Designer/Drafter - Remote

Designer and Drafter – Electrical Distribution
This role focuses on independently designing and drafting construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems for utility customers, with an emphasis on overhead distribution. You will translate field data, client requirements, and industry standards into complete, buildable electrical construction packages that support new construction and reliability projects within the utility energy sector.
Independently develop detailed design and construction work packages for overhead and underground electrical distribution systems serving residential and commercial sites.
Review client-provided documentation and scopes of work, interpret project requirements, and clarify any missing information with the client.
Perform field work as needed, including visiting assigned sites to capture photos, take precise measurements, and document existing conditions for use in design.
Use field data and client requirements to create electrical distribution designs in Open Utilities or similar industry-specific design software.
Design power distribution systems by determining power requirements, defining main distribution panels, subpanels, transformers, and branch circuits, and selecting appropriate equipment such as transformers, circuits, power lines, and utility poles.
Develop the physical layout of electrical distribution networks and associated equipment to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation.
Conduct energy analyses to verify that selected materials and equipment meet the electrical usage requirements of the site, whether residential or commercial.
Prepare accurate bills of materials (BOM) and enter them into SAP or other material tracking software to support procurement and construction.
Assist with permitting activities related to utility lines crossing roads, easements, and private property, and support coordination for tree removal or right-of-way clearing where needed.
Compile photos, measurements, designs, BOMs, and permitting information into complete electrical construction packages ready for internal and client review.
Incorporate feedback and perform revisions to design packages based on internal quality control review and client comments prior to final submission.
Utilize structural analysis tools such as Poleforman, PLA, or other pole loading analysis software to assess wood pole integrity, loading, and guying requirements.
Perform calculations for wood pole loading, guying, conductor sags and tensions, recommended spans, voltage drop, and flicker to ensure compliance with design and safety standards.
Apply National Electric Safety Code (NESC) requirements when developing designs and selecting materials to ensure regulatory and safety compliance.
Collaborate closely with designated quality control approvers to resolve issues, implement design changes, and finalize electrical distribution design packages.
Maintain frequent communication with the client via email, phone, and online collaboration tools to clarify requirements, provide updates, and address questions.
Work within assigned territories for fielding activities, such as Lansing/Owosso and Monroe/Dundee, or other designated locations as required.
Contribute to a fast-paced project environment by managing multiple work orders, meeting deadlines, and adapting to changing priorities.
Support continuous improvement efforts, including adherence to process standards and participation in quality assurance or training activities when applicable.
Demonstrated design and drafting experience in an engineering, utility, or construction-related environment.
Proficiency with computer-aided design (CAD) tools such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Catia, MicroStation, Revit, or similar software.
Ability to learn and use Open Utilities or comparable industry-specific electrical distribution design software.
Experience with or strong aptitude for electrical distribution design, including low voltage distribution systems.
Understanding of National Electric Safety Code (NESC) requirements and their application to distribution design and material selection.
Ability to perform structural and loading analysis for utility poles using tools such as Poleforman, PLA, or other pole loading analysis software, including guying calculations and conductor sag and tension analysis.
Capability to conduct energy analysis to ensure materials and equipment meet site usage requirements.
Experience preparing bills of materials (BOM) and entering data into SAP or other material tracking systems.
Strong customer and client communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally via email, phone, and online collaboration platforms.
Ability to think quickly and strategically when assessing project requirements and resolving design issues.
Associate's degree with a major focused in Design, CAD, or a closely related field, or equivalent design/drafting experience.
Experience in electric utility consulting or engineering firms specializing in electric distribution design or related work.
Coursework or academic focus related to the utility industry, power grid, or electrical distribution systems.
Internships or co-ops with major utility companies such as regional electric utilities in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, or similar organizations.
Experience with electric utility consulting firms that specialize in distribution design or engineering services.
Experience in interior or fiber design that supports understanding of routing, layouts, or infrastructure planning.
Experience performing Quality Control (QC) or Quality Assurance (QA) reviews on engineering or design deliverables.
Experience training new employees or contributing to onboarding processes in a technical environment.
Experience writing or contributing to process standards, procedures, or best practices for design and engineering workflows.
Interest in professional development, including preparation for engineering exams such as the FE and progression toward professional licensure.
Flexibility to support utility projects in multiple states within the Midwest, expanding industry knowledge and exposure.
The work environment offers a blend of office, remote, and field-based activities, providing flexibility based on where you live and how you prefer to work. Work is closely connected to the utility industry and involves collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering and consulting teams across multiple offices in Michigan and throughout the Midwest. You will support territories such as Grand Rapids and Cadillac/Big Rapids/Ludington, with a preference for living within approximately a 60-mile radius of a supported location for field work. Field assignments involve visiting sites to take photos, perform measurements, and document existing conditions, typically outdoors and around existing utility infrastructure. Office and remote work focus on design and coordination, using tools such as Open Utilities, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Catia, MicroStation, Revit, SAP, and various pole loading and analysis applications. Communication with clients and colleagues occurs frequently via email, phone, and online collaboration platforms. Michigan-based consultants will work from home, from a local office, and in the field as needed which supports work-life balance. The culture emphasizes growth, with opportunities to support major utility contracts, participate in a rapidly expanding utility energy division, and advance into lead roles connected directly to client points of contact. The environment is professional, project-driven, and supportive of ongoing learning and career development.
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Grand Rapids, MI.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Application Deadline