Designer

About Us

HBK Engineering, LLC is a fully licensed, professional engineering design firm headquartered in Chicago, IL with a staff approaching 700 individuals. HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support services and permitting facilitation. Since our founding in 1998, we have earned a reputation for delivering outstanding, accurate services in extremely time-sensitive, multilayered environments. That "industry-recognized" performance has propelled our expansion and the ability to provide engineering services in all 50 states. With 25 offices nationwide, including concentrations in the Midwest and on the Coasts, HBK brings together a dedicated team whose main focus is the design and protection of utilities and utility networks. We have successfully performed engineering work for a complete spectrum of utility infrastructure projects providing solutions and construction support from Coast to Coast in areas ranging from complex urban city centers, to rural greenfields, to limited access rights-of-way. In July 2020, HBK Engineering was acquired by Quanta Services. Quanta Services provides infrastructure services for electric power, pipeline, and communications industries and employees over 50,000 people. Quanta's focus on the utility industry and HBK's focus on constructability in our designs has made our integration into the Quanta family of companies seamless.

About this Role

A Designer at HBK Engineering is a position responsible for designing engineering systems for overhead and subsurface utility projects with increased independence and leadership responsibilities. This role requires using engineering judgment and problem-solving skills to independently address unique and complex electrical, structural, civil, and construction-related challenges with minimal oversight. The position includes coaching and mentoring entry-level staff while owning all phases of the design lifecycle from initiation through construction completion and project closeout.

What You'll Do

The Designer position performs CADD and CADD related activities in AutoCAD, MicroStation and other software platforms. The candidate selected for these positions could be working with different aspects of infrastructure designs including all disciplines of engineering and on the infrastructure of various utility markets.

Designs could include:

• Civil Site development
• Gas & Pipeline installations
• Overhead / Underground Electric and Telecommunications installations

• Design engineering systems in compliance with relevant specifications, codes, and client requirements for overhead and subsurface utility projects. Coach and mentor entry-level staff.
• Use engineering judgment and problem-solving skills to independently address unique and complex electrical, structural, civil, and construction-related challenges with minimal oversight.
• Perform peer reviews of engineering designs under the oversight of professional engineering staff.
• Own all phases of the design lifecycle from initiation through construction completion and project closeout.
• Prepare detailed engineering and construction documents using a variety of software tools including AutoCAD, MicroStation, GIS systems, and client-specific enterprise asset management platforms.
• Analyze information from supplementary data sources including topographical survey, utility atlas information, field sketches, client records, manufacturer equipment datasheets, etc.
• Develop utility pole loading models using structural software.
• Generate material and equipment purchase order requests.
• Prepare reports and studies meeting client requirements that present technical information clearly and concisely.
• Work with project management and engineering leadership to manage project risk
• Communicate complex engineering matters to internal project management, engineering leadership, and field resources.
• Independently manage time and schedule to achieve project milestones.
• Perform field walkdowns with internal staff, clients, customers, governance authorities, and construction partners.
• Travel as needed, up to 100% of the time.

What You'll Bring

Required Skills and Abilities:

• An ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong technology skills and an understanding of the Office365 suite of tools.
• In-depth knowledge of 2D CADD software (AutoCAD or similar) including its use to generate layout drawings or other project materials.
• Review of drawings or engineering materials developed by others.
• Training and mentoring of entry-level staff.
• Understanding of remote communication software.
• Ability to come up to speed quickly on in-process projects and hit the ground running.
• Experience collaborating with a team in order to complete a larger project.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• The persistence to see projects through to completion.
• Adaptable to change in a dynamic team environment.

Education and Experience:

• Associate degree in a related technical field. (Preferred)
• Related technical certificates of achievement in CADD and related software platforms. (Preferred)
• 5+ years of experience.

What You'll Get

• Leadership opportunities through coaching and mentoring responsibilities
• Professional growth within the HBK Organization's Design Track
• Opportunity to work independently on complex engineering challenges
• Collaborative work environment with interdisciplinary teams
• Travel opportunities for field work and client engagement
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Career advancement opportunities with increased responsibilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.


We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company's Human Resources department.