Distribution Engineer - Greater St. Louis Area

Orbital Engineering, Inc.; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 71,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, prescription

401(k) retirement plan

Supplemental insurance options

Company-paid life/AD&D insurance

Short-term disability coverage

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Orbital Engineering, Inc. is seeking a Distribution Engineer for the Greater St. Louis area. This remote-eligible role requires residing within reasonable commuting distance to serve local projects. Experience with reclosers and distribution automation/protection is highly preferred.

The team supports pole attachment programs and distribution system improvements, including design, analysis, and field data handling, with opportunities for client interaction and project management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from ABET-accredited university; electrical preferred.
• Experience or knowledge of electric utility distribution systems and standards.
• Engineer in Training (EIT) or Fundamentals of Engineering exam preferred.
• PE license preferred; strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare distribution voltage construction packages for overhead/underground projects.
• Assist with 2.4 kV–34 kV distribution line design.
• Collaborate with designers to create/modify drawings and as-built docs.
• Support proposals, cost estimates, and project schedules.
• Provide technical support for clients and regional business development.
• Perform QA/QC reviews and ensure safe, cost-effective designs.
• Evaluate equipment loading and pole structures per client specs.
• Document field data and update software for design implementation.
• Travel as required for project assignments and client meetings.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication

Problem solving

Organization

Facilitation

GIS familiarity

Education

ABET-accredited B.S. in Electrical Engineering

EIT/FE exam (preferred)

PE license (preferred)

Tools

AutoCAD

Spida Calc

O-Calc

Pole Foreman

Katapult

SPANS

NJUNS

IkeGPS

Job description

Job Title

Distribution Engineer – Greater St. Louis Area

Location

Remote work – Candidate must be based in Greater St. Louis, MO area.

FLSA Classification

Exempt

Job Description

Orbital Engineering, Inc. is currently seeking a Distribution Engineer for our Utility Services team to support projects in the Greater St. Louis, MO area. This position will accommodate a remote work arrangement but requires the candidate to reside within reasonable commuting distance of the Greater St. Louis area in order to serve local projects. Experience with reclosers and distribution automation/protection is strongly preferred.

Orbital Engineering’s Utility Services Department partners with utility and communication companies for joint use pole attachment programs, distribution engineering design projects, and distribution system improvement charge programs, such as the Long‑Term Infrastructure Improvement Program.

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

Essential Functions (Responsibilities)

• 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 2.4 kV–34 kV.
• Work with designers and engineers to prepare new drawings, modify existing drawings, or create as‑built documents.
• Assist with 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 other applicable guidelines to complete engineering designs (pole replacements, communication space rearrangements, joint‑use design) for possible joint‑use or make‑ready construction.
• Analyze field‑collected data (including imagery) and accurately update applicable software packages for successful design implementation.
• Regularly utilize client proprietary software packages or equipment to complete daily responsibilities in the engineering design workflow process, which 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.
• Frequently communicate with clients on engineering design to determine the most cost‑effective solution for their project.
• Provide timely and detailed documentation and support to Orbital accounting functions for ensuring projects are on budget and appropriately accounted.
• Transcribe notes and use measuring devices to identify, inspect and record data in an organized manner.
• As needed, 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.
• Be willing to travel overnight or for extended periods of time, based on project assignment.
• Attend meetings at client sites and regularly interact with the general public, including landowners and operators.

Other Duties

These may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a four‑year ABET accredited 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 and utility standards.
• Successful completion of the Engineer in Training (EIT) or Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam from a state licensing board is preferred.
• Have or be willing to obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) license from a state licensing board is preferred.
• Understanding of basic engineering theories and principles.
• Strong attention to detail, facilitation, teamwork, 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.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Reasoning skills and ability to solve practical problems.
• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings and schematics.
• Working knowledge of electrical distribution assets and/or communication equipment construction is 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.
• Familiarity with design and checking practices for engineering drawings and deliverables.
• Familiarity 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.
• Must pass a post‑offer drug (including marijuana) and alcohol test in compliance with Federal regulations; 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

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

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Supplemental insurance options.
• Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance.
• Company‑paid short‑term disability coverage.
• 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.