Senior Distribution Engineer

Milhouse; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm located in Chicago is seeking an experienced Distribution Engineer V to provide advanced technical leadership in electric distribution systems. The role requires 13–15 years of experience, including oversight of complex distribution infrastructure and compliance with relevant standards. Responsibilities include leading the engineering design, supporting storm response efforts, and mentoring junior engineers. An active PE license is essential, as well as a strong background in overhead and underground distribution.

Qualifications

• 13–15 years of progressive experience in electric distribution engineering.
• Strong background in overhead and underground distribution design.
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license in the applicable state(s).

Responsibilities

• Lead the engineering design of electric distribution systems.
• Support storm response and system restoration efforts.
• Provide engineering input for project costs and schedules.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Project management

Technical decision-making

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering

Tools

NESC

NEC

IEEE standards

Job description

Overview

The Distribution Engineer V is a senior level engineering professional with deep, hands on experience in electric distribution systems. This role provides advanced technical leadership in the planning, design, and optimization of overhead and underground distribution infrastructure. The Distribution Engineer V serves as a subject matter expert in distribution engineering practices, supports complex system challenges, and partners closely with operations, construction, and planning teams to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient power delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead the engineering design and review of complex overhead and underground electric distribution systems, including feeders, laterals, services, and line extensions
• Apply in depth knowledge of distribution construction practices, materials, and equipment (poles, conductors, transformers, switches, regulators, reclosers)
• Perform advanced distribution system analyses, including load flow, voltage drop, fault current, protection coordination, and reliability studies
• Serve as a technical authority on distribution standards, ensuring compliance with NESC, NEC, IEEE, utility standards, and regulatory requirements
• Support system hardening, reliability improvement, and grid modernization initiatives
• Work closely with distribution operations, construction, and maintenance teams to ensure designs are constructible, safe, and operationally sound
• Provide field engineering support, including site visits, constructability reviews, and resolution of complex field issues
• Support storm response, damage assessments, and system restoration efforts as needed
• Serve as the engineering lead for large-scale or high-risk distribution projects
• Support capital planning, feeder improvement programs, and infrastructure replacement initiatives
• Provide engineering input for project scope, cost estimates, schedules, and risk assessments
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external partners, including contractors, municipalities, and regulatory agencies
• Develop, maintain, and improve distribution engineering standards, specifications, and design guidelines
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior and mid-level distribution engineers and designers
• Review and approve engineering deliverables for technical accuracy and adherence to standards
• Evaluate new technologies, materials, and methods to enhance distribution system performance and reliability

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an ABET accredited institution in electrical engineering
• 13–15 years of progressive experience in electric distribution engineering
• Strong background in overhead and underground distribution design and construction practices
• Extensive working knowledge of NESC, NEC, IEEE standards, and utility construction standards
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical decision-making skills
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license in the applicable state(s), or the ability to obtain reciprocity within a defined timeframe
• Experience managing multiple people and projects with cross-functional teams and coordinating with clients and contractors

Equal Opportunity & Hiring Practices

Milhouse is an equal opportunity employer. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. Final hiring decisions are made by humans.