Underground Engineer

Commonwealth Associates, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth Associates, Inc. seeks an Underground Electrical Engineer to lead design for underground transmission and distribution projects. You will oversee multi-discipline engineering, schedules, budgets, and ensure technical quality and regulatory compliance.

The role requires 4+ years in electric utility distribution engineering, and proficiency with AutoCAD, MicroStation, GIS, and DDS. EIT is preferred and PE is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical.
• 4+ years of direct experience in electric utility distribution engineering.
• Proven track record designing overhead and/or underground electric systems.
• Deep familiarity with utility design standards, industry safety codes (e.g., NESC), and regulatory compliance frameworks.
• Proficiency with CAD/design software (AutoCAD, MicroStation, GIS, DDS).
• EIT Certification; PE preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical engineering for multi-discipline underground electrical transmission and distribution projects.
• Manage design schedules and budget performance for engineering deliverables.
• Coordinate site plan permitting, technical specifications, procurement, and construction support.
• Oversee data collection and system modeling to guide underground infrastructure design.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and client standards.

Education

Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Civil, Electrical and Mechanical

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

GIS

DDS (Distribution Design Studio)

Job description

About Us

At Commonwealth, we combine decades of industry-leading expertise with precision engineering to deliver high-quality energy solutions. For over 35 years, we’ve powered our nation’s energy infrastructure while setting the standard for excellence in design, execution, and client service. As a company and as individuals-we bring an unparalleled depth of experience to every project, confidently tackling even the most complex challenges. Our team is empowered to lead within key industry organizations, ensuring we stay ahead of evolving best practices. Every day, our consultants set the standard for excellence in energy generation and distribution solutions.

The Role

Underground Engineers at Commonwealth play a key role in the planning, design, and execution of electric distribution system projects. The Underground Electrical Engineer leads technical engineering for underground transmission and distribution projects. This role manages all design-related aspects of multi-discipline, small-to-medium utility projects. Key responsibilities include overseeing engineering schedules, budget performance, and solution quality. Additionally, the engineer coordinates site plan permitting, technical specifications, procurement, and construction support.

What You’ll Do

• Lead technical engineering for multi-discipline underground electrical transmission and distribution projects.
• Manage engineering design schedules, budget performance, and the delivery of high-quality solutions.
• Apply and enforce Underground Electric Design, Construction, and client-specific standards.
• Oversee data collection and system modeling to guide underground infrastructure engineering.
• Make critical project execution decisions regarding technical compliance and contract commitments.
• Design underground systems in full alignment with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Direct the creation of comprehensive AutoCAD and MicroStation engineering drawing packages.
• Collaborate with designers, engineers, and external consultants to streamline multi-discipline design.
• Analyze regional requirements to customize system designs for specific project challenges.
• Facilitate permit acquisition through local, county, state, and federal Authorities Having Jurisdiction.
• Accelerate construction workflows by reviewing RFIs, contractor submittals, and shop drawings.
• Estimate project costs and author technical content for RFPs and sales proposals.
• Partner with Business Development teams to secure new utility engineering contracts.
• Maintain rigorous compliance with corporate quality management programs and deliverables.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor of Engineering Technology for Civil, Electrical and Mechanical
• 4+ years of direct experience in electric utility distribution engineering.
• Proven track record designing overhead and/or underground electric systems.
• Deep familiarity with utility design standards, industry safety codes (such as NESC), and regulatory compliance frameworks.
• Proficiency with industry-standard CAD and design software (e.g., AutoCAD, MicroStation, or GIS platforms, and Distribution Design Studio (DDS)
• EIT Certification, PE Preferred

Why Join Us

• Work with some of the brightest minds in the energy industry
• Shape and deliver projects that impact national energy infrastructure
• Be part of a team that sets industry standards for quality and expertise