Lead Distribution Engineer - Grid

Sargent Lundy; Charlotte (NC); Hybrid; USD 118,023 - 180,313; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Sargent & Lundy seeks an experienced electrical distribution engineer to lead design and QA/QC for complex overhead and underground systems. You will oversee sketches, calculations, BOMs, permits, and cost estimates while coordinating with clients and internal teams in a hybrid work setting.

The role requires a engineering degree with 9+ years in electric utility design; PE license is a plus. Expect relocation assistance and opportunities to lead automation-aware projects.

Qualifications

• This position requires a degree from an engineering program.
• 9+ years of experience in electric utility distribution or relevant experience.
• PE License is a plus.
• 5+ years of experience in physical distribution design methods and their application.
• Knowledgeable in applicable codes and distribution software including AutoCAD, ArcGIS, PoleForeman.

Responsibilities

• Oversee construction sketches and details for 4 KV through 34 KV distribution systems.
• Design overhead URD and underground network services; analyze and design priority feeds.
• Plan modifications to the distribution system and oversee complex engineering tasks.
• Develop work packages and track performance; provide QA/QC on construction packages.
• Coordinate and lead client meetings and coordinate with internal disciplines.

Skills

Electrical distribution design

Team leadership

Client liaison

QA/QC

Python

Analytical thinking

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

AutoCAD

ArcGIS

PoleForeman

NESC

NEC

ANSI

IEEE

Job description

Description

Under the direction of the project manager, this position will offer you the opportunity to work in a project team environment with other engineers and designers using extensive knowledge of engineering and design practice to:

• Oversee construction sketches and details for:
  • Overhead and underground network services (4 KV through 34 KV)
  • Structural analyses
  • Short circuit and voltage drop calculations
  • Bill of Material
  • Cost Estimates
  • Permits
  • Traffic control plans
• Designs overhead URD and underground network services (4 KV through 34 KV).
• Analyzes and designs priority feeds.
• Plan modifications to the distribution system as well as designing and overseeing complex engineering tasks.
• Develop work packages and follow the performance of the work.
• Provide oversight to entry level engineers and perform QA/QC on Issue for Construction job packages.
• Coordinate and lead meetings with clients as well as other internal disciplines and team members.

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, with the expectation of spending three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.

Dependent upon your location, this opportunity offers a generous relocation package.

Qualifications

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

• This position requires a degree from an engineering program.
• 9 or more years of experience with electric utility distribution or relevant experience.
• PE License, a plus
• Five or more years of experience in physical distribution design methods and their application.
• Knowledgeable in applicable codes, standards, and distribution type software programs including AutoCAD, ArcGIS, PoleForeman, etc.
• Familiarity with design codes and standards such as NESC, NEC, ANSI, IEEE, GIS/GWD.
• Experience with complex overhead and underground distribution projects (120/208V through 34kV).
• Experience serving as firm/client liaison in a support or lead engineering role.
• Strong communication skills.

AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:

• You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
• Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
• Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
• We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.

Award-Winning Benefits

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance

• Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life & Accident Insurance
• Disability Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Back-Up Daycare
• FSA & HSA

• 401(k)
• Pre-Tax Commuter Account
• Merit Scholarship Program
• Employee Discount Program
• Corporate Charitable Giving Program
• Tuition Assistance
• First Professional Licensure Bonus
• Employee Referral Bonus

• Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Flexible Work Arrangements

Compensation Range

$118,023 - $180,313

Transparency Statement

Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.

Equal Opportunity

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.