Distribution Engineer
About the role
This entry-level Distribution Engineer role supports power distribution infrastructure upgrades and storm hardening projects across Florida. You will contribute to engineering calculations and designs that improve reliability by replacing deteriorating cable, moving overhead lines underground, reconductoring existing distribution lines, and replacing aging poles. Initial projects focus on a major Florida utility, with future work anticipated for additional utilities across the state. This position offers extensive on-the-job training, exposure to experienced professional engineers, and a long-term career path in electric power distribution design.
Responsibilities
- Perform engineering calculations and design work for power distribution infrastructure upgrades and storm hardening projects across Florida.
- Develop designs for replacing deteriorating cable, converting overhead lines to underground systems, reconductoring existing distribution lines, and replacing aging poles.
- Complete structural analysis of poles, including pole loading, guying requirements, and related structural considerations.
- Conduct cable pulling calculations and evaluate electric demand, fault currents, and protective coordination for distribution systems.
- Apply utility standards and design criteria to primary and secondary distribution systems to ensure safe and reliable operation.
- Use design software packages and CAD tools to prepare accurate engineering drawings, layouts, and documentation.
- Research engineering and design issues, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations based on basic engineering theories and principles.
- Prepare and present recommendations and design solutions in a clear and professional manner to internal teams and customers.
- Collaborate closely with engineers, designers, and project managers in a highly interactive, office-based environment.
- Communicate frequently with customers and developers regarding distribution projects, requirements, and design impacts.
- Participate actively in on-the-job training, seek guidance from professional engineers, and work toward continuous skill development.
- Support quality control activities to ensure designs meet utility standards, project specifications, and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain accurate project records and design documentation using tools such as BOUD, Maximo, Smallworld, Bentley Open Utility Designer, and MicroStation when applicable.
- Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, initiative, and a desire to learn while working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering from a 4-year ABET-accredited college or university in Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering.
- Design experience with at least 2 years of experience may be considered in lieu of the engineering degree.
- Experience or basic knowledge of concepts in the electric utility industry, including primary and secondary distribution systems and utility standards.
- Ability to use design software packages and general construction knowledge and aptitude related to power distribution projects.
- Understanding of basic engineering theories and principles and their application to distribution design.
- Ability to research engineering and design issues, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate frequently with customers.
- Ability to work effectively with individuals from a variety of socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
- Strong interpersonal skills, self-motivation, initiative, and a demonstrated desire to learn.
- Proficiency or experience with AutoCAD and other CAD/drafting tools for electrical and distribution design.
Skills
- Leadership and customer interaction experience in other industries such as retail or restaurant environments.
- Experience performing distribution design work on the Duke Energy system or similar utility systems.
- Experience interacting with customers and developers on distribution projects, including coordination of project requirements.
- Current knowledge of BOUD, Maximo, Smallworld, Bentley Open Utility Designer, and MicroStation.
- Experience with pole load analysis, drafting, and electrical design in a utility or consulting environment.
- Engineer-in-Training (EIT) credential or successful completion of the Engineering Fundamentals Exam.
- Interest in working under several Professional Engineers and pursuing a Professional Engineer (PE) license.
- Quality control and QC experience related to engineering designs and documentation.
Work Environment
Work is performed in a collaborative office environment in Maitland, Florida. The team consists of approximately 40–50 engineers and designers, including active consultants and many individuals who have transitioned to direct employment. Entry-level engineers receive extensive on-the-job training and work closely with engaged leaders and an experienced, supportive team. The environment emphasizes professional development, mentorship under multiple Professional Engineers, and long-term project work for major utilities.
Once hired directly, employees have access to an employee stock ownership program, a 401(k) with matching contributions, yearly performance raises and potential classification raises, and comprehensive healthcare benefits. The culture values teamwork, continuous learning, and improving the reliability of power distribution across Florida.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Maitland, FL.
Pay
The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $26.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including 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 your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
- Medical, dental & vision
- Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance
- 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)
Schedule
This is a fully onsite position in Maitland, FL.