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Distribution Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

ESP Associates

Project Engineer, Distribution

Denver, CO · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Provide engineering and design support for under-built distribution on transmission lines * Evaluate poles for the impact of adding ADSS fiber or third-party attachments * Assist in performing load ...

Verint Systems

Engineer, Software

Denver, CO

Collaborate effectively with distributed engineering teams in Atlanta, Israel, and India using async-first communication practices. * Support the growth of junior engineers through constructive code ...

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All JobsDistribution Engineer JobsDistribution Engineer Jobs in Colorado

Distribution Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$17

$46

$74

How much do distribution engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for distribution engineer in Colorado is $46.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.63 and $54.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a distribution engineer do?

A distribution engineer designs, maintains, and manages the electrical distribution systems that deliver power from substations to consumers. They analyze load requirements, develop system layouts, and ensure safety and compliance using tools like CAD software. The role often requires knowledge of electrical codes and certifications such as PE or EIT, and may involve field inspections and troubleshooting.

What Is a Distribution Engineer?

A distribution engineer is a type of electrical engineer responsible for the development, installation, testing, and proper usage of electrical power equipment. As a distribution engineer, your job duties include building power distribution systems, performing safety inspections of electrical equipment, and monitoring and documenting the performance of electrical systems. The qualifications to begin a career as a distribution engineer include a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering plus several years of experience working with a variety of electrical power systems and equipment. To succeed in this job, you need to have a mechanical aptitude and strong critical thinking skills.

What are Distribution Engineers?

Distribution Engineers are professionals who design, plan, and oversee the electrical distribution systems that deliver power from substations to homes, businesses, and other end users. They ensure the safe and efficient operation of power lines, transformers, and other infrastructure components. Their work includes system analysis, equipment selection, reliability improvement, and compliance with safety standards. Distribution Engineers often collaborate with utility companies, construction teams, and regulatory agencies to maintain and upgrade electrical grids.

How does a Distribution Engineer typically collaborate with field crews and other departments to ensure reliable power delivery?

Distribution Engineers work closely with field crews, operations, and planning teams to design, upgrade, and maintain electrical distribution systems. They often provide technical support during outages or equipment failures, review field reports, and coordinate with other departments to schedule maintenance that minimizes customer impact. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as the engineer needs to translate technical plans into actionable steps for field personnel and ensure that projects meet safety and reliability standards.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior distribution engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in power systems and grid management, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually. Such high earnings are typically found in senior leadership roles, consulting positions, or in companies operating in high-cost regions with complex infrastructure projects.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Distribution engineers, especially those in senior roles or with extensive experience in utility companies, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with specialized skills, management responsibilities, or working in regions with high living costs, and may require advanced certifications and years of experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Distribution Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Distribution Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering principles, power distribution systems, and typically a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with software tools such as AutoCAD, GIS, and distribution modeling systems, along with relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, is often required. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential for collaborating with teams and addressing client needs. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of electrical power to customers while meeting regulatory and operational standards.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Distribution engineers, a specialized role within electrical engineering, typically earn salaries ranging from $70,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Earning $500,000 is uncommon and usually requires senior positions, management roles, or working in high-paying sectors such as energy or consulting, often combined with advanced certifications and extensive experience.

What is the difference between Distribution Engineer vs Substation Engineer?

AspectDistribution EngineerSubstation Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, relevant certificationsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, often similar certifications
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, utility companies, power distribution networksSubstations, power plants, electrical infrastructure sites
Employer & Industry UsageUtility companies, energy providers, infrastructure firmsUtility companies, electrical infrastructure firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Distribution Engineers focus on designing, maintaining, and improving power distribution systems from substations to consumers. Substation Engineers specialize in the design, operation, and maintenance of electrical substations. Both roles require similar credentials and often work within the same industry, but their focus areas differ within the electrical power infrastructure.

More about Distribution Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Distribution Engineer jobs in Colorado? For Distribution Engineer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Distribution Engineer jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Distribution Engineer jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Distribution Engineer jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Distribution Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Distribution Engineer jobs in CO? For Distribution Engineer jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Distribution Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Distribution Engineer job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,292 per year, or $46.3 per hour.
Transmission and Distribution Engineer I/II/III/Sr

Transmission and Distribution Engineer I/II/III/Sr

United Power

Brighton, CO • On-site

$91K - $164K/yr

Other

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Description
Position Purpose and Objectives:
Under the supervision of the System Engineering Director, the Transmission & Distribution (T&D) Engineer I/II/III/Sr performs engineering, coordination, and project management duties related to United Power's electric distribution system (12.47 to 69kV), transmission assets (115 to 230kV), market interconnections, generation resources, SCADA systems, and operational technology.
This position serves as a technical bridge between distribution engineering, transmission planning, power supply, market operations, regulatory compliance, system operations, and external transmission/market entities. The T&D Engineer supports the safe, reliable, cost-effective, and compliant operation and development of United Power's electric system, including distribution facilities, transmission interconnections, substations, distributed energy resources, generation interconnections, and market-facing assets.
Distinguishing Characteristics:
T&D Engineer I
  • T&D Engineer I is the entry-level position in the T&D Engineer series. Under close to general supervision and within established policies, standards, and procedures, incumbents perform engineering, technical, analytical, and administrative tasks of limited to moderate complexity.
  • Assignments are generally well-defined and reviewed frequently while in progress and upon completion. Work may include support of distribution and transmission engineering, SCADA and OT data review, project documentation, outage or reliability analysis, interconnection support, and coordination with internal departments.
  • This classification is distinguished from T&D Engineer II by the routine nature of assignments, the limited complexity of work, and the level of supervision received.

