The purpose of the Senior Designer plays a key role in the development of complex overhead and underground power distribution projects. This position requires deep technical expertise, project management capabilities, and the ability to lead and mentor design teams to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of power distribution solutions across residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
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Lead the design of complex electrical distribution systems (4kV to 35kV), including project planning, site analysis, and final construction package development.
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Prepare complete project and job packages: material lists, labor estimates, site and construction drawings, and engineering documentation.
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Coordinate multidisciplinary design efforts, ensure compliance with applicable codes, and integrate safety, environmental, and operational considerations into all designs.
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Interpret blueprints, schematics, maps, construction specifications, change orders, and utility standards.
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Manage distribution design projects through their full life cycle: scoping, scheduling, execution, and close-out.
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Maintain communication with clients and internal teams to ensure design expectations, timelines, and budgets are met.
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Resolve field issues by working closely with construction personnel and providing expert technical support.
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Perform field visits for data collection and validation of project feasibility and design parameters.
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Lead and facilitate design reviews and quality control checkpoints throughout the project cycle.
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Required to participate in storm restoration activities as a “Driver”, “Wire Guard” or “Assessor” if needed.
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Coordinate project scope, schedule, and budget in collaboration with stakeholders.
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Monitor project milestones and performance metrics, proactively addressing risks and delays.
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Ensure project documentation, reporting, and deliverables meet internal standards and client requirements.
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Interface with permitting authorities and utility clients to support timely project approvals.
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Utilize project tracking tools and software to monitor progress and maintain records.
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Serve as a lead designer on large-scale projects and initiatives.
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Set design standards and best practices for distribution design workflows.
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Act as a liaison between junior designers, engineers, and project managers.
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Uphold a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
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Mentor and train junior designers and new hires in technical skills, software tools, and field practices.
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Provide feedback, conduct peer reviews, and promote professional growth within the design team.
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Lead knowledge-sharing sessions and contribute to internal development programs.
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Perform other duties as assigned by management.
Education, Skills, and Abilities Required
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BS in Engineering Technology or related technical discipline with 6+ years of experience. An Associate Degree with 8+ years of relevant utility distribution experience. Or High school diploma with 12+ years of progressive utility design experience
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Advanced knowledge of electric utility standards, NESC, and safety codes
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Proficiency in AutoCAD, GIS systems, and work management software (SAP, Maximo, etc.)
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Strong math, geometry, and trigonometry skills for engineering calculations
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Familiarity with permitting processes and right-of-way requirements
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Effective verbal and written communication
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Proven leadership and team collaboration experience
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Strong problem-solving, organizational, and time-management abilities
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Ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously
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Proficient user of Microsoft Office based applications.
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Ability to respond to common inquiries from customers, regulatory agencies, or the business community.
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Ability to read and understand documents such as policy manuals, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
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Utilized common-sense understanding to carry out written, oral, or diagrammed instructions.
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Maintains confidentiality and uses discretion with business information.
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Self-motivated, savvy, reliable, trustworthy, as well as technically competent.
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Demonstrated team player.
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Demonstrated time management skills.
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Effective oral and written communication skills.
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Ability to constructively manage multiple tasks.
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Possess valid driver’s license and vehicle suitable for business use (mileage reimbursement may apply).
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Ability to participate in storm restoration activities as a “Driver”, “Wire Guard” or “Assessor” if needed.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Physical Functions: Physical requirements involve performing general office activities. This role will be required to regularly, walk up to 2 miles per day. The role will also occasionally sit, stand, climb or balance, stoop, kneel crouch or crawl, reach with hands and arms, and will occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
Working Environment: This role will have both an indoor normal climate-controlled office setting as well as outside working conditions which may include extreme heat, extreme cold, noise, and sun exposure.
Proper Personal Equipment: Hard hat, safety glasses, work gloves, ID card, cellular phone, EH rated footwear with toe box OSHA Ratings, PVD's, DRG Safety Traffic Vest.
Career Progression
The Senior Designer role is a leadership-track position in the Distribution department. Advancement opportunities may include roles such as Project Manager, Operations Supervisor, or Operations Manager based on performance, leadership, and strategic contribution to business objectives.
Benefits
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Health benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage
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Financial benefits include 401(k), and company-paid life and AD&D insurance
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Paid time off benefits include PTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, family medical leave, personal leave, bereavement, jury duty, military leave, voting, or other purposes
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Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, supplemental life & AD&D, group critical illness, group hospital indemnity, group accident, pet insurance, company discounts, and more
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Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms
EEO Employer-As an equal opportunity employer, DRGTS does not discriminate against any employee or candidate on the basis of age, race, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by all applicable federal, state, and local laws. If you would like to be considered for employment opportunities with DRGTS and have accommodation needs for a disability, as defined by the ADA, please send an email to [email protected] or call 225-478-3831 and request to speak with HR.
