Distribution Designer - Pennsylvania

Orbital Engineering, Inc.; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 33,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) retirement savings plan

Generous paid time off program

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Distribution Designer to support utility projects remotely in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The role involves analyzing requests for pole attachments and enhancing network reliability with intertwined responsibilities in field inspections and engineering design. Candidates should possess a high school diploma and relevant experience, along with proficiency in engineering software. The position offers a salary range of $33,000-91,000 annually and a comprehensive benefits package including health coverage and a retirement plan.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in fieldwork or construction environment.
• 0-2 years experience with an Associate’s Degree is acceptable.
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field inspections and record construction situations.
• Design engineering layouts for pole attachments and distribution systems.
• Regular communication with clients regarding project status.

Skills

Organization

Effective communication

Problem-solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate’s Degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Spida Calc

AutoCAD

Job description

Distribution Designer - Southwestern Pennsylvania

Remote (U.S. based)

Job Description

Orbital Engineering, Inc. is currently seeking a Distribution Designer for its Utility Services team to support projects in Pennsylvania. This position will accommodate a remote work arrangement. The Distribution Designer will directly support the Utility Services Department’s pole attachment application process and power delivery improvement process, including analyzing requests for attachment to client’s poles and network reliability improvements on client’s electric distribution systems. The team also supports GIS data analytics, creation of notifications, work orders, invoicing, and financial reports using enterprise resource planning software. The department partners with utility and communication companies for Joint Use Pole Attachment Programs (JU), Distribution Engineering Design Projects, and Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC) programs such as the Pennsylvania Long‑Term Infrastructure Improvement Program (LTIIP).

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

Note that this posting does not list all duties and responsibilities that are required of this position. Duties 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
• Associate’s Degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related technical discipline with 0-2 years of experience, with interest in fieldwork, or surveying
• Must 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
• 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 applications
• 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 a remote 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)

Benefits

A comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, supplemental insurance options, company‑paid life and AD&D insurance, company‑paid short‑term disability coverage, and a generous paid time off program.

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.