Entry-Level Design Technician – Electric Utility Projects

Jobtailor; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking an entry-level design engineer to prepare construction work packages using CAD, GIS, and client systems. You will assess permitting needs, perform spatial analyses, and support pre-construction activities with field presence 25–30% of the time.

The role requires 0–2 years in design engineering, an associate degree or equivalent experience, and strong communication and organizational skills. A valid driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• Entry-level (0-2 years) in a design engineering role.
• Associate's degree in a technical field or equivalent experience preferred.
• Must have valid driver license and reliable transportation for fielding expectations.
• Skilled in CAD software (e.g. MicroStation, AutoCAD) and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word).
• Strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills; highly organized; a strong desire to learn and grow in a technical environment; problem-solve using engineering principles.

Responsibilities

• Prepare construction work packages (prints, BOMs) in full compliance with standards using CAD, GIS, WMS, and client systems.
• Assess project requirements to identify permitting, environmental guidance, or ROW acquisitions; manage documentation.
• Perform spatial analysis to evaluate facility locations, constructability, and environmental impact.
• Perform engineering calculations including pole loading, voltage drop, and cable pulling analysis.
• Conduct field visits (25–30% of time) to inspect infrastructure and verify designs.
• Support pre-construction activities by providing engineering support to the line crew and attending on-site meetings.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Learn & grow in tech

Problem solving

Education

Associate's degree in technical field

Tools

MicroStation

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Job description

Responsibilities

• Prepare construction work packages (including construction prints, BOMs) in full compliance with client, NESC, and other regulatory standards & processes using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Work Management Systems (WMS), and other client systems.
• Assess project requirements to identify the need for specific permitting, environmental guidance, or Right-of-Way (ROW) acquisitions/mutual consent, and manage the preparation and submittal of all corresponding documentation.
• Perform spatial analysis using various GIS platforms to evaluate new facility locations, constructability concerns, and potential for environmental impact.
• Perform engineering calculations that may include pole loading analysis, voltage drop and flicker, cable pulling analysis.
• Conduct field visits (25%-30% of the time) to inspect infrastructure and ensure the accuracy of designs and performing engineering notifications for net new work.
• Support pre-construction activities by providing engineering support to the line crew and occasionally attending on-site meetings.

Requirements

• Entry-level (0-2 years) in a design engineering role.
• Associate's degree in a technical related field or equivalent experience is preferred.
• Must have valid driver license and reliable transportation for fielding expectations.
• Skilled in a CAD software (e.g. MicroStation, AutoCAD, etc.) and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word).
• Strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills; highly organized; a strong desire to learn and grow in a technical environment; and the ability to problem‑solve using sound engineering principle.