Electrical Distribution Designer at Orbital Engineering, Inc.

Distribution Designer - Reading, PA

Working with our business partners to create, improve and sustain industry and infrastructure.  Orbital Engineering has been driven by this core purpose for more than 50 years - energizing Orbital team members and helping our clients solve challenging and complex problems with innovative engineering, inspection, and construction solutions.  Orbital team members are guided by the fundamental beliefs of building trusted relationships, personal accountability, innovation, and excellence in everything we do.  Orbital is looking for others to join our team to continue activating our purpose and embrace our values.

Orbital Engineering’s Utility Services Department partners with Utility and Communication Companies in Engineering and Construction operations for Joint Use Pole Attachment Programs (JU), Distribution Engineering Design Projects, and Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC) programs, such as the Pennsylvania Long-Term Infrastructure Improvement Program (LTIIP).  

This Distribution Designer position will directly support projects within the Utility Services Department’s pole attachment application process and power delivery improvement process.  The Utility Services team is also responsible for analyzing requests for attachment to client’s poles and network reliability improvements on client’s electric distribution systems.  Utility Services staff support GIS data analytics, creation of notifications, work orders, invoicing, and financial reports utilizing enterprise resource planning software.

Orbital Engineering, Inc. is currently seeking a Distribution Designer for our Utility Services team to support projects in the greater Reading, PA area. This position will accommodate a REMOTE WORK arrangement, but the candidate will be expected to reside within approximately a one hour radius of Reading, PA in order to conduct field data acquisition in the client's service area in addition to performing design duties.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Visually identify, inspect, and record equipment and different construction situations in the field, including rights-of-way
• Apply National Electric Safety Code (NESC) Standards, Client Standards, Federal, State or Local Municipal Guidelines, and/or other applicable guidelines to complete engineering designs (Pole Replacements, Communication Space Rearrangements, Joint-Use Design) for possible joint-use or make-ready construction
• Ability to analyze field collected data (including imagery) and accurately update applicable software packages for successful design implementation
• Regularly utilizes Client proprietary software packages or equipment to complete daily responsibilities in the engineering design workflow process, may include facilitating new attachment permitting process
• Communicate with others, including co-workers and clients, to agree on the best solution for engineering design
• Accountable for work assigned and responsible for completing work on project schedule and within project budget while regularly communicating status with management team
• Frequently communicates with Client(s) on engineering design to best determine the most cost-effective solution for their project
• Provides timely and detailed documentation and support to Orbital accounting functions for ensuring projects are on budget and appropriately accounted
• Can transcribe notes, use measuring devices to identify, inspect, and record the data which is found in an organized manner
• Can endure frequent driving, standing, walking (numerous miles a day), navigating (on foot or in a vehicle), and balancing objects which may weigh up to 20 pounds in congested and/or complex terrain

• As needed, must be able to work in all weather conditions and in residential, commercial, and industrial areas

• Work is primarily office based but fieldwork may be needed throughout the engineering design process
• Must be willing to travel overnight or for extended periods of time, based on project assignment
• Will be required to attend meetings at clients’ sites and regularly interact with the general public, including landowners and operators
• May occasionally enter energized extra-high voltage substations up to 745kV and will need to coordinate with appropriate utility personnel throughout fielding activities within this location

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required with 3+ years of experience in fieldwork or a construction environment, drafting, utility experience, or technical design
• Associates Degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related technical discipline with 0-2 years of experience, with interest in fieldwork, or surveying
• Must be an organized person who can keep data organized from start to finish on a project
• Ability to prioritize work on multiple projects and effectively communicate project statuses
• Computer proficiency including general Microsoft Office products, design, and business enterprise software
• Effective written and oral communication at all levels within an organizational structure
• Reasoning skills and ability to solve practical problems
• Must have dependable transportation and a valid driver’s license with insurance
• Must be able to pass a fit for duty test
• Ability to work from home and an office setting, as required
• This position requires the ability to pass a post-offer drug (including marijuana) and alcohol test in compliance with Federal regulations and is also subject to random testing as a condition of continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to read and understand engineering drawings/schematics
• Working knowledge of electrical distribution assets and/or communication equipment construction
• Experience in pole loading (Spida Calc, O-Calc, Pole Foreman, or Katapult) or other construction modeling software (AutoCAD, DDS) is beneficial
• Familiar with Design and Checking practices for engineering drawings and deliverables
• Familiar with Safe Work Practices and PPE applications

Orbital Engineering, Inc. has provided worldwide professional engineering and consulting services since 1969. Our commitment to quality, responsiveness, and attention to detail has earned us the reputation as a leading provider of engineering and design services.

A commitment to excellence and hard work will be rewarded with a competitive salary, career advancement opportunities, and an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, 401(k), and supplemental insurance.

Orbital Engineering, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, EEO/AA/M-F-V-D.  Orbital Engineering, Inc. seeks diversity among its employees. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential job functions.