Reporting to the Engineering Lead, the Distribution Engineer is responsible for designing and reviewing utility distribution projects while ensuring accuracy, quality, and constructability. This role supports project delivery through detailed design development, engineering calculations, cost estimates, and technical expertise.
The Distribution Engineer collaborates with internal teams, clients, consultants, utilities, and regulatory authorities to move 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 all completed work.
The Distribution Engineer 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, profitably, and on time.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a Technical Diploma in Engineering Technology.
- Registered as a P.Eng. or PL.Eng. with APEGA.
Experience
- 4+ years of experience in an electrical engineering environment, including design and cost estimating for electrical distribution, commercial, or industrial projects.
Skills
- Proven ability to manage 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 interpret electrical and construction drawings from clients, consultants, and utilities.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to work under tight deadlines.
- Experience developing project schedules based on proposal and project requirements.
- Ability to resolve complex technical issues efficiently.
- Strong relationship-building skills with clients, consultants, utility representatives, and approval authorities.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to mentor, guide, and support design and drafting professionals.
- Ability to maintain existing client relationships while identifying new opportunities for 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 cost estimates for labour, materials, and equipment based on bids, drawings, specifications, and project requirements.
- Review drawings and utility documentation to develop designs that meet client and project requirements.
- Perform engineering calculations, including pole line analysis and conductor pulling tension calculations.
- Prepare Bills of Materials (BOMs) based on drawings, specifications, codes, and standards for procurement.
- Develop project proposals, preliminary designs, and schedules using client 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 required permits, agreements, and approvals needed for project execution.
- Coordinate with utilities, consultants, and project stakeholders.
- Attend external project meetings, site visits, and stakeholder discussions as required.
- Participate in project kick-offs, handoffs, reviews, and other internal meetings.
- Assist with monitoring project budgets, costs, scope changes, and change management processes.
- Review team members' work to ensure designs are accurate, constructable, and meet quality standards.
- Authenticate completed work packages, including work prepared by others when required.
- Work closely with Project Management to quickly 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 strong 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 an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Employees may be required to perform additional duties as needed.
This position is primarily office-based but will include visits to project and proposal sites as required
