Distribution Engineer - Greater Kansas City Area

Orbital Engineering; Kansas City (MO); Hybrid; USD 71,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

Orbital Engineering, Inc. is seeking a Distribution Engineer for a REMOTE WORK role to support electric utility projects in the Greater Kansas City area. The position allows remote work but requires residing within commuting distance to support local projects.

Essential duties include developing distribution construction packages, assisting with 2.4kV–34kV line design, preparing drawings, proposals, schedules, and QA/QC reviews. Hybrid remote/office work is expected.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited BS in Engineering (Electrical preferred).
• Experience with electric utility distribution concepts and codes.
• Strong attention to detail and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Prepare distribution voltage construction packages for overhead and underground projects.
• Assist with distribution line design from 2.4kV to 34kV.
• Create drawings, modify existing ones, or prepare as-built documents.
• Assist in proposals, cost estimates, and schedules.
• Provide technical support to clients and assist regional development.

Skills

Engineering principles

Communication skills

Problem solving

Microsoft Office

GIS

AutoCAD

Education

ABET-accredited BS

EIT/FE exam preferred

Tools

AutoCAD

Spida Calc

O-Calc

Pole Foreman

Katapult

SPANS

NJUNS

IkeGPS

Job description

Distribution Engineer - Greater Kansas City Area

Job Title

Distribution Engineer

Location

Greater Kansas City, MO/Kansas City, KS area

FLSA Classification

Exempt

Job Description

Orbital Engineering, Inc. is currently seeking a Distribution Engineer for a REMOTE WORK role to support electric utility projects in the Greater Kansas City area. This position allows the candidate to work remotely, but they must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the Greater Kansas City area in order to support local projects. Orbital Engineering’s Utility Services Department partners with Utility and Communication Companies in Engineering and Construction operations for Joint Use Pole Attachment Programs (JU) and Distribution Engineering Design Projects. This position will directly support projects within the Utility Services Department’s pole attachment application process and utility distribution design process.

Essential Functions

• Prepare and develop distribution voltage construction packages for both overhead and underground projects, including distribution equipment installation, feeder replacement, cable replacement, and pole replacements as part of an infrastructure improvement program
• Assist with distribution line design 2.4kV - 34kV
• Work with Designers and Engineers to prepare new drawings, modify existing drawings, or create as-built documents
• Assist in the preparation of proposals, engineering/project cost estimates, and execution schedules
• Provide technical support for customers and support regional business development initiatives
• Provide quality reviews of work prepared by others and adhere to the QA/QC process
• Prepare calculations and assist with equipment specifications
• Evaluate loading of various equipment components being installed such as transformers and structural loading of poles to ensure a cost-effective, safe and reliable design utilizing client specifications.
• 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
• 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
• Transcribe notes, use measuring devices to identify, inspect, and record the data which is found in an organized manner
• As needed, must be able to work in all weather conditions and in residential, commercial, and industrial areas
• Work is primarily remote/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

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

• Must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the Greater Kansas City area
• Bachelor's degree from a four-year ABET accredited college or university with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering; preferably electrical
• Experience or basic knowledge of concepts in the electric utility industry, including primary and secondary distribution systems, & utility standards
• Understanding of basic engineering theories and principles
• Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize work on multiple projects and effectively communicate project status
• Computer proficiency including general Microsoft Office products, distribution design, GIS, and business enterprise software
• Successful completion of the Engineer in Training (EIT) or Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam from a state licensing board preferred
• Have or willing to obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) license from a state licensing board
• 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) is beneficial
• Knowledge of industry utility or joint-use software (SPANS, NJUNS, IkeGPS) for make-ready engineering and construction is beneficial
• Familiar with Design and Checking practices for engineering drawings and deliverables preferred
• Familiar with Safe Work Practices and PPE applications preferred
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• 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 a hybrid or remote position. Compensation is based on market data and internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate’s location.

Salary Range

$71,000-134,000 annually (based on experience, qualifications, and location)

Benefits

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, company-paid maternity and bonding leave, 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.