ENTRUST Solutions Group is seeking an experienced Sr. Design Engineer - Electric Distribution to support electric distribution projects for our client throughout Chicagoland and Northern Illinois. This position is ideal for an engineering professional with 3+ years of utility or related infrastructure experience who is ready to take greater ownership of complex distribution design projects and contribute technical expertise within a collaborative project team.
This is a hybrid position, with approximately three days per week spent in the client's office or in the field.
In this role, you will develop and coordinate electric distribution designs supporting system reliability, customer growth, capacity improvements, and infrastructure modernization. You will work directly with engineers, project managers, field personnel, and client stakeholders to move projects from initial scoping and field investigation through detailed design and construction support.
Experience with underground electric distribution systems in the Chicago area is a strong preference for this role.
What You'll Do
- Independently develop overhead and underground electric distribution designs for residential, commercial, industrial, and system improvement projects.
- Produce complete, construction-ready design packages using AutoCAD and other utility design and documentation systems.
- Prepare and review engineering drawings, layouts, specifications, material requirements, cost estimates, and construction documentation.
- Evaluate field conditions and develop practical engineering solutions that meet applicable utility standards and project requirements.
- Design electric service extensions and system improvements supporting new customer connections, load growth, reliability, and infrastructure upgrades.
- Apply client design standards, NESC requirements, engineering practices, and safety requirements throughout project development.
- Coordinate with project managers, engineers, designers, field personnel, construction teams, permitting agencies, and other stakeholders.
- Perform engineering calculations, material takeoffs, cost estimates, and technical evaluations.
- Support project scoping, planning, scheduling, constructability reviews, and design coordination.
- Conduct field investigations and site visits to obtain measurements, verify existing conditions, and identify potential design or construction constraints.
- Coordinate permitting, easements, right-of-way considerations, and construction support as required.
- Review designs for technical accuracy, constructability, quality, and compliance with client standards.
- Identify design issues and recommend solutions to help maintain project schedules, budgets, and client expectations.
- Provide technical guidance and support to less-experienced designers or project team members as appropriate.
Examples of Typical ProjectsUnderground Distribution Projects- Underground conversions of existing overhead electric facilities.
- Design and modification of underground primary and secondary distribution systems.
- Cable routing and equipment layouts involving transformers, switchgear, handholes, manholes, and associated distribution equipment.
- Replacement or modernization of aging underground distribution infrastructure.
New Service Extensions- Electric distribution designs serving new residential subdivisions, multifamily developments, commercial facilities, and industrial customers.
- Extensions of overhead and underground primary distribution systems to accommodate new customer load.
- Coordination of service requirements with customers, developers, and project stakeholders.
Reliability Improvement Projects- Pole replacement and infrastructure renewal programs.
- Conductor upgrades and reconductoring projects.
- Feeder modifications designed to improve system performance and reduce outage risk.
- Replacement or relocation of aging or constrained distribution equipment.
System Capacity and Growth Projects- Distribution system upgrades supporting increased customer demand.
- Equipment and conductor upgrades required for load growth.
- Infrastructure modifications supporting system capacity and operational requirements.
Grid Modernization Initiatives- Incorporation of updated utility technologies, equipment, and design standards.
- Distribution resiliency and system-hardening projects.
- Infrastructure improvements supporting long-term modernization programs.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
- 3+ years of professional experience supporting electric utility, power distribution, utility engineering, or related infrastructure projects.
- Working knowledge of engineering design principles and the ability to apply them to moderately complex projects.
- Ability to develop and coordinate designs with a high level of independence.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and technical communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
- Must be located in or within commuting distance of the Chicagoland area and able to support the hybrid work schedule.
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel locally for field investigations, client meetings, and project activities.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience designing underground electric distribution facilities is highly preferred but not required.
- Experience with overhead electric distribution design.
- Experience with distribution voltages, primary and secondary systems, transformers, switchgear, cable systems, poles, conductors, and related electric distribution equipment.
- Experience using AutoCAD, MicroStation, GIS, or comparable utility design applications.
- Knowledge of electric utility construction practices, design standards, and field operations.
- Familiarity with NESC requirements, utility specifications, permitting, easements, and engineering documentation.
- Experience preparing construction-ready design packages, material takeoffs, and cost estimates.
- Previous experience working for an electric utility, engineering consulting firm, utility contractor, or electric cooperative.
- Experience coordinating multiple projects or designs simultaneously in a client-focused environment.
Ideal Candidate ProfileThe ideal candidate is an experienced utility engineering professional with at least three years of relevant experience who can take meaningful ownership of distribution design assignments while collaborating effectively with a broader project team.
Candidates with direct underground distribution design experience are especially encouraged to apply, but it is not a requirement. Strong candidates may come from overhead distribution, utility engineering, distribution planning, utility construction, or similar electric utility backgrounds and have the technical foundation to expand into underground distribution work.
We are looking for someone who combines sound engineering judgment with strong attention to detail, communicates effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, and is comfortable working in both an office and field environment.
Why Join Us?At ENTRUST Solutions Group, a Leidos company, we are driven by a commitment to innovation, technical excellence, and delivering the critical infrastructure that powers and connects communities. Together with Leidos, we are building a scaled, end-to-end energy and infrastructure organization focused on modernizing the grid, improving reliability, and helping utilities and network providers meet rising demand.
As an ENR top ranked firm, our team of more than 5,000 professionals brings deep technical expertise and advanced technology across electric, gas, and telecommunications infrastructure. We solve complex challenges for clients across North America and expanding markets, helping them strengthen reliability, expand capacity, and adapt to evolving infrastructure needs.
We foster a culture where innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement are expected, and where people are empowered to challenge convention, think boldly, and make an impact. Whether you are looking to grow your expertise, lead transformative projects, or help shape the future of infrastructure, you will find opportunities to thrive here.
If you are ready to outthink the status quo, tackle meaningful challenges, and build what is next, we would love to hear from you.
Explore More Opportunities: Not quite the right fit? Check out all our openings at ENTRUST Solutions Group Careers.
To learn more about ENTRUST Benefits and Culture, please visit our company LinkedIn page and follow us at: ;br>
The base salary for this position ranges from $85,000 to $94,000 annually. The specific amount within this range will be influenced by the work location and various factors, such as internal equity, professional skills, work experience, and pertinent education or training.
ENTRUST Solutions Group is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.
Headhunters and recruitment agencies may not submit resumes/CVs through this website or directly to managers. ENTRUST does not accept unsolicited headhunter or agency resumes and will not pay fees to any third-party agency or company that does not have a signed agreement with ENTRUST Solutions Group.
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