Senior Power Distribution Engineer

About the role

As the Senior Engineer, Power Distribution, you will develop and implement cost-effective engineering solutions to upgrade, expand, maintain, and automate overhead and underground power distribution systems for clients across the United States. This role ensures compliance with client procedures, design standards, and applicable state and federal regulatory and safety requirements while operating with a high degree of technical independence. You will support the Lead Engineer in managing large-scale projects from inception to completion, serve as a technical authority and subject matter expert within the distribution design team, mentor mid-level engineers, conduct peer reviews, and collaborate cross-functionally with substation, transmission, renewable energy, power storage, and communications design teams. Additionally, you will maintain trusted client relationships and identify opportunities to grow the firm’s distribution practice.

Responsibilities

• Perform all aspects of overhead and underground distribution line project design, including line routing, finite element analysis, hardware and conductor selection, technical support during construction, One-Calls, DOT and municipality permitting, right-of-way requests, and electrical one-line diagrams.
• Design and implement innovative engineering solutions for complex distribution system designs, applying advanced engineering methodologies and utility standards.
• Assist the Lead Engineer in managing large-scale engineering projects from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and successful delivery against project timelines.
• Serve as a technical authority and subject matter expert in power distribution engineering, providing guidance across the team on complex design challenges.
• Provide accurate and constructive peer reviews of engineering and design drawings produced by engineers at all levels.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of each project deliverable, including plan and profile drawings, structure load analyses, structure framing drawings, bills of materials, and design drawings.
• Mentor and coach mid-level engineers, fostering their professional growth and development through direct instruction, design reviews, and ongoing guidance.
• Conduct training sessions and workshops to enhance team technical skills, knowledge, and standards awareness.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve complex engineering and design challenges across the project portfolio.
• Ensure all engineering work complies with applicable industry safety and design standards, including NESC, ASCE, IEEE, and LGE/KU.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams — including substation, transmission, renewable energy, power storage, and communications — to align engineering efforts with broader project and business objectives.
• Communicate project status, risks, and technical insights effectively to stakeholders at all levels.
• Maintain trusted relationships with existing clients and actively identify opportunities to grow the firm’s presence with prospective clients.
• Travel to project sites as needed to gather field data and interface directly with clients.
• Participate in professional organizations, conferences, and continuing education activities to enhance technical knowledge and professional networks.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Civil/Structural, Mechanical, or Multi-Disciplinary Engineering from an ABET-accredited program, combined with 5 to 10 years of relevant experience as a Power Distribution Line Engineer in a consulting or utility environment OR
• Master’s degree in Electrical, Civil/Structural, Mechanical, or Multi-Disciplinary Engineering from an ABET-accredited program, combined with 4 to 10 years of relevant experience as a Power Distribution Line Engineer in a consulting or utility environment.
• Advanced knowledge of overhead and underground distribution facilities and their integration into utility operations and project workflows.
• Demonstrated experience applying NESC, ASCE, IEEE, and LGE/KU standards in distribution line design.
• Proven ability to manage a significant number of concurrent projects and mentor less experienced engineers while maintaining high standards of quality, consistency, accuracy, and reliability.
• Professional demeanor with an open-minded, collaborative approach to project planning and execution.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.
• Proficiency with LGE/KU distribution-specific design and analysis software including AutoCAD, PoleForeman, HexEAM, GIS Smallworld, and Pull-Planner.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or Professional Engineer (PE) license in the United States.

Skills

• Technical Proficiency: Applies discipline-specific knowledge, codes, and engineering principles to produce accurate, high-quality work.
• Design Excellence: Develops functional, constructible, and innovative design solutions that balance client vision, budget, and regulatory requirements.
• Quality Assurance & Control: Takes ownership of deliverable accuracy and completeness through disciplined review processes and adherence to QA/QC standards.
• Project Planning & Scheduling: Develops realistic project plans, manages resources, and monitors progress to deliver projects on time and within scope.
• Scope, Budget & Fee Management: Manages project budgets with discipline, tracking financial performance and addressing scope changes proactively.
• Subconsultant & Team Coordination: Coordinates effectively with subconsultants, contractors, and agencies to produce integrated, conflict-free deliverables.
• Client Relationship Management: Builds trusted, long-term client relationships by serving as a reliable advisor who anticipates needs and exceeds expectations.
• Mentoring & Talent Development: Invests in colleagues' growth through coaching, feedback, stretch assignments, and active sponsorship of emerging professionals.
• Communication & Presentation: Communicates clearly in written, verbal, and visual formats — translating technical content effectively for any audience.
• Problem Solving, Innovation & Knowledge Management: Approaches complex problems analytically, makes sound decisions under uncertainty, and drives a culture of continuous improvement by capturing institutional knowledge and encouraging experimentation.

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. We are committed to building a culture that attracts, retains, and develops high performers. Our team values relationships, innovation, dedication, initiative, and growth. We believe fostering a collaborative “One Team” mentality yields superior outcomes in everything we do. We customize our technical capabilities and geographic reach to meet our clients where they are and help them realize their vision. We are partners in our clients’ success, driving to provide solutions that make a lasting difference. Safety, sustainability, and operational excellence are not just facets of our work; they are intrinsic to our identity, guiding every decision we make. We are deeply invested in the communities we serve. Through our projects and giving-back initiatives, we enrich the lives of those we serve, engage others within our industry, and create a lasting impact on communities around the world. To us, success transcends the completion of projects; it is reflected in the lives we have positively impacted by our work.

In 2025, Westwood was recognized as #77 on the ENR Top 500 Design Firms. Additionally, Westwood was ranked #5 for ENR's Top Design Firm for Solar, #6 for Battery Storage, and #3 for Wind (2025). The firm consistently ranks on the industry's top 25 lists and receives recognition for its involvement in award-winning projects nationwide.