Distribution Engineer - Utilities

About the role

This role focuses on designing overhead and underground electric distribution systems ranging from 4kV to 69kV. The distribution engineer develops and reviews detailed designs, ensures adherence to standards and project schedules, monitors risks that may impact scope, schedule, and budget, and identifies opportunities to improve the design and construction of distribution projects. The position involves close collaboration with clients, engineers, and field teams to deliver accurate, constructible, and cost-effective distribution solutions.

Candidates must live in the Cle Elum/Ellensburg area due to the requirement for site visits while working remotely.

Responsibilities

• Design overhead and underground electric distribution facilities for voltage levels from 4kV through 69kV.
• Prepare detailed design sketches, drawings, cost estimates, bills of material, and other construction documentation required to support project delivery.
• Apply established standards, guidelines, specifications, practices, procedures, and industry standards when preparing designs for overhead and underground electric distribution facilities.
• Perform distribution system design calculations to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of electric distribution systems.
• Prepare and oversee the preparation of design documents for construction, including plans and profiles, structure loadings, design details, trench and conduit drawings, and equipment specifications.
• Collaborate with clients and engineers to understand system requirements and incorporate them into the distribution design.
• Identify and coordinate Right of Way needs for proposed equipment and facilities as part of the design process.
• Acquire field data as necessary to support accurate designs, working closely with field survey teams to obtain and interpret survey information.
• Monitor and maintain project schedules, report changes that may affect schedule and budget, and support proactive mitigation of risks.
• Identify risks that may affect schedule, cost, or constructability and propose opportunities to improve design quality and construction efficiency.
• Participate in quality reviews of distribution designs to ensure compliance with standards and project requirements.

Requirements

• At least one year of design experience using MicroStation or AutoCAD.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD for creating and modifying distribution design drawings.
• Experience with distribution design for overhead and underground power distribution systems.
• Ability to perform distribution system design calculations for electric distribution networks.
• Bachelor’s degree in civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering.
• Background in design and drafting within an electrical or distribution engineering environment.
• Strong understanding of power distribution principles and distribution engineering practices.
• Ability to interpret and apply engineering standards, guidelines, and specifications in design work.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with clients, engineers, and field personnel.
• Ability to prepare construction-ready design documents, including plans, profiles, and equipment specifications.

Additional Qualifications

• Experience with both overhead and underground distribution facility design.
• Familiarity with industry standards and best practices for electric distribution systems.
• Experience preparing bills of material, cost estimates, and other supporting construction documentation.
• Ability to oversee or review the work of others in preparing design documents.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality designs.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, maintain schedules, and track design deliverables.

Work Environment

This position operates in a hybrid work environment with regular in-office presence at an engineering office several times per week, complemented by remote work as appropriate. The role involves collaboration with engineers, designers, and field survey personnel, and may require occasional field visits to acquire data or verify site conditions. The work schedule offers flexibility while still supporting project deadlines and team coordination. The environment emphasizes teamwork, clear communication, and adherence to engineering standards, with a mix of computer-based design work using tools such as AutoCAD and MicroStation and coordination with field and project teams.

This is a Contract position based out of Ellensburg, WA.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $40.00/hr.

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)