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Utility Design Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Civil Engineer

Brooklyn, OH · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Support civil infrastructure design including grading plans, drainage systems, and utility networks for high‑performance facilities. * Prepare engineering sketches, grading computations, drainage ...

Design land development projects using Civil 3D including site, grading, and utilities. * Review of municipal zoning and land development ordinances and applicable agency regulations to determine ...

Design land development projects using Civil 3D including site, grading, and utilities. * Review of municipal zoning and land development ordinances and applicable agency regulations to determine ...

OH · On-site

Design overhead transmission line projects for electric utility clients, including new construction, rebuilds, relocations, and system improvements.Prepare engineering calculations, construction ...

OH · On-site

Design overhead transmission line projects for electric utility clients, including new construction, rebuilds, relocations, and system improvements.Prepare engineering calculations, construction ...

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Utility Design information

See Ohio salary details

$13

$17

$25

How much do utility design jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility design in Ohio is $17.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is utility design?

Utility design is the process of planning, drafting, and engineering the layout and installation of essential services such as electricity, water, gas, sewage, and telecommunications within infrastructure projects. Utility designers ensure that these systems are efficiently integrated into new or existing developments, comply with regulations, and meet the needs of users. Their work involves collaborating with engineers, architects, and utility companies to create detailed plans that minimize conflicts and optimize service delivery. Utility design is essential for safe, functional, and sustainable infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a utility design professional?

To thrive as a Utility Design professional, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, utility systems, and relevant codes, typically supported by a degree in civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering. Proficiency with CAD software, GIS platforms, and utility modeling tools, as well as certifications like EIT or PE, is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with stakeholders and manage complex projects. These skills ensure accurate, safe, and efficient utility designs that meet regulatory standards and operational needs.

What are some typical challenges faced in a utility design role, and how can I prepare to address them?

Professionals in Utility Design often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders (engineers, contractors, government agencies) and navigating regulatory requirements for permits and safety standards. Managing these complexities requires strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt designs based on field conditions or last-minute changes. Familiarity with industry-standard software (like AutoCAD or GIS) and staying updated on local codes can significantly ease the process. Proactively building collaborative relationships and maintaining organized project documentation are key strategies for success in this role.

What is the difference between Utility Design vs Utility Engineering?

AspectUtility DesignUtility Engineering
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering; certifications varyRequires engineering degree and professional engineering (PE) license
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, project sites, collaboration with architects and clientsDesign firms, utility companies, project sites, regulatory agencies
Industry UsageUsed in planning and creating utility systems like water, power, and gasFocuses on the technical analysis, calculations, and implementation of utility systems

Utility Design involves creating plans for utility systems, while Utility Engineering emphasizes technical analysis and system implementation. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in focus and responsibilities within the utility industry.

How to become a utility designer?

To become a utility designer, typically a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions, developing skills in CAD software and utility planning, and obtaining relevant certifications can enhance job prospects in this field.

Is utility design a good career?

Utility design involves planning and developing infrastructure for utilities such as water, electricity, and gas, requiring technical skills and knowledge of engineering principles. It offers stable employment opportunities, often requires certifications or degrees in engineering or related fields, and involves working in office or field environments. The career can be rewarding for those interested in infrastructure development and problem-solving.

What does a utility design do?

A utility designer plans and develops infrastructure for utilities such as water, electricity, gas, and telecommunications. They create detailed designs, ensure compliance with codes, and collaborate with engineers and contractors during project implementation. Proficiency in CAD software and knowledge of industry standards are essential for this role.
Infographic showing various Utility Design job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,430 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Discipline Leader - Utility Design Engineering

Colliers Engineering & Design

Columbus, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Colliers Engineering & Design rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

268th of 453 rated engineering


Job description

Overview
Colliers Engineering & Design is seeking a senior consulting leader to guide, grow, and strengthen our Utility Design Engineering (UDE) discipline in Columbus, Ohio. This role is built for a high-level industry professional with technical credibility, established client relationships, strong operational discipline, and the ability to expand fiber design services in existing and new markets. Candidates must be located within a commutable distance to our Columbus, OH office.
Are you energized by building teams, winning work, strengthening client relationships, and shaping a growing practice? As the Discipline Leader, you will help drive the strategy, performance, and continued expansion of Colliers Engineering & Design's fiber utility design practice across existing and emerging markets.
This is an opportunity for a proven consulting leader with technical credibility, strong operational instincts, and established industry relationships to make a meaningful impact. You will work closely with clients, partners, industry groups, and internal leaders to build trust, pursue new opportunities, and position Colliers Engineering & Design as a go-to provider for fiber and utility design solutions.
This role goes well beyond technical oversight. It is a chance to lead a scalable business, mentor managers and technical staff, drive project delivery and financial performance, and help define the next chapter of growth for a discipline that supports the infrastructure powering communities for years to come.
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Discipline Growth
  • Lead the UDE fiber discipline with overall accountability for financial performance, quality, client satisfaction, productivity, operational consistency, and long-term growth.
  • Develop and execute a clear growth strategy for fiber utility design services in existing markets while identifying and opening new geographic and client markets.
  • Establish the vision, priorities, standards, and leadership structure needed to scale the discipline across multiple offices and regions.

