Engineering Manager, Distribution

Milhouse; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Milhouse is seeking an Engineering Manager, Distribution to lead a team of distribution engineers and CAD technicians. The role combines people leadership, project oversight, and technical validation, including stamping documents as a licensed PE.

You will guide multiple projects, ensure safety and quality, and drive adoption of emerging technologies such as DERs, energy storage, and smart grid initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of distribution engineers, CAD technicians, and junior staff.
• Oversee multiple distribution engineering projects, including budgeting, scheduling, and deliverables.
• Review, approve, and stamp engineering drawings, specifications, and calculations as a PE.
• Drive strategic and process improvements, ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Team mentorship

Stakeholder communication

Education

Licensed Professional Engineer (PE)

Job description

The Engineering Manager, Distribution is a leadership role responsible for managing a team of distribution engineers and technical staff in the planning, design, and execution of electrical distribution systems. This position combines people management, project management, and technical oversight, including the authority to stamp engineering documents as a licensed Professional Engineer (PE).

The Engineering Manager ensures the delivery of high-quality, safe, and reliable distribution engineering solutions while fostering the professional development of the team, managing multiple projects, and maintaining compliance with regulatory, industry, and client standards. This role is also responsible for strategic planning, process improvement, and integration of emerging technologies, including renewable energy, distributed energy resources (DERs), energy storage, and smart grid initiatives.

What You Will Do

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of distribution engineers, CAD technicians, and junior staff.
• Provide technical guidance, performance feedback, and career development opportunities.
• Establish team goals, priorities, and objectives in alignment with organizational strategy.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture focused on safety, quality, and innovation.

Project & Program Management

• Oversee multiple distribution engineering projects, including budgeting, scheduling, resource allocation, and deliverables.
• Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and in accordance with quality standards.
• Serve as primary client and stakeholder contact for project updates, technical clarifications, and problem resolution.
• Monitor project risks, implement mitigation strategies, and ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and design standards.

Engineering & Technical Oversight

• Review, approve, and stamp engineering drawings, specifications, and calculations as a licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
• Ensure designs for overhead and underground distribution systems comply with IEEE, NEC, NESC, NERC, and local utility standards.
• Conduct system studies including load flow, fault analysis, protective device coordination, and voltage drop assessments.
• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies such as DERs, energy storage, smart grid systems, and renewable integration.
• Lead field assessments, construction audits, and design verifications to ensure adherence to engineering standards and best practices.

Strategic & Process Responsibilities