T&D Engineer II:
  • T&D Engineer II is the intermediate career-level classification in the T&D Engineer series. Under general supervision, incumbents perform engineering, technical, analytical, and project-related duties of moderate complexity requiring independent judgment.
  • Assignments are provided in general terms and are reviewed periodically during and after completion. Work may include distribution and transmission system analysis, transmission/interconnection support, SCADA and OT data analysis, project design, coordination with external entities, and support of market or regulatory activities.
  • This classification is distinguished from T&D Engineer I by increased assignment complexity, broader technical responsibility, and greater independence.

T&D Engineer III:
  • T&D Engineer III is a fully proficient classification in the T&D Engineer series. Under minimal supervision, incumbents perform complex engineering, coordination, and project management assignments requiring independent judgment, technical expertise, and creative problem-solving.
  • Assignments may involve distribution and transmission design, major interconnection projects, market-related operational coordination, SCADA integration, capital project development, regulatory support, and coordination with transmission providers, market operators, consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
  • This classification is distinguished from T&D Engineer II by the complexity and independence of assignments. It is distinguished from the Senior T&D Engineer by the Senior classification's responsibility for the most complex assignments, strategic initiatives, program leadership, mentoring, and representing United Power in higher-level technical, market, and regulatory forums.

Senior T&D Engineer:
  • Senior T&D Engineer is the advanced-level classification responsible for highly complex and critical engineering assignments with significant impact on system reliability, market participation, interconnection strategy, regulatory compliance, capital planning, SCADA design, and OT networking and long-term system development.
  • Working under very minimal supervision, incumbents exercise broad discretion and independent judgment to develop innovative solutions, establish technical standards, lead major projects, mentor other engineers and technical staff, and represent the Cooperative in high-level technical, regulatory, transmission, and market forums.
  • This classification is distinguished from T&D Engineer III by its strategic scope of work, technical leadership responsibilities, and involvement in complex cross-functional initiatives spanning distribution, transmission, market, SCADA, regulatory, and power supply functions.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
  • Perrform engineering analysis and technical evaluations for United Power distribution, substation, transmission, and interconnection facilities.
  • Provide technical support for market-facing resources, generation interconnections, transmission service requests, distributed energy resources, and power supply initiatives. This includes existing small to medium-sized distributed generators, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and solar on United Power's system.
  • Support design, construction, operation, and improvement of electric facilities with emphasis on safety, reliability, cost effectiveness, system resilience, and member satisfaction.
  • Assist in analyzing distribution circuits, substations, and transmission interconnections to identify capacity, voltage, reliability, protection, operational, and power quality concerns.
  • Ensure compliance with NERC transmission requirements through accurate documentation and analysis.
  • Interface with transmission providers, market operators, generation owners, regulatory entities, consultants, contractors, and neighboring utilities as needed.
  • Regularly prepares detailed studies related to various components of transmission and distribution facilities. Using the current software available to the utility, prepares studies such as: Fault, System Coordination, Arc Flash, Load flows, Voltage Drop, and Power Factor Correction
  • Support the specification, development, and documentation of equipment ratings for substation, transmission, and distribution devices.
  • Represent United Power in engineering, technical, market, and operational forums, including working groups associated with transmission operators, regional transmission organizations, reliability entities, and regulatory bodies.
  • Works closely with the Operation Technology (OT) Administrator, Electronic Technicians, and other Engineers to support OT networks (fiber optics, wireless, microwave, and cellular radio) and Distribution Automation (DA) design, installation, and commissioning.
  • Assist with the design, maintenance, and operation of the SCADA system, including Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) and Outage Management System (OMS), including SCADA system configuration, point mapping, data validation, alarming, telemetry review, operational displays, and integration of new field devices or facilities.
  • Support evaluation of future generation, storage, distributed energy resources, and load-serving options from an engineering, interconnection, operational, and market perspective.
  • Coordinate with Power Supply, Operations, Engineering, Regulatory, Finance, Member Services, and other internal departments on system needs, project impacts, market considerations, and operational requirements.
  • Use SCADA, GIS, AMI, outage management, meter data, engineering models, Python, SQL, and other tools to analyze system performance and support engineering decisions.
  • Prepare, review, and revise one-line diagrams, circuit maps, schematic drawings, relay/control diagrams, switching diagrams, and other technical documentation.
  • Perform project engineering and project management duties for distribution, substation, transmission, SCADA, communications, interconnection, and operational technology projects.
  • Develop project scopes, cost estimates, schedules, material requirements, technical specifications, construction packages, and engineering recommendations.
  • Provide engineering support for outages, switching, system emergencies, abnormal operating conditions, and post-event analysis as needed.

