Distribution Designer - Wisconsin

Atwell, LLC; Appleton (WI); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

Flexible work schedules

Travel vouchers

Job summary

Atwell, LLC is seeking a Distribution Designer to support project teams with meticulous design work on overhead and underground distribution electrical facilities. You will collaborate with electric utilities and private developers on a range of projects, from pole replacements to grid modernization and new customer connections.

The role requires strong knowledge of NESC and PENG, AutoCAD proficiency, and experience with engineering design software.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of NESC, PENG (overhead and underground) and client requirements.
• Design experience on distribution, transmission, system improvement projects, substation and service design.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD is required.

Responsibilities

• Apply problem-solving abilities for large utility clients.
• Utilize and learn engineering software packages for distribution design.
• Communicate workload status to Project Manager to meet chargeability goals.
• Perform site-visits and provide design support to field workers.

Skills

NESC knowledge

PENG knowledge

AutoCAD

Engineering software

Tools

PLS CADD

PLS POLE

SPIDACalc

Quick Pole

CDEGS

CYMECAP

CYMEDIST

CYMETCC

SAG10

O-Calc

Job description

Atwell, LLC is a bold leader in the consulting, engineering, and construction services industry, delivering a broad range of creative solutions to clients in the real estate & land development, and energy markets. We have a strong national presence and a diverse, award-winning project portfolio. Atwell is a privately owned company, with 2,000+ passionate team members across 75+ locations and growing!

Atwell, LLCis a proud recipient of the following 2025awards:

• Ten consecutive years in a row as a “Best Place to Work” by Zweig Group (#11)
• Recognized as #70 in the ENR Top 500 Design Firms, ranked in every region
• Recognized in Crain's “Fast 50” as one of the fastest-growing companies (#14)
• Recognized as the 2025 ENR Design Firm of the year for the Southeastern US

Position Overview:

As a Distribution Designer at Atwell, you will play a crucial role in supporting project teams through meticulous design work on both overhead and underground distribution electrical facilities. This position involves addressing intricate engineering challenges across a variety of projects, working with electric utilities and private developers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Pole replacement, PCB transformer replacements, large infrastructure projects and line expansions.
• Distribution generation, line refurbishment, and new construction (wood and composite poles).
• Grid Modernization: Smart switches & battery storage:
  • Switch replacements, internal line conversions, rebuilds, voltage conversions and major projects.
• Replacement of underground feeders including but not limited to identifying splicing, installation of vaults, kiosks, and switch gears.
• Designs including overhead to underground transitions.
• New Customer connections
  • Subdivision design
  • Street lighting
  • Upgrade work on existing customer connections
• Design overhead and underground distribution electrical facilities and also work on projects including but not limited to: system improvement pole locations, substation design, and service design.
• Address engineering challenges on diverse projects of varying sizes and scopes.
• Collaborate with electric utilities and private developers.
• Provide additional project support by drafting documents and computations and local permit applications.
• Maintain a keen focus on precision, sense of urgency, and technical expertise.
• Verify as-built conditions in GIS/AUD so that any identified discrepancies with field data are corrected as part of engineering submissions.

Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of NESC, PENG (overhead and underground) and client requirements.
• Design experience working on distribution, transmission, system improvement projects, substation design, service design, and/or switch replacements.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD is required.
• Familiarity with engineering design software applications, such as PLS CADD, PLS POLE, SPIDACalc, Quick Pole, CDEGS, CYMECAP, CYMEDIST, CYMETCC, SAG10, O-Calc (as specified by the purchaser).

Day-to-Day Responsibilities:

• Apply problem-solving abilities for large utility clients.
• Utilize and learn engineering software packages for distribution design.
• Communicate effectively with Project Manager and Team Leader on workload status to meet chargeability goals.
• Perform site-visits, walk-downs, and provide design support to field workers

Preferred Experience:

• Strong math and engineering skills, including structural analysis, sag analysis, basic algebra, and geometry.
• Knowledge of Rural Utilities Service (RUS) standards
• Working experience in the field of electric distribution, natural gas distribution, substation, and/or communications (i.e. fiber).
• DDS (Distribution Design Studio) experience is preferred.
• AUD (Automated Utility Design) experience is a bonus.

**This position will be remote 2+ days a week and also reporting to Green Bay office 2x a week. Candidate must be in the Wisconsin market. Ideal areas include Green Bay, Wausau, Milwaukee, and Madison for client-facing travel.**

Pay Range - $25.00 - $50.00 base, + Bonus.

Disclaimer

While AI tools may support your application process, this role is built on human talent. Your judgment, experience, and character matter most, so we encourage you to showcase what makes you uniquely you.

Atwell does not accept unsolicited resumes from any 3rd party agencies. No fee will be paid to 3rd parties who submit unsolicited resumes to any Atwell employee. Resumes from approved vendors must be specifically requested by Atwell and approved by the Atwell Talent Acquisition Team.

Atwell Benefits:To attract and retain the best professionals in the industry, we aim to provide an excellent working environment and a progressive benefits program designed to support your personal and professional needs.

Work/Life:

• Generous Paid Time Off
• Flexible work schedules are available for some positions
• Tenure Awards — Travel Vouchers to see the world based on your travel preferences

Compensation:

• Competitive Compensation packages
• Annual bonuses, spot bonuses and peer recognition awards
• 401K match - 1:1 up to 4% of compensation
• Tuition Assistance
• Student Loan Repayment
• Paid Licensing / Certification Fees and Renewals
• Financial Rewards for Obtaining Licensure
• Employee Referrals
• Annual Wellness Reimbursement for anything wellness related (Gym memberships, fitness tracker, home gym equipment, etc.)
• Dependent Care Match
• Medical (BC/BS), Dental (Delta), and Vision (VSP)
• Family Planning & IVF Benefits
• Pet Insurance
• Health Savings Account & Flex Spending Account options
• Employer paid LTD, STD, and life insurance
• Metlife Supplemental Benefits covering accident, hospitalization, and critical illness
• Member Assistance Program (MAP) with complimentary counseling sessions, legal benefits, financial consultations, and work/life referral services