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Electrical Distribution Designer Jobs in Michigan

Thayer Power & Communication is seeking an Electrical Distribution Engineer to join our dynamic ... Develop engineering designs for overhead and underground distribution systems (4kV-35kV). * Perform ...

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering. * 5+ years of experience designing industrial electrical power distribution systems. * Strong understanding of: * Medium- and low-voltage power ...

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering. * 5+ years of experience designing industrial electrical power distribution systems. * Strong understanding of: * Medium- and low-voltage power ...

Showing results 21-40

Electrical Distribution Designer information

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$17

$34

$52

How much do electrical distribution designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for electrical distribution designer in Michigan is $34.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.45 and $39.18 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.

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.

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 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.

Are electrical distribution designers in demand?

Electrical distribution designers are in demand due to ongoing infrastructure upgrades and the need for reliable power systems. They typically require knowledge of electrical codes, design software, and sometimes certifications, making their skills valuable in utility companies, engineering firms, and construction projects.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Electrical Distribution Designer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,039 per year, or $34.2 per hour.

Electrical Distribution Design Team Lead - #2978

Flint, MI


Wade Trim
Civil Engineering Construction • 201 - 500 employees

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 450 rated engineering

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$155K - $162K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

What We Offer:
 
Our excellent salary and benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, education reimbursement, 401(k), performance bonuses, and an employee stock program. Employee Resource Groups and Programs offered include the Young Professionals Group, Women at Wade Trim, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Professional Development, Leadership Development, Mentor Program, Sustainability Program, and Wellness Program.
 
Position Description:

We are seeking an Electrical Distribution Design Team Lead to join our ICE team and support the planning, design, and delivery of electric distribution infrastructure projects throughout Michigan. The ideal candidate will have direct experience in electrical distribution design within a utility environment, along with demonstrated leadership abilities and a strong understanding of electric distribution systems, design standards, and work management processes.

The Electrical Distribution Design Team Lead will provide supervision, technical leadership, and direction to dispersed groups of Designers responsible for the planning and design of low-voltage electric distribution projects. This role is responsible for coordinating workload, directing design activities, providing technical oversight, and ensuring projects are delivered safely, accurately, efficiently, and within established schedules and standards.

