Distribution Engineer I

Omaha Public Power District; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 82,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) invites applications for Distribution Engineer I to help shape our electric infrastructure across service territory. The role offers hands-on experience in design, analysis, and permitting for customer-driven distribution projects while upholding safety, reliability, and customer service standards.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, strong quantitative skills, and a foundational understanding of the utility industry, with a drive to

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering is required.
• Strong communication, both oral and written, with customers in mind.
• Solid quantitative skills to analyze data and summarize findings.
• Foundational understanding of the utility industry.
• Ability to work in a team and complete independent tasks.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to learn distribution practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering, design, analysis, and cost estimates for distribution additions and modifications.
• Support permitting and documentation for customer-requested projects.
• Apply engineering fundamentals for safe and economical power delivery.
• Maintain awareness of codes, standards, and internal procedures.
• Deliver strong customer service by balancing design practices with customer expectations.
• Develop engineering, technical, and professional skills for future licensure.

Skills

Communication skills

Quantitative analysis

Teamwork

Customer-focused mindset

Learning distribution engineering

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Tools

AutoDesk

Bentley MicroStation

MS Office

Job description

Distribution Engineer I

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 hand-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: 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

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.

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.

EOE: Protected Veterans/Disability