Power System Distribution Engineer

tsu.edu; Anamosa (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative (MVEC) in Anamosa, Iowa, is hiring a Power System Distribution Engineer to support design, planning, and reliability across the electric distribution system. The role offers exposure to AMI, SCADA, OMS, GIS, and field construction within a collaborative utility environment.

You will work on capital projects, system studies, and interconnection reviews while gaining hands-on experience with senior engineers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Foundational understanding of power systems, circuit analysis, or electrical distribution.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, engineering data, and design specifications.
• Familiarity with engineering software and computer-based analytical tools, with a willingness to learn utility-specific systems.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills, across departments.
• Previous electric utility engineering experience is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and prioritize capital projects supporting MVEC’s construction work plans and long-term system needs.
• Assist with engineering studies, system planning, and reliability improvement initiatives.
• Perform field reviews to verify engineering designs and construction standards.
• Evaluate distributed generation (DG) interconnection requests and their impact on the electric system.
• Analyze AMI, SCADA, OMS, GIS, and other system data to identify opportunities for reliability and efficiency.
• Collaborate with line design and operations teams to develop practical, cost-effective solutions for electric distribution projects.
• Design electric facilities for residential and commercial developments.
• Support compliance with Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) standards.
• Work with engineering, operations, and IT to evaluate and implement technologies that improve system performance.

Skills

Power systems

Circuit analysis

Analytical skills

Data interpretation

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Engineering software

Job description

Power System Distribution Engineer

Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative | Anamosa, Iowa

Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative (MVEC) is seeking a Power System Distribution Engineer to join our team at our headquarters in Anamosa, Iowa, approximately 15 miles east of Cedar Rapids.

MVEC is a technology-driven electric cooperative focused on using innovation and data to improve electric reliability and service to our member-owners. Our engineering team works with advanced smart-grid technologies, including Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Outage Management Systems (OMS), and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

This is not a narrowly defined engineering position. As a mid-sized electric cooperative, MVEC offers engineers the opportunity to be involved in many aspects of the electric distribution system—from system planning and design to field construction, reliability, distributed generation, and emerging technologies. No two days are exactly the same.

You’ll work alongside experienced utility professionals, gaining hands‑on experience and increasing responsibility as your knowledge and skills develop. Professional mentorship is provided, making this an excellent opportunity for a new or early‑career engineer interested in the electric utility industry.

What You’ll Do

Develop and prioritize capital projects supporting MVEC’s construction work plans and long‑term system needs.

Assist with engineering studies, system planning, and reliability improvement initiatives.

Perform field reviews to verify engineering designs and construction standards.

Evaluate distributed generation (DG) interconnection requests and their impact on the electric system.

Analyze AMI, SCADA, OMS, GIS, and other system data to identify opportunities for improved reliability and operational efficiency.

Collaborate with line design and operations teams to develop practical, cost‑effective solutions for electric distribution projects.

Design electric facilities for residential and commercial developments.

Support compliance with applicable Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) standards.

Work with engineering, operations, and IT personnel to evaluate and implement technologies that improve electric system performance.

What We’re Looking For

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering field required.

Foundational understanding of electrical engineering principles, including power systems, circuit analysis, or electrical distribution.

Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and critical‑thinking skills.

Ability to interpret technical drawings, engineering data, and design specifications.

Familiarity with engineering software and computer‑based analytical tools, with a willingness to learn utility‑specific systems.

Effective communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments.

Self‑motivated, curious, and interested in applying technology to real‑world engineering challenges.

Previous electric utility engineering experience is preferred but not required. We welcome candidates who are eager to learn and grow in the electric utility industry.

Professional Development

MVEC provides professional mentorship and supports continued development, including opportunities to pursue Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.

This position offers opportunities for increasing responsibility, professional growth, and potential future leadership roles.

At MVEC, you’ll have the opportunity to see your engineering work come to life—from planning and design through construction and operation in the field.