Use Pole Attachment Programs (JU), Distribution Engineering Design Projects, and Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC) programs.

Orbital Engineering’s Utility Services Department partners with Utility and Communication Companies in Engineering and Construction operations for Joint Use Pole Attachment Programs (JU), Distribution Engineering Design Projects, and Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC) programs.

This Distribution Designer position will directly support projects within the Utility Services Department’s pole attachment application process and power delivery improvement process. The Utility Services team is also responsible for analyzing requests for attachment to client’s poles and network reliability improvements on client’s electric distribution systems. Utility Services staff support GIS data analytics, creation of notifications, work orders, invoicing, and financial reports utilizing enterprise resource planning software.

Essential Functions

• Visually identify, inspect, and record equipment and different construction situations in the field, including rights-of-way
• Apply National Electric Safety Code (NESC) Standards, Client Standards, Federal, State or Local Municipal Guidelines, and/or other applicable guidelines to complete engineering designs (Pole Replacements, Communication Space Rearrangements, Joint-Use Design) for possible joint-use or make-ready construction
• Ability to analyze field collected data (including imagery) and accurately update applicable software packages for successful design implementation
• Regularly utilizes Client proprietary software packages or equipment to complete daily responsibilities in the engineering design workflow process, may include facilitating new attachment permitting process
• Communicate with others, including co-workers and clients, to agree on the best solution for engineering design
• Accountable for work assigned and responsible for completing work on project schedule and within project budget while regularly communicating status with management team
• Frequently communicates with Client(s) on engineering design to best determine the most cost-effective solution for their project
• Provides timely and detailed documentation and support to Orbital accounting functions for ensuring projects are on budget and appropriately accounted
• Can transcribe notes, use measuring devices to identify, inspect, and record the data which is found in an organized manner
• Can endure frequent driving, standing, walking (numerous miles a day), navigating (on foot or in a vehicle), and balancing objects which may weigh up to 20 pounds in congested and/or complex terrain
• As needed, must be able to work in all weather conditions and in residential, commercial, and industrial areas
• Work is primarily office based but fieldwork may be needed throughout the engineering design process
• Must be willing to travel overnight or for extended periods of time, based on project assignment
• Will be required to attend meetings at clients’ sites and regularly interact with the general public, including landowners and operators
• May occasionally enter energized extra-high voltage substations up to 745kV and will need to coordinate with appropriate utility personnel throughout fielding activities within this location

Other Duties

Please note that this job posting does not list all duties and responsibilities that are required of this job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required with 3+ years of experience in fieldwork or a construction environment, drafting, utility experience, or technical design
• Associates Degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related technical discipline with 0-2 years of experience, with interest in fieldwork, or surveying
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings/schematics preferred
• Working knowledge of electrical distribution assets and/or communication equipment construction preferred
• Experience in pole loading (Spida Calc, O-Calc, Pole Foreman, or Katapult) or other construction modeling software (AutoCAD, DDS) is beneficial
• Familiar with Design and Checking practices for engineering drawings and deliverables
• Familiar with Safe Work Practices and PPE applicationsMust be an organized person who can keep data organized from start to finish on a project
• Ability to prioritize work on multiple projects and effectively communicate project statuses
• Computer proficiency including general Microsoft Office products, design, and business enterprise software
• Effective written and oral communication at all levels within an organizational structure
• Reasoning skills and ability to solve practical problems
• Must have dependable transportation and a valid driver’s license with insurance
• Must be able to pass a fit for duty test
• Ability to work from home and an office setting, as required
• This position requires the ability to pass a post-offer drug (including marijuana) and alcohol test in compliance with Federal regulations and is also subject to random testing as a condition of continued employment.

Location Note:

This is an on-site or hybrid position. Compensation is based on market data and internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate’s location.

Salary Range:

$33,000-91,000 annually (based on experience, qualifications, and location)

A commitment to excellence and hard work will be rewarded with a competitive salary, career advancement opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. Our benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; a 401(k)-retirement savings plan; and supplemental insurance options. We also provide company-paid life and AD&D insurance, company-paid short-term disability coverage, and a generous paid time off program to ensure you have the support and flexibility you need both professionally and personally.

About Orbital:Powered by People, Driven by Solutions

Since 1969, Orbital has been specializing in project development, project execution and asset management for the heavy industrial sectors and utilities. Our regional offices, hands‑on mentality, and world‑wide integrated teams provide an ability to leverage subject matter experts and industry best‑practices wherever a project may lie geographically. Our focus steadfastly remains on finding and delivering the best solution, regardless of where that team sits across our organization. At Orbital, our power is our people.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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 notice from the Department of Labor.