Planner II

HBK Engineering, LLC; Ontario (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Travel opportunities

Job summary

HBK Engineering, LLC in Chicago, IL is seeking a mid-level Planning Engineer to manage overhead and underground distribution projects across multiple concurrent tasks. The role emphasizes quality, deadlines, and cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced environment.

You will design and engineer solutions for Lighting, Underground, and Overhead utility systems, applying electrical engineering principles and industry standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years in planning, design, or related engineering field.
• P1 experience required.
• 5+ years in Electrical Utility Distribution Design, Transmission Design, or Distribution Line construction preferred.
• Extensive GIS, planning databases, and material ordering experience.
• Experience with GIS and WMIS programs as Service Planner/Engineer is a huge plus.
• Knowledge of electrical engineering principles, construction standards, and industry practices.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, AUD, DM, or Microstation.
• Pole loading software experience (SPIDA, O-Calc) and overhead design.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple concurrent projects with focus on quality and deadlines.
• Design and engineer Lighting, Underground and Overhead utility systems.
• Interface with internal teams, external organizations, and agencies.
• Lead training, mentoring, and oversight to junior staff; conduct site walks.
• Lead larger projects within timeframes and budgets.
• Develop technical reports, drawings, and sketches.

Skills

P1 experience

Electrical design

GIS experience

WMIS experience

Strong communication

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

AUD

DM

Microstation

SPIDA

O-Calc

GIS

Job description

About Us

HBK Engineering, LLC is a fully licensed, professional engineering design firm headquartered in Chicago, IL with a staff approaching 700 individuals. HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support services and permitting facilitation. Since our founding in 1998, we have earned a reputation for delivering outstanding, accurate services in extremely time-sensitive, multilayered environments. That "industry-recognized" performance has propelled our expansion and the ability to provide engineering services in all 50 states. With 25 offices nationwide, including concentrations in the Midwest and on the Coasts, HBK brings together a dedicated team whose main focus is the design and protection of utilities and utility networks. We have successfully performed engineering work for a complete spectrum of utility infrastructure projects providing solutions and construction support from Coast to Coast in areas ranging from complex urban city centers, to rural greenfields, to limited access rights-of-way. In July 2020, HBK Engineering was acquired by Quanta Services. Quanta Services provides infrastructure services for electric power, pipeline, and communications industries and employees over 50,000 people. Quanta’s focus on the utility industry and HBK’s focus on constructability in our designs has made our integration into the Quanta family of companies seamless.

About this Role

The position is a mid‑level experienced planning role requiring technical knowledge, project leadership, and cross‑functional collaboration. The role encompasses the management and production of overhead and underground distribution infrastructure projects. It requires an understanding of Distribution Design concepts, project types, and requirements for coordination with permitting, environmental, customer relations, governmental bodies, and various external organizations.

This individual is considered knowledgeable and able to execute designs with little to no supervision. The individual is an execution on deliverables part of the planning team and is responsible for the accurate completion of multiple concurrent projects. Location: Ontario

What You'll Do

• Manage and execute multiple concurrent projects in a production environment, ranging from single‑unit tasks to large, complex initiatives, with a strong emphasis on quality, communication, and adherence to deadlines.
• Design and engineer solutions for Lighting, Underground (UG), and Overhead (OH) Utility systems, ensuring strict adherence to industry standards, client requirements, and regulatory frameworks.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve complex design issues by applying electrical engineering principles, construction standards, and industry best practices.
• Interface with internal teams, external organizations, and governmental agencies throughout the planning and design process.
• Provide training, mentoring, and oversight to junior staff and new team members. Lead job/site walks, conduct scope reviews, share knowledge, and foster a collaborative team environment.
• Serve as a team lead on larger scope projects, driving project success within established timeframes and budgets.
• Develop thorough and accurate technical reports, correspondence, documentation, calculations, drawings, and sketches.
• Efficiently navigate and utilize all relevant manuals, applications, processes, and workflows, contributing to continuous improvement of job‑related knowledge, skills, and performance.
• Participate in field activities, including job/site walks and potentially up to 30% travel throughout the service territory, which may include diverse geographical regions and varying weather conditions. Occasional lifting of less than 40 lbs may be required.

What You'll Bring

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in planning, design, or a related engineering field. (Equivalent education, training, and certifications may be considered.)
• Prior experience as a P1 (Primary utility contact or equivalent role) is required.
• 5+ years of experience in Electrical Utility Distribution Design, Transmission Design, or Distribution Line construction is highly preferred.
• Significant experience working with utility Geographical Information Systems (GIS), planning database systems, and material ordering systems.
• Experience working with current utility industry GIS and WMIS programs as a Service Planner, Engineer, or equivalent field is a HUGE PLUS.
• Demonstrated knowledge of electrical engineering principles, construction standards, and industry practices relevant to utility infrastructure.
• Proficiency in relevant design software such as AUD, DM, or similar. AutoCAD, AUD, and/or Microstation skills are preferred.
• Demonstrated experience utilizing pole loading software such as SPIDA (SPIDA 7, SPIDA Calc), O‑Calc, or equivalent, including a strong understanding of overhead design and engineering principles.
• A clear understanding of the client’s unit statement of work (SOW).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly and effectively to both internal teams and external clients.
• Ability to demonstrate excellent values, including teamwork.
• Ability to demonstrate effective analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Proven ability to manage conflicts and drive projects to successful completion within a team setting.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Planning) or an equivalent combination of education, training, and extensive work experience.

What You'll Get

• Leadership opportunities through coaching and mentoring responsibilities
• Professional growth with increased independence and minimal oversight
• Experience in peer review processes under professional engineering supervision
• Advanced project management and risk management experience
• Enhanced client communication and technical reporting responsibilities
• Field experience through walkdowns and stakeholder interactions
• Travel opportunities for project work and professional development
• Collaborative work environment with project management and engineering leadership
• Clear career progression pathway within the HBK Organization's Engineering Track
• Comprehensive benefits package

Compensation Range

The anticipated compensation for this position is USD $37.00/Yr. - USD $47.00/Yr. depending on experience and qualifications.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company’s Human Resources department.