Distribution Engineer
Milhouse, Chicago, IL, United States
The Distribution Engineer IV is a senior-level engineering role responsible for the planning, design, and execution of electrical distribution systems (4–69 kV), ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient power delivery. This role combines advanced technical expertise with project management responsibilities, including coordinating project schedules, budgets, resources, and stakeholder communications. The Distribution Engineer IV applies in-depth engineering knowledge to complex projects, including new construction, system upgrades, maintenance, and integration of emerging technologies such as distributed energy resources (DERs), renewable energy, and smart grid solutions. While not directly managing personnel, this role provides technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to junior engineers and collaborates with cross-functional teams, contractors, and utility partners.
What You Will Do
Engineering & Technical Oversight: Lead the design, analysis, and optimization of overhead and underground distribution systems (4–69 kV), including preparation of field notes, drawings, specifications, calculations, and cost estimates.
Serve as the Engineer of Record for assigned projects, exercising responsible charge over engineering work.
Seal, sign, and stamp engineering drawings, specifications, calculations, and technical reports in accordance with state licensure laws and company procedures.
Responsible for the Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) for the designs of their team. Ensure all stamped designs meet applicable regulatory, safety, and quality standards prior to issuance for construction.
Review and approve final engineering deliverables, providing professional accountability for technical accuracy and compliance. Perform system studies such as load flow, fault analysis, voltage drop, and protective device coordination.
Ensure engineering designs comply with IEEE, NEC, NESC, NERC, and local utility standards.
Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies, including DERs, energy storage, renewable energy, and grid modernization initiatives.
Conduct field assessments, audits, and verification of existing infrastructure to support design accuracy and project execution.
Review and provide technical guidance on designs prepared by junior engineers or external consultants.
Project Management Responsibilities
Manage the technical aspect of multiple complex engineering projects with multiple disciplines simultaneously, ensuring scope, schedule, and budget objectives are met.
Develop project plans, timelines, and resource allocation strategies in collaboration with project stakeholders.
Coordinate with clients, contractors, utility partners, and internal teams to ensure project requirements and milestones are achieved.
Track project progress, identify risks or issues, and implement corrective actions as needed.
Prepare technical reports, project updates, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
Ensure projects meet organizational quality standards, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance.
Who You Are
Bachelor’s degree from an ABET accredited institution in electrical engineering
Active Professional Engineer (PE) license in the applicable state(s), or the ability to obtain reciprocity within a defined timeframe
9-12 years of experience in distribution system engineering and design, including project management experience and stamping drawings
High level proficiency with GIS, AutoCAD, TED, Pole Loading Analysis software, and engineering analysis tools
Experience managing multiple projects with cross-functional teams and coordinating with clients and contractors
Thorough understanding of professional engineering ethics, responsible charge, and licensure requirements
Demonstrated ability to independently evaluate, approve, and stamp engineering documents for distribution projects
Strong project management skills, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and reporting
Ability to manage project from inception to final completion, including financial targets and scope and schedule control
Strong knowledge of state and utility-specific requirements related to sealed engineering documents and construction packages
Advanced knowledge of power systems, distribution design, load flow, fault analysis, grounding, and protection
Expertise in overhead and underground distribution systems (4–69 kV), equipment sizing, and layout
Proficiency in engineering design and analysis tools such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, GIS
Understanding of DERs, renewable integration, energy storage, and grid modernization technologies
Strong project management skills, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and reporting
Ability to provide technical guidance and mentorship without direct supervisory responsibilities
Excellent written and verbal communication for reports, presentations, and stakeholder interactions
Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills for complex engineering challenges
Knowledge of safety, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance in distribution systems
Expert understanding of distribution equipment and materials, including poles, conductors, transformers, switches, regulators, reclosers, and protective devices
Benefits and Company Information
Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
Company Sponsored Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability
Voluntary Coverages
Discounted Gym Membership
Competitive Base Salary
401(k) Retirement Plan
Professional Development Incentives, including bonuses for earning your PE license
Milhouse University (Cross-Functional Training) and PDH credits
Employee Education & Development Program, tuition assistance
Generous PTO + Paid Holidays
Paid Parental Leave
Extracurricular Sports Teams
Employee Recognition Program
Employee Referral Bonus
Transit Benefits Program
Charitable Events through Milhouse Charities
$141,400 - $178,100 a year
The actual base pay depends upon many factors, such as education, experience, and skills. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. While we provide a range, we\'d love to hear from you if you are in or outside of this range as we are always looking to cater roles to the Talent we find!
Milhouse is a pay transparency non-discrimination organization committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We ensure that all employees are compensated fairly and without bias, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, effective January 1, 2025, we include pay scales and benefits in all job postings and ensure that all promotion opportunities are communicated to current employees within 14 days of external postings. Additionally, we participate in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility and uphold compliance with federal requirements.
Why join the Power team?
The Power team is a collaborative environment with growth opportunities for self-starters. The information below provides context about Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc.
Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc. was founded in 2001 with the goal of building the best engineering company in the country. It was based on the belief that if we hired great people, fueled their passion while challenging them to excel, and maintained a laser focus on the needs of clients, success would come. We are a Chicago-based firm with more than 500+ professionals and offices across the globe. Milhouse offers a dynamic work environment with no limit to what you can achieve.
