Planner III

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

HBK Engineering is seeking a talented and experienced individual to join our Design Team in Ontario, CA . This senior-level planning role requires extensive technical knowledge, project leadership, and cross-functional collaboration. The role encompasses the end-to-end management of highly complex overhead and underground distribution infrastructure projects and their involvement with transmission, distribution, substation, telecommunication, and generation facilities. It requires a firm understanding of Distribution Design concepts, project types, and requirements for coordination with permitting, environmental, customer relations, governmental bodies, and various external organizations.

The individual shall have the knowledge depth and experience level considered a subject matter expert. The individual is expected to provide the quality oversight of deliverables in addition to the training, coaching and mentoring of planning team members. Planner 3's are an integral part of the leadership team and help to ensure the planning staff stay at the forefront of the market.

What You'll Do

Project Management & Leadership

• Manage and serve as the project leader for assignments in specialized or unique areas where the scope of work, construction methods, and technical methods are particularly complex, critical, or sensitive.
• Develop recommendations, plans, and corrective actions related to operational trends and conditions. Influence and anticipate operational needs.
• Provide high-level inputs, reviews, and guidance as a senior staff expert, having high influence on final decisions that carry major operational and financial impact on the Company.
• Officially provide project reviews and execute rigorous Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) checks on Distribution Design projects or equivalent scopes of work.
• Act as a primary interface with Engineering, internal organizations, external organizations, and major governmental/regulatory agencies.
• Lead job/site walks and detailed scope reviews, ensuring accuracy and adherence to standards.

Technical Design & Execution

• Deliver comprehensive design and engineering services on multiple concurrent projects, ranging from single units to large complex infrastructure, with strict adherence to industry standards, regulations, and deadlines.
• Apply in-depth design and construction knowledge for Lighting, Underground (UG), and Overhead (OH) Utility systems.
• Provide high-level technical expertise and guidance in the identification, analysis, and resolution of the most complex design issues utilizing published construction standards and regulations.
• Prepare thorough and accurate technical reports, correspondence, documentation, calculations, drawings, and sketches.
• Execute effective planning, organizing, scheduling, and monitoring of all work activities.

Mentorship & Team Development

• Provide leadership, direction, specific training, and continuous mentoring to staff. Act as a supervisor in their absence, when necessary.
• Coach new team members, proactively sharing knowledge and facilitating professional growth in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrate the ability to lead teams, manage conflicts, and drive projects to successful completion within specified timelines and budgets.
• Commit to continuous improvement of job-related, technical, and professional knowledge, skills, and performance.

What You'll Bring

• A minimum of 8 years of experience as a planner, with a significant portfolio of successfully executed large-scope projects. (Related education, training, and certifications may be considered in lieu of specific experience.)
• Prior experience as a P2 (Planner Level 2).
• Five or more years of foundational experience in Electrical Utility Distribution Design, Transmission Design, or Distribution Line construction.
• Bachelor's degree in a specialized or related field, or an equivalent amount of education, training, and work experience.

Demonstrated Technical Skills & Knowledge (SME Level)

• Advanced knowledge of electrical engineering principles, utility construction standards, and industry best practices.
• Thorough understanding (at a Subject Matter Expert level) of relevant design software, including AUD, DM, and SAP. Proven AutoCAD and/or Microstation skills are preferred.
• Thorough understanding (at a Subject Matter Expert level) of relevant pole loading software, including SPIDA 7, SPIDA Calc, O-Calc, or equivalent. Demonstrated experience utilizing these tools for overhead design and engineering principles.
• Experience working with current utility industry Geographical Information Systems (GIS), planning database systems, and material ordering systems (WMIS experience is a HUGE PLUS).
• Firm understanding and efficient navigation of all company manuals, applications, processes, and workflows.
• Strong understanding of the client's unit Statement Of Work (SOW).

Core Competencies & Communication

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly and impactfully, both internally and with the client.
• Ability to demonstrate effective analytical and advanced problem-solving skills.
• Must be able to demonstrate excellent values, including teamwork and integrity.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.

Field & Travel Requirements

• Position may require up to 30% travel and time in the field throughout the service territory, including remote regions (coast, desert, mountains) across California.
• Must be comfortable working in various weather conditions. Occasional lifting of typically less than 40lbs may be required.

***Candidate will be required to submit a comprehensive body of work for review prior to the interview process. This submission will form the basis for further technical discussion during the interview


What You'll Get

• Leadership opportunities through coaching and mentoring responsibilities
• Professional growth with increased independence and minimal oversight
• Experience in peer review processes under professional engineering supervision
• Advanced project management and risk management experience
• Enhanced client communication and technical reporting responsibilities
• Field experience through walkdowns and stakeholder interactions
• Travel opportunities for project work and professional development
• Collaborative work environment with project management and engineering leadership
• Clear career progression pathway within the HBK Organization's Engineering Track
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Continued preparation for Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.

Compensation Range

The anticipated compensation for this position is USD $42.00/Yr. - USD $46.00/Yr. depending on experience and qualifications.

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.