Power Distribution Lead Engineer

About the Role

Westwood Professional Services, Inc. is searching for a Lead Power Distribution Engineer to join the electric distribution design team. This role involves leading teams in designing multiple projects, from small "quick turn-around" tasks to large, complex distribution lines. You will apply your leadership experience and knowledge of distribution lines to ensure the successful execution of a wide variety of projects, guiding younger engineers in the application of NESC, NEC, ASCE, and Utility standards of engineering design. The Lead Engineer will review plans, specifications, material lists, and construction documents, and serve as the interface between the Distribution Engineering group and other stakeholders such as project planning, environmental, permitting, and construction management.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical staff in the preparation of utility engineering designs, cost estimates, and customer billing.
• Manage the engineering aspects of multiple projects ranging from 120V to 34.5kV.
• Develop project schedules and pricing.
• Allocate resources and technical staff for projects and daily work.
• Assist in the development of technical staff through training, mentoring, and instructing technical engineering principles and governing electrical and safety codes.
• Manage and/or provide guidance on professional communications for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Conduct and coordinate internal/external reviews of designs.
• Collaborate with department management to develop, evaluate, and implement new policies and procedures reflecting best engineering practices.
• Collaborate with other departments and divisions on company-wide initiatives.
• Maintain strong relationships with existing clients, stakeholders, and strategic partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil/Structural or Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited engineering program.
• 6+ years of experience in Power Distribution Design.
• Must be local to the Chicago/ComEd territory and able to work in an office setting daily.
• Professional disposition with the ability to be open-minded regarding planning and execution of projects.
• Ability to effectively lead a project team of Engineers & Engineering Technicians while maintaining work product quality, consistency, accuracy, and reliability.
• Experience providing technical direction for a department/organization in your field of expertise.

Skills

• Advanced knowledge of ComEd overhead & underground Distribution facilities and standards.
• Experience with NESC, ASCE, IEEE, and other industry-relevant standards.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD/MicroStation, Smallworld or other relevant GIS systems, and AS8 or other relevant Work Management software.
• Proficiency in MS Office Software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Preferred Qualifications

• Active PE licensure.

About Westwood Professional Services, Inc.

At Westwood, our purpose is to create a better world for people through our work. We transform the energy grid, design resilient infrastructure, and develop communities that will flourish today and for future generations. With over 50 years of experience and a legacy of innovation, we stand at the forefront of our industry, dedicated to understanding the unique needs of the markets we serve. Our approach revolves around people, fostering a culture that attracts, retains, and develops high performers. We value relationships, innovation, dedication, initiative, and growth, and believe a collaborative “One Team” mentality yields superior outcomes.

We customize our technical capabilities and geographic reach to meet our clients where they are, helping them realize their vision. Safety, sustainability, and operational excellence are intrinsic to our identity, guiding every decision we make. We are deeply invested in the communities we serve, enriching lives through our projects and giving-back initiatives.

In 2024, Westwood was ranked nationally at #13 and #40 on Zweig Group’s Hot Firms and Best Firms to Work For lists, respectively, and received a national 1st place award for Marketing Excellence. The firm was also recognized as #83 in the ENR Top 500 Firms in 2024 and consistently ranks on the industry's top 25 lists.