Our people are the cornerstone of our organization, and key to our success. Join a talented team that shares a passion for engineering and construction and aims to improve communities around the world through innovative work.
Important Notice to US Applicants: Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc. is an at-will employer. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process. Final hiring decisions are made by humans. For more information about data processing, contact us.
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What You Will Do
Engineering & Technical Oversight: Lead the design, analysis, and optimization of overhead and underground distribution systems (4–69 kV), including preparation of field notes, drawings, specifications, calculations, and cost estimates.
Serve as the Engineer of Record for assigned projects, exercising responsible charge over engineering work.
Seal, sign, and stamp engineering drawings, specifications, calculations, and technical reports in accordance with state licensure laws and company procedures.
Responsible for the Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) for the designs of their team. Ensure all stamped designs meet applicable regulatory, safety, and quality standards prior to issuance for construction.
Review and approve final engineering deliverables, providing professional accountability for technical accuracy and compliance. Perform system studies such as load flow, fault analysis, voltage drop, and protective device coordination.
Ensure engineering designs comply with IEEE, NEC, NESC, NERC, and local utility standards.
Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies, including DERs, energy storage, renewable energy, and grid modernization initiatives.
Conduct field assessments, audits, and verification of existing infrastructure to support design accuracy and project execution.
Review and provide technical guidance on designs prepared by junior engineers or external consultants.
Project Management Responsibilities
Manage the technical aspect of multiple complex engineering projects with multiple disciplines simultaneously, ensuring scope, schedule, and budget objectives are met.
Develop project plans, timelines, and resource allocation strategies in collaboration with project stakeholders.
Coordinate with clients, contractors, utility partners, and internal teams to ensure project requirements and milestones are achieved.
Track project progress, identify risks or issues, and implement corrective actions as needed.
Prepare technical reports, project updates, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
Ensure projects meet organizational quality standards, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance.
Who You Are
Bachelor’s degree from an ABET accredited institution in electrical engineering
Active Professional Engineer (PE) license in the applicable state(s), or the ability to obtain reciprocity within a defined timeframe
9-12 years of experience in distribution system engineering and design, including project management experience and stamping drawings
High level proficiency with GIS, AutoCAD, TED, Pole Loading Analysis software, and engineering analysis tools
Experience managing multiple projects with cross-functional teams and coordinating with clients and contractors
Thorough understanding of professional engineering ethics, responsible charge, and licensure requirements
Demonstrated ability to independently evaluate, approve, and stamp engineering documents for distribution projects
Strong project management skills, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and reporting
Ability to manage project from inception to final completion, including financial targets and scope and schedule control
Strong knowledge of state and utility-specific requirements related to sealed engineering documents and construction packages
Advanced knowledge of power systems, distribution design, load flow, fault analysis, grounding, and protection
Expertise in overhead and underground distribution systems (4–69 kV), equipment sizing, and layout
Proficiency in engineering design and analysis tools such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, GIS
Understanding of DERs, renewable integration, energy storage, and grid modernization technologies
Strong project management skills, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and reporting
Ability to provide technical guidance and mentorship without direct supervisory responsibilities
Excellent written and verbal communication for reports, presentations, and stakeholder interactions
Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills for complex engineering challenges
Knowledge of safety, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance in distribution systems
Expert understanding of distribution equipment and materials, including poles, conductors, transformers, switches, regulators, reclosers, and protective devices
Benefits and Company Information
Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
Company Sponsored Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability
Voluntary Coverages
Discounted Gym Membership
Competitive Base Salary
401(k) Retirement Plan
Professional Development Incentives, including bonuses for earning your PE license
Milhouse University (Cross-Functional Training) and PDH credits
Employee Education & Development Program, tuition assistance
Generous PTO + Paid Holidays
Paid Parental Leave
Extracurricular Sports Teams
Employee Recognition Program
Employee Referral Bonus
Transit Benefits Program
Charitable Events through Milhouse Charities
$141,400 - $178,100 a year
The actual base pay depends upon many factors, such as education, experience, and skills. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. While we provide a range, we\'d love to hear from you if you are in or outside of this range as we are always looking to cater roles to the Talent we find!
Milhouse is a pay transparency non-discrimination organization committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We ensure that all employees are compensated fairly and without bias, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, effective January 1, 2025, we include pay scales and benefits in all job postings and ensure that all promotion opportunities are communicated to current employees within 14 days of external postings. Additionally, we participate in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility and uphold compliance with federal requirements.
Why join the Power team?
The Power team is a collaborative environment with growth opportunities for self-starters. The information below provides context about Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc.
Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc. was founded in 2001 with the goal of building the best engineering company in the country. It was based on the belief that if we hired great people, fueled their passion while challenging them to excel, and maintained a laser focus on the needs of clients, success would come. We are a Chicago-based firm with more than 500+ professionals and offices across the globe. Milhouse offers a dynamic work environment with no limit to what you can achieve.
Our people are the cornerstone of our organization, and key to our success. Join a talented team that shares a passion for engineering and construction and aims to improve communities around the world through innovative work.
Important Notice to US Applicants: Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc. is an at-will employer. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process. Final hiring decisions are made by humans. For more information about data processing, contact us.
#J-18808-Ljbffr