Engineering Manager, Distribution

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

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Chicago is seeking an Engineering Manager for the Distribution team. This role involves leading and mentoring a team while managing electrical distribution projects, ensuring compliance with industry standards. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, a PE license, and 10+ years of experience in distribution engineering, including leadership. Responsibilities also include overseeing project budgets, timelines, and fostering innovation within the team.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in distribution engineering.
• 3 years of leadership experience required.
• Experience with multiple utility standards preferred.
• Valid Driver's License required.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of distribution engineers.
• Oversee multiple engineering projects related to distribution systems.
• Ensure designs comply with industry standards and regulations.
• Serve as primary client contact for project updates.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Technical oversight

Collaboration

Emerging technologies

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

CAD

Project Management software

Job description

Overview

Engineering Manager, Distribution is a leadership role responsible for managing a team of distribution engineers and technical staff in 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 role focuses on delivering high-quality, safe, reliable solutions while fostering professional development, managing multiple projects, and ensuring compliance with regulatory, industry, and client standards. It also involves strategic planning, process improvement, and integration of emerging technologies including renewable energy, distributed energy resources (DERs), energy storage, and smart grid initiatives.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Develop and implement engineering policies, procedures, and best practices to improve efficiency and quality.
• Support organizational planning, system improvements, and distribution network modernization initiatives.
• Stay current with industry trends, regulatory requirements, and emerging technologies to inform project execution and team development.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize operational processes, resource utilization, and client satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in Electrical Engineering
• 10 years of experience in distribution engineering, including project management and 3 years of prior leadership experience
• Valid Driver's License
• Experience with multiple utility standards preferred
• Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred

Equal Opportunity Employer. We may use AI tools in hiring process; final decisions are made by humans. For more information contact us.