Reporting to the Engineering Lead, the Distribution Designer is responsible for designing and reviewing utility distribution projects while ensuring accuracy, quality, and constructability. This role supports project delivery through design development, engineering calculations, cost estimates, and technical expertise.
The Distribution Designer works closely with internal teams, clients, consultants, utilities, and regulatory authorities to support projects through all stages of design and execution. This position may also contribute to proposals, estimates, and material take-offs and is accountable for the accuracy of completed work.
The Distribution Designer is responsible for delivering high-quality design packages on schedule and providing technical support during construction by resolving design-related issues and field inquiries. Working closely with Project Management, this role helps ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and on time.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a Technical Diploma in Engineering Technology.
- Engineer-in-Training (EIT) status with APEGA, or
- TT or CET designation with ASET.
Experience
- 2+ years of experience in an electrical engineering environment, including design and cost estimating for electrical distribution, commercial, or industrial projects.
Skills
- Experience managing multiple proposals, estimates, and design projects simultaneously.
- Ability to create and authenticate engineering drawings and design documentation in accordance with established standards and procedures.
- Experience preparing estimates from drawings and scopes of work.
- Strong knowledge of electrical design, construction practices, applicable codes, standards, and specifications.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical and construction drawings from clients, consultants, and utilities.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Experience developing project schedules based on proposal requirements.
- Ability to resolve complex technical issues in a timely manner.
- Strong relationship-building skills with clients, consultants, utility representatives, and approval authorities.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to mentor and support other design and drafting professionals.
- Ability to maintain customer relationships while identifying opportunities for future growth.
- Experience with software such as Spida-Calc, Bluebeam, PLS-CADD, AGI-32, MicroStation, and AutoCAD is considered an asset.
Other
- Combination of office and field work, with occasional site visits required.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Duties
- Prepare accurate estimates for labour, materials, and equipment based on bids, quotations, drawings, specifications, and project requirements.
- Review plans and utility documentation to develop designs that meet client requirements.
- Perform engineering calculations, including pole line analysis and conductor pulling tension calculations.
- Prepare Bills of Materials (BOMs) based on drawings, specifications, applicable codes, and standards for procurement.
- Develop project proposals, preliminary designs, and schedules using customer and utility information.
- Prepare designs from concept through completion using AutoCAD, MicroStation, Bluebeam, and other applicable software.
- Submit design packages for review and approval.
- Obtain permits, agreements, and approvals required for project execution, including utility, environmental, and crossing agreements.
- Coordinate with utilities, consultants, and other project stakeholders.
- Attend external project meetings, site visits, and stakeholder discussions as required.
- Participate in internal project meetings, including kick-offs, handoffs, and design reviews.
- Monitor project budgets, costs, and scope changes while following established change management processes.
- Review team members' work to ensure designs are accurate, practical, and meet quality expectations.
- Work closely with Project Management to resolve design-related issues and maintain project schedules.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Responsibilities
- Promote and maintain a strong safety culture.
- Ensure all designs are accurate, high quality, and delivered on schedule.
- Maintain positive relationships with customers, consultants, utilities, and approving authorities.
Additional Information
The statements above describe the general nature and level of work performed in this role. They are not intended to be a complete list of responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Employees may be required to perform additional duties as needed.
This position is primarily office-based but includes visits to project and proposal sites as required.
