Distribution Engineer I

Omaha Public Power District; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 74,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) is seeking an entry‑level Distribution Engineer I to help shape our electric infrastructure. You’ll gain hands‑on experience in design, analysis, and permitting for customer‑driven projects within a large energy utility.

You will work on estimating costs, applying fundamentals to ensure safe and economical delivery of power, and supporting compliance with codes and internal procedures. This role emphasizes teamwork, learning, and future licensure opportunities.

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering required.
• Customer-focused mindset and written communication skills.
• Foundational understanding of the utility industry.
• Team-oriented with ability to work independently.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Willingness to learn distribution engineering practices and standards.
• Preferred: internship/co-op, EIT/FE, and familiarity with industry standards (NESC, OSHA, ASCE, IEEE).

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering, design, analysis, and cost estimates for distribution additions/modifications.
• Support permitting and documentation for customer projects.
• Apply engineering fundamentals to ensure safe, reliable, economical power delivery.
• Maintain awareness of codes, standards, and procedures.
• Deliver strong customer service while balancing design with expectations.
• Develop skills toward licensure and professional progression.

Skills

Customer-focused communication

Quantitative skills

Teamwork

Independent work

Valid driver's license

Willingness to learn distribution eng.

Familiarity with industry standards

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Tools

AutoDesk tools

Bentley MicroStation

MS Office

Job description

Position Overview

At Omaha Public Power District (OPPD), we deliver safe, reliable, and affordable energy that supports the growth and vitality of our communities. As a Distribution Engineer I, you will help shape the electrical infrastructure that powers homes, businesses, and development across our service territory. This entry‑level role provides hands‑on engineering experience with customer‑driven distribution projects, giving you practical exposure to design, analysis, and permitting processes while supporting OPPD¿s commitment to exceptional customer service and operational excellence.

The Impact You’ll Have

• Provide engineering, design, analysis, and cost estimates for distribution additions and modifications
• Support permitting and documentation needed to advance customer‑requested projects
• Apply engineering fundamentals to ensure safe, reliable, and economical delivery of electric power
• Maintain awareness of applicable codes, standards, and internal procedures
• Deliver strong customer service by balancing design best practices with customer expectations
• Develop engineering, technical, and professional skills that support future progression toward licensure

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering
• Basic oral and written communication skills with a customer‑focused mindset
• Solid quantitative skills with the ability to analyze data and summarize findings
• Foundational understanding of the utility industry
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and complete independent tasks
• Valid driver's license
• Commitment to learning distribution engineering practices and industry standards
• Preferred Experiences:
  • Engineering internship or co‑op experience
  • EIT/FE certification
  • Experience with AutoDesk tools, Bentley MicroStation
  • Ability to research and communicate recommendations
  • Advanced MS Office skills
  • Familiarity with NESC, OSHA, ASCE, IEEE standards

Salary/Wage Info

Grade: S3

Minimum: $81,905

Midpoint: $102,381

Type of Work

Type of Work: Non-Shift

Time Demands

Non‑Essential Position: This position may be required to report to work beyond the normal shift to support the restoration of normal business operations.

This position must be available for overtime work and callouts as required to ensure continuance of efficient operation.

Work Location

• Office: Work will be performed in a modern office environment amid normal conditions of dust, odors, fumes, and noises.
• Field: Work will be performed outside in a wide variety of weather conditions (snow, rain, heat, cold, wind, etc.), terrain, and other natural environmental hazards as well as pollen and other airborne allergens.
• Generation Plant: Work will be performed inside with exposure to industrial building conditions and will be exposed to extreme temperatures, odors, dust, gases, poor ventilation and exposure to sounds. Noise levels may require shouting to be heard.

Work Environment

• Work will be performed in high traffic environments.
• Will work around energies high voltage electrical equipment.
• Will work in construction areas that present many physical hazards.
• Will work around asbestos and lead.

Physical Demands

• Minimal physical effort typically found in clerical work. Primarily sedentary, may occasionally lift and carry light objects. Walking and/or standing as needed and minimal.
• Light to moderate physical effort that includes frequent standing or walking or maintaining arms and hands in the same position for repetitive tasks. Frequently works with light objects and light hand tools.

The OPPD Difference

We lead with integrity, support one another, and do what is right because how we serve matters just as much as what we deliver. Our goal is simple: provide affordable, reliable, and environmentally responsible energy today and for generations to come.

We create power with purpose. Your work here has real impact on families, the environment, and on the future of energy. And we believe great ideas can come from anywhere.

If you want to be part of a team that takes care of the community and the people who serve it, you are in the right place. We back up our mission by taking care of our employees, too, which is why our benefits are among the most comprehensive and competitive in the region.

Our Culture & Mission

At Omaha Public Power District, everything starts with people. Our teams, our communities, and the customer owners who count on us. As the 12th largest public power utility in the U.S., we serve more than 900,000 people across 13 counties, and we take that responsibility seriously.

EOE: Protected Veterans/Disability