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Electrical Distribution Designer Jobs in Illinois

GFT.

Designer, Electrical

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

Design of electrical systems including low/medium voltage power distribution, standby/emergency ... inspectors, designers, and more. Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our ...

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All JobsElectrical Distribution Designer JobsElectrical Distribution Designer Jobs in Illinois

Electrical Distribution Designer information

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$19

$37

$58

How much do electrical distribution designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for electrical distribution designer in Illinois is $37.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.53 and $43.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an electrical distribution designer do?

An electrical distribution designer assists with the design and layout of residential and commercial electric systems. Your responsibilities as an electrical distribution designer include designing these electric systems to avoid overload and prevent outages. You may update existing systems or create networks from scratch for new commercial or residential builds. Your duties also include collaborating with engineers on a design project. You use various computer programs to track deadlines and project progress. You may have to make reports to update other relevant departments on the build. Electrical distribution designers must also stay current on safety policies and procedures.

How does an electrical distribution designer typically collaborate with engineers and field crews during a project?

Electrical Distribution Designers work closely with electrical engineers to interpret project requirements and ensure designs meet safety and regulatory standards. Throughout a project, they frequently coordinate with field crews to clarify design details, address site-specific challenges, and incorporate feedback from on-site conditions. This collaboration helps ensure plans are practical, constructible, and adhere to timelines. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as designers often serve as a bridge between engineering teams and field operations.

What does an electrical distribution designer do?

An Electrical Distribution Designer is responsible for planning and designing the layouts of electrical distribution systems that deliver electricity from substations to homes, businesses, and other end users. They create detailed drawings and specifications for overhead and underground power lines, ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations. Their work often involves using specialized software, collaborating with engineers, and coordinating with utility companies to ensure reliable and efficient power delivery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an electrical distribution designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Electrical Distribution Designer, you need a solid understanding of electrical engineering principles, power distribution systems, and relevant industry standards, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, GIS systems, and utility design tools like AutoCAD and ESRI ArcGIS is essential, along with knowledge of NESC or NEC codes. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for collaborating with engineers, clients, and field teams. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and code-compliant power distribution designs that meet project and regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Electrical Distribution Designer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectElectrical Distribution DesignerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related field; certifications like PE or EITBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering; PE license often required
Work EnvironmentDesigning power distribution systems, working with CAD software, field visitsDesign, analysis, project management, often in office or lab settings
Industry UsagePower utilities, renewable energy, infrastructure projectsBroad engineering sectors including power, construction, manufacturing

Electrical Distribution Designers focus on creating detailed power distribution plans, often working closely with field teams. Electrical Engineers have a broader scope, including system analysis, project oversight, and design. Both roles require similar credentials and are vital in power and infrastructure projects, but their responsibilities and work environments differ.

More about Electrical Distribution Designer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Electrical Distribution Designer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Electrical Distribution Designer jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Electrical Distribution Designer jobs in Illinois?

For Electrical Distribution Designer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Electrical Distribution Designer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Electrical Distribution Designer jobs in Illinois are:

Electrical Distribution Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Electrical Distribution Designer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,980 per year, or $38 per hour.

Distribution Electrical Engineer (Entry-Level) - Chicago

Primera Engineers

Chicago, IL

$60K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Description

Perform detailed design of overhead and underground electrical distribution systems including renewables, perform field walkdowns to document existing conditions, ensure adherence to client and industry standards, connect with people, learn from our resident experts, grow professionally, and have some fun doing it.


WHO WE ARE

We're a people-first organization. We value knowledge and learning. We believe in the power of connection and collaboration and we seek to build relationships that mean something. We employ some of the best and brightest in the industry and we work hard to maintain a culture that our people can be proud of.


WORKING FOR PRIMERA

Our Utilities division is a talented team of experts working together to provide solutions that are vital to energizing our future. We provide full-service electrical, civil, and structural engineering services to support electric and gas utilities nationwide. We're also fortunate to support wind farms and renewables; transmissions systems; and university and industrial facilities. 


WHO YOU ARE

  • You studied electrical engineering. A bachelor's in electrical engineering is a must; even better if you have a preference for electrical power. Having your EIT is a plus.
  • You know power. Comprehension of three-phase electrical systems and power is a must. At least one year of experience in electrical distribution design is preferred.
  • You are a people person with the ability to interface and collaborate effectively with other team members. Your strong organization and communication skills will contribute to your success.
  • You are proficient with business and engineering applications. Microsoft Office, AutoCAD and/or MicroStation is a must.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • You'll execute designs for overhead and underground electrical distribution systems. You'll prepare field notes, drawings, specifications, and calculations for review and approval by a Senior Engineer. You'll perform field walkdowns to document existing conditions and generate material and labor specifications.
  • You'll ensure adherence to client and industry standards. The details make a difference. You'll apply our clients' standards, guidelines, specifications, practices and procedures or appropriate industry standards in preparing design drawings. You'll also coordinate design activities to ensure installation and operations will comply with all specifications, codes, and client requirements too.
  • You'll connect with people. You'll regularly communicate and coordinate project activities with internal team members and begin to build relationships with clients - with some help and guidance from your supervisor, of course.
  • You'll enjoy what you do. You'll work with great people, learn, grow and have a good time doing it.

SOME OF WHAT YOU'LL ENJOY

  • An excellent benefits package including 401K match and employee stock ownership, gym and transit subsidies, paid volunteer time off, parental leave, continuing education reimbursement and much more
  • Flexible work scheduling in a fast-growing company
  • Colleagues that appreciate differences in people, perspectives, cultures, and ideas
  • The fruits of our employee-led committees focused on offering engaging social, wellness and community service activities all year long

For more information about Primera please visit our website: PrimeraEng.com.


Equal Employment Opportunity

Primera is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity. Primera's practices and employment decisions, including those regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion and compensation, shall not be based on any person's race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, ancestry, disability, physical handicap, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship status or other protected group as defined by law.

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