Trainee Electrical Distribution Design Jobs in Chicago, IL

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If you're looking for a firm that encourages innovative thinking and challenges you every day, with an opportunity to learn and advance, a career at Hanson is right for you. The belief in sustainability within our company's practices creates a focus on client success and partnerships that are important to our communities and our environment.

Electrical Engineer - Distribution Design

Position: Full-Time

Location: Any (Florida and Illinois preferred)
Licensing: Professional Engineer (PE) Required

About the Role

Hanson Professional Services Inc. is seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer specializing in Distribution System Design to support electric utility and power delivery projects. This senior-level role is ideal for a Professional Engineer with strong experience in utility distribution systems, including overhead and underground distribution, system upgrades, reliability improvements, and customer-driven projects.

The successful candidate will bring technical depth, leadership capability, and hands-on experience supporting transmission and distribution (T&D) utilities, municipal power providers, or utility engineering consultants.

Key Responsibilities

Distribution Engineering & Design

• Lead the design of overhead and underground electrical distribution systems, typically ranging from 4 kV to 35 kV.

• Develop design packages for:

• New distribution lines and system expansions

• System hardening and resiliency upgrades

• Reconductoring and voltage conversion projects

• Service extensions and customer interconnections

• Prepare construction drawings, material lists, staking sheets, and technical specifications.

• Perform system calculations including:

• Voltage drop

• Short-circuit analysis

• Load analysis and feeder balancing

Utility Coordination & System Integration

• Apply utility standards, specifications, and design criteria to distribution projects.

• Coordinate designs with transmission, substation, protection, and civil teams.

• Support integration of:

• Distribution automation

• Voltage regulation equipment

• Protective devices (reclosers, sectionalizers, fuses)

• Ensure compatibility with existing utility systems and operational practices.

Project Leadership & Technical Oversight

• Serve as lead engineer or subject matter expert for distribution design efforts.

• Provide technical guidance and QA/QC reviews for drawings, calculations, and design deliverables.

• Support project managers with:

• Scope development

• Cost estimates

• Schedule planning

• Risk identification

• Mentor junior engineers and designers.

Industry Tools & Standards

• Design in accordance with applicable standards and codes, including:

• NESC

• IEEE

• ANSI

• NEC (as applicable)

• Utility-specific distribution standards

• Utilize commonly used software and tools:

• CYME, Synergi, or WindMil (preferred)

• SKM, ETAP, or EasyPower

• AutoCAD or MicroStation

• Maintain working knowledge of distribution construction practices and materials.

Client & Field Support

• Work directly with electric utilities, municipalities, and power providers.

• Support construction through:

• Review of contractor submittals

• Responses to RFIs

• Site visits and field observations

• Provide engineering support to resolve constructability or operational issues.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license (required).

• Minimum 8 years of experience in electric distribution engineering.

• Prior experience working with:

• Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs)

• Public utilities or cooperatives

• Utility engineering consulting firms

• Strong understanding of distribution system operations and utility standards.

• Proven ability to lead engineering tasks and collaborate across disciplines.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with storm hardening, grid modernization, or resiliency programs.

• Familiarity with distribution automation and smart grid technologies.

• Experience coordinating with joint-use utilities and right-of-way stakeholders.

• Experience supporting proposals, cost estimating, and schedule development.

• Experience mentoring junior engineers or serving as a technical lead.

Soft Skills & Competencies

• Strong technical judgment and attention to detail

• Ability to work independently and lead complex tasks

• Client-focused and solutions-oriented mindset

• Strong organizational and time-management skills

• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement

Working at Hanson

• Employee-owned firm offering long-term career growth and stability

• Collaborative environment across disciplines and offices

• Willingness to support occasional field work and travel

• Valid driver's license required

Salary Range: ($147,000-$175,000)

Our focus on people means we offer a generous benefits program to help you create a solid foundation for health and security throughout your career, including:

• Competitive compensation
• Performance bonuses
• 401(k) with matching contribution
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Comprehensive health & well-being plans
• Financial wellness plans
• Work-life balance programs

Want to know more? Visitour benefits pagefor all the details.

We understand that selecting a job is about more than the day-to-day tasks. It's important to feel like you belong and safe to grow and progress along your career path. You'll find that at Hanson. We have an inclusive, diverse workforce awaiting to connect with you and numerous opportunities to cultivate your career, including:

• Monthly educational webinars
• Leadership training
• Lunch & learn development sessions
• 24/7 access to thousands of skill-building courses
• Mentorship opportunities
• Award-winning internship program
• Employee recognition
• And so much more!

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EEO - EMPLOYER

We do not accept unsolicited resumesfrom recruiters or agencies/staffing firms.Resumesare only accepted from recruiters and agency/staffing firms if a signed agreement is in place at the inception of the recruiting effort and authorized for a specified position.