Electrical Distribution Engineer/ Designer (Power & Utility)

Skills & Description:

Electrical Distribution Engineer / Designer or Utility Distribution Engineer (Power & Utility) for Electric Utility Distribution or Transmission.

Distribution Engineering - Key Inputs for Understanding:

• Traditional Design
• Overhead and Underground Design (varying environments and terrain)
• Structure and Framing Analysis
• Reliability Program and Project Experience
• Feeder Extension
• Route Selection
• Structure Placement and Analysis
• Pole Replacements
• Re-conductor and Relocation
• Joint Use Attachment Coordination
  • Transfer: Model existing joint use attachments and request transfer from appropriate third party.
  • New Attachment: Analyze existing structure to determine if new attachment will overload pole.

Distribution Designer Requirements

• Prepare/Review construction sketches and work packages for:
  • Overhead and underground distribution facilities (4 KV through 38 KV)
  • Pole loading analyses
  • Voltage drop and flicker calculations
  • Cable pulling
  • Bill of material
  • Cost estimates
  • Joint use coordination
  • Traffic control plans and/or permit drawings
• Support preliminary project scoping.
• Perform field work, when necessary.
• Support maintenance and recapitalization of distribution components.
• Plan modifications to the system as well as designing and overseeing complex tasks.
• Provide construction support, when necessary.
• Conduct client communication and interaction, when necessary.

Distribution Designer Requirements

Essential Skills and Experience

• This position requires an Associate's degree in a design-related degree, or a 4 year non-engineering degree.
• 6 or more years of experience with electric utility distribution or relevant experience to be able to review work by others.
• Knowledgeable in physical distribution design methods and their application.
• Knowledgeable in applicable codes, standards, and distribution software programs including AutoCAD, ArcGIS, PoleForeman, etc.
• Familiarity with design codes and standards such as NESC, NEC, ANSI, IEEE, GIS/GWD.
• Strong communication skills.
• Able to lead a project team.

Valued but Not Required Skills and Experience

• Experience with complex overhead and underground distribution projects (120/208V through 38 kV).
• Experience in utility distribution inspections and/or construction.
• Familiarity with various distribution design/analysis software.
• Familiarity with GIS software.

Distribution Programs

SmartGrid Design

• Circuit analysis for optimal placement of feeder ties and smart devices.
• Automatic Reclosers/Feeder Switches installation.
• Feeder Hardening.
• Analyze existing line: structures, conductors, span distances, etc.
• Upgrade wooden poles to concrete to withstand hurricane strength wind.
• Depending on feeder load, upgrade conductor and/or adjust feeder boundaries.
• Convert critical customers to underground, when feasible.

Distribution Programs

Underground Feeder Design

• Perform route selection to determine optimal design for client scope.
• Select cable and conduit size along with installation method i.e., trench, directional bore, direct buried duct bank.
• Determine equipment location for feeder splice boxes, padmount transformers, switch cabinets, etc.
• Develop necessary permit drawings and coordinate with client to submit to proper agencies.

Lateral Hardening

• Identify optimal underground route for reliable service based on location specific criteria (driveways, pools, vegetation, etc.).
• Calculate voltage drop and flicker to determine padmount transformer location and proper cable size.
• Coordinate with real estate team to acquire necessary easements.

Other Distribution Services

• Transmission Underbuilt
  • Collaborate with transmission engineers to transfer existing distribution facilities to new structure.
• Real Estate/Easement Acquisition
• Permit Drawing Development and Submittal Support (local, state, and federal).

Distribution Design Tools

Drawings: Any 2

• GE Smallworld
• AutoCAD
• MicroStation
• Bentley 3D

Structural Analysis:

• PLS-CADD
• PoleForeman

System Load Analysis:

• CYME