Power Distribution and Make Ready Designer (Remote)

Socket.dev; Charlotte (NC); Remote; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

No-cost health plan

Competitive pay

401(k) with matching contributions

Paid holidays

Job summary

Sigma Technologies is seeking a Power Distribution and Make-Ready Designer to support overhead pole design and make-ready projects for U.S. utilities. You will review field data, assess attachments, model pole loading, and prepare construction-ready deliverables.

Remote work options exist with occasional on-site orientation and travel as needed. Ideal candidates have 2+ years in make-ready or distribution design, CAD/MicroStation proficiency, and knowledge of NESC standards.

Qualifications

• Experience in overhead utility pole design and make-ready work.
• Experience with NESC application and pole loading concepts.
• Ability to prepare construction-ready design packages and permits.

Responsibilities

• Execute make-ready or distribution design work orders to quality/time/budget standards.
• Review field data and evaluate attachment conditions.
• Model pole loading and determine make-ready requirements.
• Produce construction-ready deliverables and participate in design reviews.

Skills

Power Distribution

Make-Ready Design

Pole Loading Analysis

NESC Compliance

Overhead Design

Joint-Use Design

CAD/MicroStation

DDS/Katapult/O-Calc

GIS

AutoCAD

Education

High School Diploma

Associate degree or higher in engineering/drafting

Tools

DDS

Katapult

O-Calc

GIS

MicroStation

AutoCAD

PoleForeman

Job description

Description

Power Distribution and Make Ready Designer

Overhead Utility Pole Design, Joint-Use Engineering, NESC-Compliant Make-Ready Work

Location:

Charlotte, NC area / Remote (U.S.)

Are you an experienced Power Distribution Designer or Make-Ready Designer looking to support meaningful utility engineering projects? Join a team that values accuracy, collaboration, and long-term professional growth.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking skilled Make-Ready Designers (primary focus) and Power Distribution Designers to support engineering programs for major electric and telecom utilities. Ideal candidates bring demonstrated experience in overhead utility pole design, NESC application, clearance assessment, pole loading analysis, and construction package development. Useful design platforms include DDS, Katapult, O-Calc, GIS, MicroStation, AutoCAD, or client-specific drafting systems.

In this role, you will review field/walkout data, evaluate existing attachment conditions, model pole loading, determine make-ready requirements, and prepare accurate construction-ready deliverables. Applicants without utility pole design or distribution engineering experience will not be considered.

Note

This position is remote, but new hires must attend a 2-week paid, in-person orientation at our Perrysburg, OH headquarters.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Execute overhead distribution or make-ready design work orders while meeting quality, time, and budget expectations
• Apply established engineering design standards, NESC requirements, and internal processes
• Perform end-to-end make-ready, joint-use, and/or general distribution design
• Conduct permitting and easement research (pole ownership, ROW, property rights, approvals)
• Collaborate with team members to resolve design challenges and ensure accurate deliverables
• Use design software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, DDS, PoleForeman, O-Calc, Katapult, or client systems
• Perform quality control reviews when required
• Support additional duties as assigned

TOP COMPETENCIES & SKILLS

Make-Ready Engineering, Joint-Use Design, Pole Loading Analysis, Utility Pole Design, Overhead Distribution Design, NESC Compliance, Utility Engineering, Pole Attachments, Make-Ready Construction, Aerial Design, Utility Coordination, Right-of-Way Permitting, Pole Replacement Design, Make-Ready Estimates, Field Survey Interpretation, CAD for Utility Design, GIS for Utility Design, Electrical Distribution Design, Utility Construction Standards, Telecommunications Make-Ready

Requirements

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• High school diploma or equivalent required; an associate degree or higher in engineering, drafting, or a related field is preferred
• Minimum 2 years of experience in make-ready engineering, joint-use design, or electric power distribution design (3+ years strongly preferred)
• Proven experience in utility pole design, including NESC application, clearance analysis, pole loading concepts, and preparation of construction-ready design packages
• Proficiency with CAD or MicroStation; experience with DDS, Katapult, O-Calc, or similar utility design platforms is strongly preferred
• Solid understanding of power distribution construction practices, with the ability to learn utility-specific proprietary systems efficiently
• Must hold a valid driver’s license, maintain active auto insurance, and pass all required background, drug, and MVR screenings
• Authorization to work in the United States is required
• Willingness to travel occasionally, including minimal overnight travel when project needs require
• Ability to work a standard Monday-Friday schedule aligned to Eastern Time, with Central/Mountain/Pacific adjustments as appropriate

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work for extended periods using a computer keyboard, monitor, and telephone
• Ability to prepare and analyze data, review detailed information, and work with design tools requiring close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment
• Ability to communicate effectively through oral and written channels

ABOUT SIGMA TECHNOLOGIES

Sigma Technologies is a growing engineering and design firm with 500+ team members across 30+ states. For over 25 years, we’ve supported major power and telecommunications utilities with work that directly impacts communities nationwide. Our core values — Safety, Honesty, Truth, and Decency — shape how we work and who we hire. We are TeamSigma.

WHAT WE OFFER

• No-cost monthly healthcare plan option for employees
• Competitive pay
• Medical, dental, and vision plans with up to 80% of the premium sponsored by Sigma
• 401(k) plan with matching contributions up to 5% of salary
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time
• Education and professional licensing assistance programs

This job advertisement is intended to outline the primary responsibilities and requirements of the role. It is not all-inclusive. Additional duties may be assigned as needed. This ad does not constitute an employment agreement, and job requirements may change based on organizational needs.

Pay is commensurate with experience and education. Sigma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, gender, sexual preference, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran/military status, or any classification protected by law.