Entry Level Power Distribution Engineer Jobs in Hawaii

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

We believe electricity powers modern life. As part of our Power sector, you'll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted and delivered as global energy demands grow. From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry-recognized engineers and scientists have been at the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century. You'll work side-by-side with these experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to drive infrastructure forward, power innovation and leave your mark on our energy future.
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Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.  We are seeking a detail-oriented Power Delivery EIT/Coordinator to support electrical utility distribution projects. This role focuses on performing technical design tasks, preparing project deliverables, and coordinating with intern and external stakeholders to ensure high-quality and timely project execution.

This position is best suited for an early-career engineer who is building technical expertise and gaining practical experience in utility distribution projects, while working under the direction of experiences engineering professionals.

This role provides a structured path toward:

• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) progression (if not already obtained)
• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure
• Advancement into Project Engineer or Design Engineer roles

HDR fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment where employees are encouraged to grow and contribute. As part of our employee-focused culture:

• Teamwork, respect, and inclusion are core values
• Professional development and mentorship are strongly supported
• Employees are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work

Primary Responsibilities:

Engineering Support & Design

• Perform routine engineering assignments using established utility standards, codes (e.g., NESC), and company design criteria
• Support the design and layout of electrical distribution systems, including:
  • Overhead distribution (pole line design, guying, framing)
  • Underground distribution (duct banks, conduit routing, cable systems)
• Perform engineering analyses and calculations, including:
  • Structure loading and pole strength validation
  • Conductor sag and tension calculations (stringing charts, ruling spans)
  • Voltage drop and circuit balancing evaluations for overhead and underground systems
  • Equipment sizing and selection (transformers, protective devices, switches)
  • Conduit and duct bank sizing, routing, and conduit fill calculations based on cable configurations and system requirements
  • Cable ampacity and thermal loading analysis considering soil conditions, installation methods, and conduit arrangements
  • Cable pulling tension and sidewall bearing pressure calculations to support constructability and installation feasibility
  • Short-circuit and fault current considerations for both overhead and underground equipment (e.g., pad-mounted transformers, switchgear, reclosers)
  • Grounding and bonding design, including pole grounding, concentric neutral systems, and underground fault return paths
  • Equipment layout and spacing design for overhead and underground installations, including clearances for safety, access, and maintainability
  • Trench and duct bank configuration design, including separation requirements between electric, communication, and other utilities
  • Identification and evaluation of conflicts with existing underground and overhead utilities using survey data, GIS information, and utility locates
• Utilize standard engineering software and tools (e.g., PLS-CADD, O-Calc, GIS, or utility-specific platforms)
• Assist in preparing detailed engineering deliverables, including:
  • Plan and profile drawings, staking sheets, and construction details
  • Bill of materials (BOM) and material specifications
  • Cost estimates and quantity take-offs
• Apply QA/QC checklists to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with project and client requirements

Project Coordination Support:

• Execute assigned tasks within established scope, schedule, and budget constraints
• Work under the direction of a Project Engineer or Senior Engineer, applying feedback to refine deliverables
• Coordinate closely with designers, drafters, and other disciplines to develop integrated design packages
• Maintain organized project documentation, including drawings, calculations, and correspondence
• Track progress of assigned tasks and proactively communicate status, risks, or issues to supervising engineers
• Assist with:
  • Internal design reviews and comment resolution
  • Preparation and tracking of submittals and deliverable packages
  • Adherence to client standards, templates, and quality requirements

Field & Data Collection Support:

• Participate in field visits to collect data for design development, such as:
  • Existing pole conditions, elevations, spans, and clearances
  • Underground routing constraints and utility conflicts
• Interpret field notes, photographs, and survey data for use in design development
• Verify constructability of designs and identify potential field conflicts or constraints
• Support incorporation of field data into design documents and GIS systems
• Assist with construction-phase support activities, including:
  • Responding to RFIs (Requests for Information)
  • Providing design clarifications and minor revisions
  • Supporting as-built documentation updates

Team Collaboration & Development

• Collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team including engineering, design, environmental, and permitting staff
• Actively participate in team meetings, design reviews, and coordination sessions
• Seek guidance and apply feedback to improve technical accuracy and efficiency
• Build working knowledge of utility industry practices, standards, and workflows
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and team-oriented work environment
• Take initiative in personal development, including pursuit of EIT certification and progression toward PE licensure

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering
• Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate
• Candidates without their EIT will be placed into a Design Coordinator job code and will be expected to obtain their EIT for career progression
• Familiarity with electrical utility distribution concepts (academic and/or internship experience)
• Exposure to design tools such as MicroStation, GIS platforms, utility design or modeling software
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Effective communication skills and ability to follow direction
• Ability to manage multiple assignments with attention to detail
• Commitment to teamwork and professional growth