SR Design Engineer

Job Description

Title: Senior Design Engineer - Electric Distribution
Location: Remote/Wheaton, IL
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Salary: $135K-$160K/YR
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401(k) with company match, generous PTO, paid holidays, paid volunteer time off, continuing education reimbursement, and additional comprehensive benefits

Sterling Engineering is looking for a Senior Design Engineer - Electric Distribution to join a growing engineering consulting firm supporting electric utility infrastructure projects. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced electrical engineer who enjoys leading utility design projects, serving as a technical resource, mentoring junior engineers, and working directly with utility clients on critical grid modernization and infrastructure initiatives.

Job Summary:

The Senior Design Engineer will lead the design, analysis, and technical execution of electric distribution projects while serving as a client-facing engineering lead. This role is responsible for overseeing engineering deliverables, performing advanced power system studies, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring projects are completed in accordance with utility standards, scope, schedule, and quality expectations.

Job Duties:

• Lead the design of overhead and underground electric distribution systems (4kV-34kV).
• Perform and review engineering studies including load flow, voltage drop, short circuit, and protection coordination analyses.
• Serve as the technical lead for electric distribution infrastructure projects.
• Interpret and apply utility standards, engineering specifications, and design criteria across multiple utility environments.
• Support distribution planning, capacity analysis, reliability improvements, and infrastructure modernization initiatives.
• Coordinate directly with utility clients, municipalities, field personnel, and internal engineering teams.
• Review engineering drawings and project deliverables for quality, constructability, and compliance.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to engineering standards, best practices, and technical development.
• Support continuous process improvements and technical excellence across the engineering team.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required (Illinois preferred).
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in electric utility, power delivery, or utility consulting.
• Strong experience designing overhead and underground electric distribution systems.
• Familiarity with utility engineering standards, particularly within Midwest investor-owned utility environments.
• Experience using power system analysis software such as CYME, Synergi, ETAP, or similar platforms.
• Proven client-facing experience with strong communication and relationship management skills.
• Experience supporting investor-owned utilities is preferred.
• Knowledge of distributed energy resources (DER), grid modernization initiatives, Illinois utility regulations, utility GIS systems, and work management platforms is a plus.

Additional Information:

• Primarily remote role with occasional travel to the Wheaton office and project sites as needed.
• Opportunity to lead high-profile electric distribution, grid modernization, and infrastructure improvement projects.
• Strong opportunity for technical leadership, client interaction, and long-term career growth within a growing engineering consulting organization.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.


Meet Your Recruiter

Alyssa Ford
Senior Technical Recruiter

Alyssa Ford is a dedicated Senior Technical Recruiter, driven by her commitment to establishing meaningful connections with individuals and assisting them in navigating the complexities of career transitions.

She has over 4.5 total years of recruiting experience and 4 years at Sterling, where she focuses on the energy and infrastructure division.

Alyssa's innate ability to connect with people and understand their unique career aspirations has been instrumental in her success as a Senior Technical Recruiter. She finds great joy in forging professional relationships and participating in candidates' journeys as they navigate the tough decisions associated with job changes.

Having experienced the challenges of job hunting firsthand, Alyssa empathizes with candidates facing similar struggles. She encourages job seekers not to lose hope and to stay persistent throughout their search. Alyssa believes that the right role will come along at the right time, and maintaining a positive attitude and determination can make all the difference in finding the perfect fit.

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About Wheaton, IL

Explore exciting job opportunities in the vibrant Wheaton, Illinois area! Nestled in DuPage County, Wheaton boasts a perfect blend of suburban charm and urban conveniences, making it an ideal place for career growth. From the stunning Cantigny Park to the engaging exhibits at the Billy Graham Center Museum, this area offers a unique cultural experience. With renowned restaurants like Arrowhead Restaurant and Bar serving up delicious local cuisine, and the historic Wheaton Grand Theater hosting entertaining shows, there's something for everyone here. Consider starting your career in Wheaton, where professional sports teams like the Chicago Bears and Bulls play nearby, and lush parks such as Lincoln Marsh Natural Area provide relaxing outdoor escapes. Don't miss out on the chance to thrive in this dynamic community - check out our job listings today!