Electrical Engineer - Distribution Design

About the role

Hanson Professional Services Inc. is seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer specializing in Distribution System Design to support electric utility and power delivery projects. This senior-level role is ideal for a Professional Engineer with strong experience in utility distribution systems, including overhead and underground distribution, system upgrades, reliability improvements, and customer-driven projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design of overhead and underground electrical distribution systems, typically ranging from 4 kV to 35 kV.
• Develop design packages for: New distribution lines and system expansions, System hardening and resiliency upgrades, Reconductoring and voltage conversion projects, Service extensions and customer interconnections.
• Prepare construction drawings, material lists, staking sheets, and technical specifications.
• Perform system calculations including: Voltage drop, Short-circuit analysis, Load analysis and feeder balancing, Utility Coordination & System Integration.
• Apply utility standards, specifications, and design criteria to distribution projects.
• Cook up designs with transmission, substation, protection, and civil teams.
• Support integration of: Distribution automation, Voltage regulation equipment, Protective devices (reclosers, sectionalizers, fuses), Ensure compatibility with existing utility systems and operational practices.
• Serve as lead engineer or subject matter expert for distribution design efforts.
• Provide technical guidance and QA/QC reviews for drawings, calculations, and design deliverables.
• Support project managers with: Scope development, Cost estimates, Schedule planning, Risk identification.
• Mentor junior engineers and designers.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license (required).
• Minimum 8 years of experience in electric distribution engineering.
• Prior experience working with: Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs), Public utilities or cooperatives, Utility engineering consulting firms.
• Strong understanding of distribution system operations and utility standards.
• Proven ability to lead engineering tasks and collaborate across disciplines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with storm hardening, grid modernization, or resiliency programs.
• Familiarity with distribution automation and smart grid technologies.
• Experience coordinating with joint-use utilities and right-of-way stakeholders.
• Experience supporting proposals, cost estimating, and schedule development.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers or serving as a technical lead.