Working Conditions:
Seventy percent (70%) of the T&D Engineer's work is completed indoors. Thirty percent (30%) of the work is done outdoors while exposed occasionally to extreme cold, extreme heat, and wet/humid conditions.
The noise level is estimated to be fifty to sixty (50-60) decibels.
T&D Engineers are occasionally exposed to hazards such as airborne dust, sunlight, and odors. Various mechanical and electrical hazards are present, including the risk of electric shock and burns.
Supervision Received and Exercised:
Reports to the System Engineering Director. No Supervisory Duties. May mentor or direct the work of lower-level engineers, administrative staff, or student interns.
Problem Solving:
Provides technical solutions to a wide range of difficult problems. Solutions are imaginative, thorough, practicable, and consistent with United Power objectives.
Discretion/Latitude:
Works under general direction. Independently determines and develops an approach to solutions. Work is reviewed upon completion for adequacy in meeting objectives.
Liaison:
Frequent inter-organizational and outside member contacts. Represents United Power in providing solutions to difficult technical issues associated with specific projects.
Requirements
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of electric utility engineering principles, including distribution systems, substations, transmission interconnections, protection, reliability, and system operations.
  • Ability to understand and apply electrical engineering standards, theories, concepts, practices, and techniques.
  • Ability to read, interpret, prepare, and revise one-line diagrams, circuit maps, electrical schematics, control diagrams, and construction drawings.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with internal departments, external utilities, market entities, regulatory bodies, consultants, contractors, and vendors.
  • Ability to manage multiple assignments, priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders.
  • Ability to analyze data, identify problems, develop alternatives, and recommend practical solutions.
  • Ability to learn and develop proficiency in engineering analysis software, SCADA systems, GIS, AMI, outage systems, databases, and programming tools.
  • Ability to react productively to change and handle additional duties as assigned.
  • Strong attention to detail, documentation, safety, reliability, and compliance.

T&D Engineer I: Demonstrated ability to learn, assist, and support:
T&D Engineer II: Demonstrated ability to apply, coordinate, and work independently:
T&D Engineer III: Demonstrated ability to lead, evaluate, make recommendations, and direct:
Senior T&D Engineer: Demonstrated ability to strategize, mentor, and represent United Power:
  • Knowledge of electric distribution and transmission engineering, including design, protection, voltage regulation, reliability, construction practices, operations, transmission service, facility ratings, interconnections, and regional reliability requirements.
  • Knowledge of SCADA systems, operational technology, telemetry, controls, alarming, utility communications, operational data, engineering models, and system analysis tools.
  • Knowledge of GIS, AMI, outage data, load data, and engineering databases.
  • Knowledge of transmission interconnections, market operations, Distributed Energy Resources (DER), and regulatory coordination and requirements.
  • Ability to perform data analysis, model development, and engineering automation using tools such as Python, SQL, Excel, or similar applications.
  • Ability to coordinate and lead projects involving engineering, operations, field crews, consultants, contractors, vendors, and external entities.
  • Ability to prepare and review technical reports, cost estimates, project scopes, schedules, standards, procedures, and long-term recommendations.
  • Ability to evaluate system risks, operational impacts, market implications, and regulatory requirements.
  • Ability to provide technical direction, mentor staff, and perform technical review.
  • Ability to communicate technical, operational, market, and regulatory information effectively to leadership and external stakeholders, and represent the organization in external forums.

Minimum Requirements:
  • Must hold a valid Colorado driver's license or have the ability to obtain one.
  • Must have a bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited* program.
    • Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)

T&D Engineer I:
AND applicable experience in an engineering function.
T&D Engineer II:
AND at least three (3) years' engineering experience and/or demonstrated ability to perform intermediate-level functions relevant to the position with reduced supervision.
T&D Engineer III:
AND at least seven (7) years' engineering experience and/or demonstrated ability to perform advanced-level functions relevant to the position with minimal supervision.
Sr T&D Engineer:
AND at least ten (10) years' engineering experience and/or demonstrated ability to perform advanced-level functions relevant to the position with minimal supervision.
Desired Qualifications:
Professional Engineer (PE) registration is desired but not required.
Essential Physical and Mental Requirements:
  • Seventy percent (70%) of the time is spent sitting, twenty percent (20%) walking, and another ten percent (10%) standing. May occasionally need to lift forty pounds (40 lbs.) Carrying, pushing, and pulling up to twenty-five pounds (25 lbs.) occasionally when using a tool chest or handling meters.
  • Occasionally, balancing, climbing, handling, and the ability to feel objects will be nec...

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