Distribution Engineer I (Entry Level)

First Roles; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Holiday benefits

Growth opportunities

Job summary

First Roles in New Orleans, LA is seeking a Distribution Engineer to support the design of electric power distribution systems for grid hardening and reliability projects. The role involves collaborating with engineers and project teams to move concepts through implementation using Katapult, PoleForeman, and GDT.

The position is contract-to-hire with an onsite schedule (40 hours/week). Ideal candidates have extensive experience in distribution design, a solid foundation in power delivery

Qualifications

• 13+ years of experience in distribution design or distribution engineering.
• Experience in the electric distribution space including grid hardening or make-ready.
• Foundational knowledge of power distribution and power delivery concepts.
• Able to support electrical design activities for distribution systems.
• Willingness to grow and develop a long-term career in electric distribution engineering.
• For candidates with a bachelors degree in engineering, 1 year of relevant experience is acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and update electric power distribution designs for grid hardening and reliability.
• Support make-ready engineering to accommodate new or modified loads and equipment.
• Prepare, review, and refine distribution drawings and documentation to standards.
• Collaborate with engineers to support power delivery projects from concept to implementation.
• Use Katapult, PoleForeman, and GDT to perform design, modeling, and analysis when applicable.
• Apply engineering principles to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient power distribution.
• Maintain accurate project records and design files for tracking and regulatory needs.
• Demonstrate a strong willingness to learn and grow in the electric distribution industry.

Skills

Distribution design

Power delivery concepts

Grid hardening experience

Regulatory documentation

Willingness to learn

Education

Associate's degree in engineering

Bachelor's degree in engineering

1 year experience acceptable with strong interest

Tools

Katapult

PoleForeman

GDT

Job description

Responsibilities

• Develop and update electric power distribution designs in support of grid hardening and system reliability initiatives.
• Support make-ready engineering activities to ensure distribution infrastructure can accommodate new or modified loads and equipment.
• Prepare, review, and refine distribution design drawings and documentation in alignment with engineering standards and utility requirements.
• Collaborate with engineers and project team members to support power delivery projects from concept through implementation.
• Use distribution engineering software tools, such as Katapult, PoleForeman, and GDT, to perform design, modeling, and analysis tasks when applicable.
• Apply engineering principles to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient power distribution solutions.
• Maintain accurate project records and design files to support project tracking and regulatory or client requirements.
• Demonstrate a strong willingness to learn, adapt, and grow within the electric distribution industry.

Essential Skills

• 13 years of experience in distribution design or distribution engineering within the power delivery industry.
• Experience working in the electric distribution space, including exposure to grid hardening, make-ready, or related distribution projects.
• Foundational knowledge of power distribution and power delivery concepts.
• Ability to support electrical design activities for distribution systems.
• Willingness and motivation to grow and develop a long‑term career in electric distribution engineering.
• For candidates with a bachelors degree in engineering, 01 years of relevant experience is acceptable with a strong interest in learning and development.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate's degree with 1-2 years of experience or Bachelors degree in an Engineering discipline and 01 years of experience will suffice
• Desire and interest to learn and grow in the power utilities industry.
• Familiarity with distribution engineering tools such as Katapult.
• Experience using PoleForeman for pole loading and distribution design is a plus.
• Exposure to GDT or similar utility‑specific software for distribution design and power delivery projects.
• General understanding of engineering principles as they apply to distribution and power delivery systems.

Work Environment

This is an office-based position with a standard schedule of 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. You will work in a professional environment using distribution engineering and design software tools, collaborating closely with engineers and project staff. The role offers paid time off, holiday benefits, and clear opportunities for growth and development within the power delivery and electric distribution field.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of New Orleans, LA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $33.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long‑term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 4, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in New Orleans,LA.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation

Please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.