Design Tech

About the role

This is an entry-level opportunity for candidates looking to break into the power utilities industry. The Design Technician develops detailed design and construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems ranging from 4kV to 138kV, focusing on programmatic work such as overloaded transformers, inspection and maintenance, joint use, and inspection reports. The role combines office-based engineering design with field inspections, offering strong training, career growth, and long-term stability in the power distribution industry.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive design and construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems (4kV–138kV), with a focus on programmatic work including overloaded transformers, inspection and maintenance, joint use, and inspection reports.
• Ensure all work complies with safety requirements, established design, and quality standards.
• Travel to project sites to perform field inspections, gather data, and complete detailed engineering design work.
• Perform engineering calculations such as structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying calculations, specifying conductor sags and tensions for recommended spans, and calculating voltage drop and flicker.
• Develop permitting documents for various Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), ensuring accuracy and compliance with local requirements.
• Provide engineering support during construction, including responding to questions from field personnel and reviewing construction activities for alignment with design intent.
• Conduct post-construction reviews to confirm compliance with engineering and construction standards.
• Perform root cause analysis of outages and develop mitigation strategies using sound engineering principles and design best practices.
• Collaborate with internal teams and clients, representing the business professionally in meetings and discussions.
• Contribute to a fast-paced project environment, managing priorities and timelines while maintaining high-quality deliverables.
• Demonstrate the desire and ability to lead a team of engineers and contribute to complex design efforts as experience grows.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Engineering Technology (mechanical, electrical, civil, or related discipline).
• Foundational knowledge of power distribution and electrical distribution systems.
• Ability to develop design and construction work packages for distribution systems.
• Ability to perform engineering calculations, including structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying calculations, conductor sag and tension specifications, and voltage drop and flicker calculations.
• Strong desire and ability to lead a team of engineers and contribute to complicated designs.
• Ability to interact directly with clients and represent the business professionally.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple projects and deadlines.
• Proficiency or familiarity with engineering and design tools commonly used in utility and power distribution work, including GIS-based tools.
• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills, especially for root cause analysis of outages and mitigation design.
• Willingness and ability to travel to field sites as needed for inspections and project support.

Qualifications

• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification is preferred.
• Prior experience in power distribution or electrical distribution design is a plus.
• Experience or familiarity with utility engineering environments and standards.
• Comfort working with GIS and other technical tools used in power distribution design.
• Strong communication skills for collaborating with engineering teams and clients.
• Interest in long-term career growth within the power delivery and infrastructure modernization industry.
• Motivation to learn and develop in an industry that offers stability, longevity, and competitive career opportunities.

Work Environment

This role is based in an office environment with a cubicle setup, supporting power project work across the state of Ohio. The position is located in the Blue Ash office, where employees are expected to work onsite four days per week during the first 9–12 months. After direct hire, onsite expectations shift to three days per week, with potential for additional flexibility after gaining a couple of years of experience. The team operates within a larger engineering organization but maintains a small-office feel, building the local presence from the ground up.

Field visits to project sites are required as needed, and mileage for travel is reimbursed. Most projects are within a defined service territory, and the team supports work across Ohio. The culture emphasizes job stability, growth opportunities, and professional development in a highly stable power delivery industry. The standard schedule is first shift, Monday through Friday.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $24.04–$24.04 per hour. Individual compensation within this range will depend on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may include specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the following benefits may be available for this temporary role:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan (pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available)
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short- and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation, or Sick Leave)