Field Design Specialist I

alliantenergy; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Alliant Energy is seeking a Field Design Specialist I to connect customers with crews and drive projects from concept to completion. You’ll design safe, cost‑effective solutions and ensure readiness for construction, while learning from experienced designers and using MAXIMO and DSI.

The role is hands‑on and customer‑facing with strong mentorship, offering growth toward a Senior Designer role. Travel and a valid license are required as part of regular duties.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Willing to travel.
• Experience in field design for energy utilities is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Handle routine customer inquiries and design detail using standard operating procedures involving tariff application, extension rules and agreements, service rules, code requirements, service entrance, and metering requirements.
• Assist in detail planning for work orders including as‑builds, preparing estimates and work orders, preparing necessary maps and sketches, closing work orders, preparing material lists, ensures accuracy of sag calculations, and switching/valve sequence planning.
• Perform a variety of routine field work including locating and sizing services, load determination, distribution easements, staking, and survey work of moderate difficulty, field checks, licenses and joint use applications while adhering to regulatory requirements.
• Track and report work‑related functions necessary to support the business processes including creating work requests, CC&B transactions and establishing projects in work management, geographic information system (GIS) mapping, and various other systems.
• Provide technical support for work requests, resolve technical issues, and ensure crews understand work scope, detail, and structure.
• Work with hourly and salaried supervisors to schedule work for others.
• Assist distribution engineering in development of project scopes and schedules using project management concepts and software.
• May be responsible for emergency response in assigned processes.

Skills

Math and physics

Design principles

Customer communication

Project coordination

Interpersonal skills

Education

Associate Degree

Tools

MAXIMO

DSI

Job description

Bring YOUR energy to Alliant Energy!

At Alliant Energy, our purpose is to serve customers and build stronger communities. We are passionate about powering beyond the market challenges of today, while powering what’s next in energy. When our employees say "I am energy," it means they take pride in the work we do when disaster strikes, as well as all the days in between. We want you to be safe, happy and healthy. That’s why we prioritize safety, offer volunteer opportunities and provide competitive pay, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement and paid time off.

Job Summary

Be the link between customers and the crews who bring energy to life. As a Field Design Specialist I, you’ll take service requests from concept to completion, meeting with customers, designing safe and cost‑effective solutions, and making sure projects are ready for construction and delivered successfully.

This is a hands‑on, customer‑facing role with strong training and mentorship built in. You’ll partner with experienced designers, learn industry tools like MAXIMO and DSI, and build the skills to grow into a Senior Designer within a few years; all while playing a key role in powering the communities you serve.

What you will do

• Handle routine customer inquiries and design detail using standard operating procedures involving tariff application, extension rules and agreements, service rules, code requirements, service entrance, and metering requirements.
• Assist in detail planning for work orders including as‑builds, preparing estimates and work orders, preparing necessary maps and sketches, closing work orders, preparing material lists, ensures accuracy of sag calculations, and switching/valve sequence planning.
• Perform a variety of routine field work including locating and sizing services, load determination, distribution easements, staking, and survey work of moderate difficulty, field checks, licenses and joint use applications while adhering to regulatory requirements.
• Track and report work‑related functions necessary to support the business processes including creating work requests, CC&B transactions and establishing projects in work management, geographic information system (GIS) mapping, and various other systems.
• Provide technical support for work requests, resolve technical issues, and ensure crews understand work scope, detail, and structure.
• Work with hourly and salaried supervisors to schedule work for others.
• Assist distribution engineering in development of project scopes and schedules using project management concepts and software.
• May be responsible for emergency response in assigned processes.
• Engage in other duties as needed that support Alliant Energy’s values and help deliver on our purpose to serve customers and build stronger communities.

Education Requirements

• Associate Degree Preferred

Other Requirements

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must be willing to travel.
• Travel can include occasional overnight stays.
• Primary residence must be within a reasonable distance of designated headquarters and within forty minutes of an operating center in the zone(s) for which employee is responsible.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Good knowledge of math, physics and construction practices.
• Ability to comprehend design and work packaging standards, federal/state regulations.
• Ability to comprehend gas and electric codes, OSHA rules, DOT requirements.
• Ability to comprehend utility construction equipment, project management, and material procurement processes.
• Good survey and drafting skills.
• Basic financial analysis knowledge.
• Basic mechanical skills gained through training or job experience.
• Demonstrated ability to use computer software programs (e.g., e‑mail, word processing, spreadsheet, and project management).
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Able to become qualified in electrical operations switching, gas operations, and gas emergency procedures within three years.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Key Skills

• Business Process Improvements • Customer Experience Management • Health, Safety, and Environmental Management • Outage Management • Project and Program Management • Regulatory Compliance • Stakeholder Management

Alliant Energy offers a comprehensive total rewards package including competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information on these benefit programs is available on our Careers site.

Pay Range: $60,000 - $72,000

This position is eligible to participate in the annual incentive program. The final salary offered will generally fall within this range and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to the responsibilities of the position, experience, skill set, internal pay equity and other relevant qualifications of the applicant.

Alliant Energy and its subsidiaries are committed to creating a culture of belonging and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where an applicant’s qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by law.

All candidates selected for employment with Alliant Energy will be required to successfully complete a background check, and a drug screen where applicable.

Disclaimer: The above information on this description has been crafted to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not crafted to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Applicants in need of a reasonable accommodation for any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].