Description:
Power Distribution and Make Ready Designer
Overhead Utility Pole Design • Joint-Use Engineering • NESC-Compliant Make-Ready Work
Location: Grand Rapids, MI / Remote (U.S.)
Are you an experienced Power Distribution Designer or Make-Ready Designer looking to support meaningful utility engineering projects? Join a team that values accuracy, collaboration, and long-term professional growth.
ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY
We are seeking skilled Make-Ready Designers (primary focus) and Power Distribution Designers to support engineering programs for major electric and telecom utilities. Ideal candidates bring demonstrated experience in overhead utility pole design, NESC application, clearance assessment, pole loading analysis, and construction package development. Useful design platforms include DDS, Katapult, O-Calc, GIS, MicroStation, AutoCAD, or client-specific drafting systems.
In this role, you will review field/walkout data, evaluate existing attachment conditions, model pole loading, determine make-ready requirements, and prepare accurate construction-ready deliverables. Applicants without utility pole design or distribution engineering experience will not be considered.
Note: This position is remote, but new hires must attend a 2-week paid, in-person orientation at our Perrysburg, OH headquarters.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
• Execute overhead distribution and make-ready design work orders while meeting quality, time, and budget expectations
• Apply established engineering design standards, NESC requirements, and internal processes
• Perform end-to-end make-ready, joint-use, and/or general distribution design
• Conduct permitting and easement research (pole ownership, ROW, property rights, approvals)
• Collaborate with team members to resolve design challenges and ensure accurate deliverables
• Use design software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, DDS, PoleForeman, O-Calc, Katapult, or client systems
• Perform quality control reviews when required
• Support additional duties as assigned
TOP COMPETENCIES & SKILLS
Make-Ready Engineering, Joint-Use Design, Pole Loading Analysis, Utility Pole Design, Overhead Distribution Design, NESC Compliance, Utility Engineering, Pole Attachments, Make-Ready Construction, Aerial Design, Utility Coordination, Right-of-Way Permitting, Pole Replacement Design, Make-Ready Estimates, Field Survey Interpretation, CAD for Utility Design, GIS for Utility Design, Electrical Distribution Design, Utility Construction Standards, Telecommunications Make-Ready
Requirements:
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
• High school diploma or equivalent required; an associate degree or higher in engineering, drafting, or a related field is preferred
• Minimum 2 years of experience in make-ready engineering, joint-use design, or electric power distribution design (3+ years strongly preferred)
• Proven experience in utility pole design, including NESC application, clearance analysis, pole loading concepts, and preparation of construction-ready design packages
• Proficiency with CAD or MicroStation; experience with DDS, Katapult, O-Calc, or similar utility design platforms is strongly preferred
• Solid understanding of power distribution construction practices, with the ability to learn utility-specific proprietary systems efficiently
• Must hold a valid driver's license, maintain active auto insurance, and pass all required background, drug, and MVR screenings
• Authorization to work in the United States is required
• Willingness to travel occasionally, including minimal overnight travel when project needs require
• Ability to work a standard Monday-Friday schedule aligned to Eastern Time, with Central/Mountain/Pacific adjustments as appropriate
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• Ability to work for extended periods using a computer keyboard, monitor, and telephone
• Ability to prepare and analyze data, review detailed information, and work with design tools requiring close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment
• Ability to communicate effectively through oral and written channels
ABOUT SIGMA TECHNOLOGIES
Sigma Technologies is a growing engineering and design firm with 500+ team members across 30+ states. For over 25 years, we've supported major power and telecommunications utilities with work that directly impacts communities nationwide. Our core values - Safety, Honesty, Truth, and Decency - shape how we work and who we hire. We are TeamSigma .
To learn more about working at Sigma, view our video and career page.
If you do not have Power Design experience, please refer to our other open positions:
While Designer openings are listed in multiple locations, you only need to apply to one, as they are remote roles.
WHAT WE OFFER
We want our Associates to stay healthy, happy, and secure. We offer a positive work environment with supportive coworkers, managers, and leaders, plus:
• No-cost monthly healthcare plan option for employees
• Competitive pay
• Medical, dental, and vision plans with up to 80% of the premium sponsored by Sigma
• 401(k) plan with matching contributions up to 5% of salary
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time
• Education and professional licensing assistance programs
This job advertisement is intended to outline the primary responsibilities and requirements of the role. It is not all-inclusive. Additional duties may be assigned as needed. This ad does not constitute an employment agreement, and job requirements may change based on organizational needs.
Pay is commensurate with experience and education. Sigma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, gender, sexual preference, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran/military status, or any classification protected by law.
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