Business Development and Market Expansion
  • Serve as a senior seller-doer and visible industry leader for UDE fiber services.
  • Develop, maintain, and expand relationships with broadband providers, utilities, municipalities, public agencies, developers, contractors, and strategic teaming partners.
  • Identify and pursue opportunities in fiber design, FTTx, middle mile, OSP & ISP fiber design, utility coordination, road moves, make-ready, permitting, GIS-supported workflows, and related infrastructure services.
  • Represent CED at industry conferences, client meetings, association events, and regional market development activities.
  • Coordinate with internal business development, marketing, and technical leaders to help execute UDE growth.

Technical and Project Delivery Leadership
  • Provide senior-level oversight and practical technical leadership for fiber utility design projects.
  • Ensure design delivery aligns with client requirements, jurisdictional standards, permitting requirements, project budgets, schedules, scope expectations, and quality standards.
  • Support teams delivering FTTx, middle mile, OSP fiber design, utility coordination, road move, make-ready, permitting, GIS-based design support, and related infrastructure services.
  • Establish and maintain technical standards, QA/QC expectations, project initiation practices, documentation requirements, project handoff packages, and change management practices.
  • Provide senior review and guidance on scope, fee, schedule, staffing, contract, and delivery risk before issues impact profitability or client satisfaction.
  • Collaborate with internal groups to deliver complete fiber infrastructure solutions.

Operational and Financial Management
  • Drive discipline performance through strong financial management, project controls, utilization oversight, revenue forecasting, backlog review, billing discipline, and collections awareness.
  • Monitor project performance, profitability, budget adherence, work in progress, aged unbilled revenue, accounts receivable, write-offs, staffing levels, and resource allocation.

Team Development and Leadership
  • Recruit, mentor, develop, and retain high-performing UDE fiber professionals across multiple offices and markets.
  • Develop and support all UDE staff.
  • Build scalable training, cross-training, role progression, and succession planning programs that support growth and retention.
  • Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, technical excellence, safety, business awareness, and consistent communication.

Collaboration, Compliance, and Safety
  • Ensure discipline compliance with company policies, procedures, health and safety requirements, contract review procedures, and standard operating practices.
  • Partner with safety leadership and the Discipline Safety Coordinator to reinforce safe work practices for office and field activities.
  • Travel regularly to CED offices, client locations, project sites, and industry events to support leadership, business development, staff engagement, and client growth.

Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, planning, GIS, telecommunications infrastructure, or a related technical field.
  • 15+ years of progressive experience in fiber utility design, utility infrastructure, broadband, OSP, FTTx, middle mile, permitting, make-ready, utility relocation, or related consulting services.
  • Significant leadership experience within an engineering, utility, broadband, infrastructure, or multidisciplinary consulting firm.
  • Demonstrated success leading teams across multiple offices, geographies, or service lines.
  • Established reputation and relationships within the broadband, fiber, utility, municipal, contractor, or infrastructure design markets.
  • Strong business development background with the ability to build relationships, win work, expand accounts, and enter new markets.
  • Proven understanding of project financials, utilization, backlog, billing, collections, forecasting, proposal development, contracts, and profitability.
  • Experience developing scalable processes, technical standards, QA/QC practices, project delivery workflows, and staff development programs.
  • Ability to communicate effectively.
  • Willingness to travel regularly to Colliers Engineering & Design offices, client/project locations, and industry events.
  • Ability to read, write, and understand English for purposes of comprehending written job-related communications and verbal instructions and interactions.

Preferred
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or other relevant professional credential.
  • Experience leading a fiber design practice, utility design group, or related infrastructure service line.
  • Experience with public and private broadband programs, municipal utility coordination, grant-funded broadband work, public agency permitting, DOT and railroad permitting, and utility relocation programs.
  • Familiarity with GIS-based design and delivery workflows, project tracking systems, workload dashboards, design standards, and scalable documentation tools.
  • Ability to support growth across multiple regions, including established and new geographic markets.
  • Experience evaluating client and project profitability, renegotiating scope or pricing, and improving underperforming workstreams.
  • Experience recruiting, mentoring, training, and developing all staff.

What We Offer
At Colliers Engineering & Design, our people are our most important resource. That's why we are committed to providing all our employees with a safe, comfortable work environment, potential for career advancement, and the ability to impact society through their projects as well as Company sponsored activities.
This dedication begins with supporting a work life balance through a generous compensation package that includes: company paid medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid pregnancy disability leave; short- and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; a company-matched 401(k)/Roth; paid time off that includes parental and military leave; employee referral and professional license bonuses and a straight time policy that compensates exempt employees for billable hours worked in excess of 40 billable hours within a work week.
We have also created an internal culture that provides the resources and technology needed to encourage personal and professional growth opportunities through reimbursement for education; a free in-house resource for hundreds of educational and self-enrichment courses; mentorship program; wellness program; Women's Organization and ongoing philanthropic opportunities.
Apply today to learn how you can join our team of professionals, so we can help you Accelerate Your Success!

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About Colliers Engineering & Design

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Colliers Engineering & Design, an affiliate of Colliers, is a trusted provider of multi-discipline engineering and architecture, design and consulting services to public and private sector clients. Headquartered in Holmdel, New Jersey with offices throughout the United States, we specialize in providing a comprehensive suite of services including civil/site, architecture, transportation, survey/geospatial, infrastructure, governmental, geotechnical/environmental, telecommunications, utilities/energy and project management. We employ professionals who utilize the most advanced technologies to deliver customized solutions for our clients.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Holmdel, NJ, US

Year founded

1984