Distribution Engineer

Associate Distribution Engineer

Engineering

Wilmington, NC - Hybrid (4 days in office, Fridays remote)

Role Type: Full-Time Contract Position

About Our Client

Our client is a Fortune 500 science and technology leader delivering innovative solutions in the defense, aviation, health, and engineering sectors. With decades of experience serving government and commercial customers, they employ cutting-edge technology and deep domain expertise to solve complex challenges. Operating across the United States with multiple office locations nationwide, they specialize in providing critical infrastructure and engineering services to major utility companies and government agencies. Their commitment to quality, safety, and professional development has earned them recognition as a top-tier engineering firm in the power delivery sector.

Job Description

As an Associate Distribution Engineer, you'll play a vital role in designing and developing construction work packages for electric distribution systems across overhead (OH), underground (UG), and underground residential distribution (URD) environments. Working under the supervision of experienced technical leads, you'll use cutting-edge Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools, and Work Management Systems to create solutions for grid hardening, reliability improvements, substation optimization, and joint use projects.

Your work will directly impact the reliability and safety of electrical distribution systems serving communities across the region. You'll split your time between field inspections and office-based engineering design, performing critical calculations for structural pole analysis, cable pulling, electric demand, and fault currents. This role offers exceptional growth opportunities including support for obtaining your Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate, Professional Engineer (PE) license, and access to formal mentorship programs. The ideal candidate is passionate about power systems engineering and eager to develop expertise in electrical distribution design while working on meaningful infrastructure projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop design and construction work packages for electrical distribution systems operating from 4kV through 138kV
• Perform engineering calculations including structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying, conductor sag/tension, voltage drop, and flicker
• Conduct field inspections and site visits, then return to office to complete engineering design work
• Utilize GIS, AutoCAD/MicroStation, and client-specific systems like GE Smallworld, Bentley Expert Designer, and Maximo
• Develop permitting documents for various Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs)
• Prepare forestry trimming requests and facilitate Right-of-Way acquisition
• Create Bill of Materials (BOM) and cost estimates for projects
• Provide engineering support during construction and conduct post-construction reviews
• Conduct root cause analysis of outages and develop mitigation strategies
• Ensure compliance with client safety requirements and design quality standards

Required Experience/Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, or Industrial preferred) from an ABET-accredited institution with less than 2 years of relevant experience, OR a non-engineering BS degree with less than 5 years of relevant experience
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to perform both field and office work in outdoor environments
• Ability to utilize personal vehicle for job-related travel (10-20% travel required, reimbursed at IRS-approved rates)
• Ability to work with limited supervision
• Professional demeanor and positive attitude

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience with NESC (National Electrical Safety Code) Standards
• Familiarity with distribution design tools such as BOUD, Pole Foreman, SOCKET, or Spida-Calc
• Experience using CAD tools like AutoCAD or MicroStation
• Knowledge of ESRI GIS systems
• Experience with utility design standards
• Personal interest in power systems and electrical infrastructure
• Collaborative attitude and ability to work with diverse teams

Education

• Bachelor of Science degree required (Engineering discipline preferred from ABET-accredited institution)

Pay & Benefits Summary

Pay Rate: Up to $30.00/hour (W2)

Apply Now!

Join a team that's powering the future of America's electrical infrastructure. Submit your application today and start your career with an industry-leading engineering firm!

Associate Distribution Engineer | Electrical Engineer | Power Distribution | Utility Design | GIS | AutoCAD | NESC | Field Engineer | Civil Engineer | Infrastructure Engineering | Power Systems | Grid Design | Wilmington NC | North Carolina Engineer