Typical responsibilities include:
  • Provide leadership and overall direction for electrical distribution design activities, including planning, prioritization, budgeting support, and coordination of distribution capital projects and construction/operations support.
  • Lead the design and development of overhead and underground electrical distribution systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards, client specifications, utility requirements, safety standards, and applicable regulations.
  • Direct and coordinate the work of Designers and technical staff, effectively assigning, prioritizing, and monitoring workload to support project schedules, budgets, customer commitments, system reliability, and overall delivery expectations.
  • Coordinate with clients, project managers, planners, construction and operations personnel, and internal team members to establish project requirements, resolve technical issues, communicate progress, and ensure customer expectations are met.
  • Review and oversee detailed design documentation, including drawings, specifications, work order packages, calculations, and supporting documentation, ensuring accuracy, completeness, consistency, and compliance with established design and quality standards.
  • Perform and review engineering functions and calculations related to electric distribution design, including voltage drop, flicker, pole loading, guying, cable pulling, transformer sizing, and other system analyses.
  • Complete field site assessments, asset assessments, and feasibility studies for overhead and underground electric distribution equipment and proposed projects when escalation is required.
  • Provide technical leadership, subject matter expertise, and QA/QC oversight for team designs, analyses, and work order packages prior to client delivery.
  • Develop, mentor, and retain a highly skilled and motivated design team by providing technical guidance, coaching, training, career development, and support through established skill-based programs and other training resources.
  • Promote employee engagement, continuous learning, and development while establishing clear expectations for performance, quality, productivity, safety, and professional growth.
  • Ensure effective and efficient utilization of design resources, with emphasis on safety, timeliness, cost containment, customer satisfaction, system reliability, quality, and optimal asset utilization.
  • Establish team goals, objectives, and performance expectations that align with organizational strategies and initiatives, and provide ongoing feedback and direction to employees.
  • Identify, develop, and implement process improvements, technical standards, and best practices that improve workflow efficiency, reduce waste and costs, strengthen quality, and improve overall project delivery.
  • Maintain organized project files, design records, and supporting documentation to ensure information is accurate, accessible, and readily available for reference and audit purposes.
  • Support client and public communication related to upcoming project work, helping minimize disruption, address concerns, and maintain positive customer and community relationships.
  • Participate in organizational efforts to improve safety, streamline processes, reduce costs, and enhance customer service. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other business units, departments, and stakeholders to ensure information is current, accurate, and effectively communicated.
  • Share responsibility for after-hours on-call support and assist with storm restoration efforts, including troubleshooting and prioritizing outages, mobilizing design resources, supporting field crews, performing visual inspections, and helping ensure public and employee safety.
  • Maintain a safe working environment and promote a strong safety culture by ensuring employees understand and follow applicable safety policies, procedures, and field requirements.
Education:
  • High school diploma is required
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or equivalent work experience is preferred
Skills/Experience:
  • 3+ years of experience in electrical distribution design, preferably with a utility company or utility-focused consulting environment.
  • Advanced proficiency in electric distribution design software and tools, such as Bentley Open Utilities, AutoCAD, MicroStation, PoleForeman, GIS, and/or client work management systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and provide technical guidance to designers and project team members.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and QA/QC skills with a high attention to detail.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and client-facing communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, coordinate competing priorities, and support team schedule and budget performance.
  • Working knowledge of electric distribution construction standards, NESC requirements, utility design practices, and related permitting or Right-of-Way coordination processes.
  • Ability to foster a collaborative team environment, support staff development, and promote consistent technical excellence.
  • Willingness to travel occasionally for training and project requirements.
About Wade Trim:
 
Wade Trim is committed to maximizing the value of infrastructure investments. We've been solving complex engineering challenges for a century. We customize our work approach to fit each project using a collaborative, friendly style to deliver solutions our clients can stand behind.
 
Our supportive culture recognizes and strives to fulfill collective client, company, and individual needs. Mentoring and building skills of Wade Trim staff is a priority. Frequent interaction among staff is encouraged, company leadership is easily accessible, and opportunities are provided for staff to help shape the firm's future through strategic planning. Work/life balance is supported through a flexible, hybrid work schedule that brings team members together in the office at least three days a week and connects them virtually when working from home.
 
To solve our clients' toughest challenges, we've devoted ourselves to delivering innovative solutions. Our Office of Applied Technology (OAT) is dedicated to seeking new technologies or ways to apply existing technologies to enhance value to our clients and positively impact communities. All staff are encouraged to share ideas and suggestions for innovative technologies or processes to adopt. This open-minded approach enables us to advance technology, foster innovation, and stay ahead of our clients' needs.
 
Wade Trim's success is shared by the employees that make it happen. Since our beginning, our firm has been 100% employee owned. This cultivates an ownership mindset that benefits our work approach, collaborative culture, and ability to deliver client solutions. We believe employee ownership drives the sustainability and growth of our firm and provides all our employees with opportunities for financial success.
 
If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career in a friendly environment, please submit your resume by visiting the Careers section of our website at http://www.wadetrim.com/careers.
 
Wade Trim does not accept unsolicited resumes, candidate profiles, or CVs from third-party recruiters or employment agencies. Any submission made without a valid, signed agreement and an approved engagement request from Wade Trim's People Services Team will be considered the property of Wade Trim. Wade Trim reserves the right to pursue and hire any candidate submitted through unsolicited means without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. A valid agreement can only be signed by the Director of People Services. Resumes or candidate profiles submitted at the request of a Wade Trim employee who is not authorized by the People Services team do not constitute a valid engagement. Recruiters and agencies must have a current, written agreement authorized by the Director of People Services to be considered an approved vendor.
 
Wade Trim is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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