Senior Distribution Design Manager

Orbital Engineering, Inc.

Senior Manager of Distribution Design Services at Orbital Engineering leading electric distribution projects for Midwest utility clients. Overseeing engineering teams with a focus on safety, quality, and client relations.

Posted 4/17/2026full-timeRemote • Illinois • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $145,000 - $185,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

manage operations of multiple electric distribution engineering and design teams to validate delivery of projects within assigned region are executed in accordance with project schedule and budget
direct and/or provide leadership to team for engineering, design, and construction functions within assigned region or projects
utilize understanding of National Electric Safety Code (NESC) Standards, Client Standards, State or Local Municipal Guidelines, and/or other applicable guidelines and to manage Utility Services Department teams through engineering and construction commitments
manage regional productivity and financial budget, regularly report variances to internal management team to verify alignment with business plan
verify department teams are uniformed in their approach to safety, engineering design, technology platform utilization, project execution, and invoicing practices
support leadership team with client onboarding, contract negotiations, and relationship development to grow Orbital Utility Services business
responsible for development of customer proposals, including detailed technical scope, schedule, budget, and resource management
regularly interface directly with clients or contractors to verify department projects are executed in alignment with scope, justifying and submitting change orders when needed
communicate potential strategic initiatives or departmental risks to internal management team
provide personnel orientation/training, mentorship, coaching, and disciplinary action
uphold Orbital Company Standards and complete quality assurance practices on regional team deliverables to verify highest quality product possible
conduct performance evaluations for department team members
work is primarily office based but fieldwork may be needed throughout the engineering design, construction, and quality assurance process
advocate for safety within the department
provide technical oversight, direction, and support for project teams
function as client point of contact and liaison on project-related issues
collaborate with other design managers on broad client issues including schedule adherence and team quality control
oversee and manage existing capital, reliability, and customer project work for clients: Customer project work includes reconductors, voltage conversions, circuit rebuilds, DOT relocations, and large customer development feeds (OH & UG)
support business development, proposal creation, and growth opportunities, including client engagement activities
facilitate client & team collaboration and communication; managing resource loading based on clients demands
track scope, schedule, and budget for projects
oversee QA/QC for design team
monitor team performance metrics
track and report financial metrics
strategize and implement organizational structures to enable future growth
coordinate work for the distribution department including making assignments and reviewing performance to ensure the efficient, cost-effective utilization of staff
support overall regional office development and resource coordination between Midwest regional office
interpret organizational policies, procedures, and goals to staff
train, develop, mentor, and career-develop the staff
recruit top talent as well as the engagement and retention of staff
where needed, serve as project manager or project lead/engineer for key clients, new clients, or where new lines of business are being developed
organize, lead, and conduct the annual performance appraisal process for department staff.
serve as the technical advisor, providing senior-level input and evaluation on engineering projects
advocate for quality and ensure that the corporate and quality initiatives are implemented, including coordinating with the appropriate teams to assign quality control reviewers
advance and develop departmental tools and workflows to increase efficiency of designs, specification development, and project execution
proactively work through corrective actions where deficiencies are identified
all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering or equivalent technical discipline with 7+ years of prior relevant experience either working directly with an electric utility or an electric utility consulting company, performing electric distribution design engineering
Demonstrated supervisory skills and proven project management experience
Experience in managing multiple teams throughout a geographic region
Demonstrated ability to grow a business unit within a region or territory
Working knowledge of overhead and underground electrical distribution assets and/or communication equipment construction
Proficient knowledge of the National Electric Safety Code (NESC) and comprehension of client construction standards
Demonstrated knowledge in financial analysis and departmental budget management experience, including financial reporting and department auditing.
Experience with pole loading (Spida Calc, O-Calc, Pole Foreman, or Katapult) or other construction modeling software (AutoCAD)
Knowledge of industry utility or joint-use software (Katapult, SPANS, NJUNS, IkeGPS) for make-ready engineering and construction is beneficial
Ability to negotiate and develop relationships with current and new clients or contracting parties.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement process improvements with measurable results in moving a departmental initiative forward.
Successful candidate must have exceptional analytical and decision-making skills, the ability to communicate with all level of the organization
Skills required for this role include but are not limited to being detail-oriented, strong organization skills and excellent written as well as verbal communication skills
Ability to adapt to changing priorities while maintaining an effective team.
Proficient with Microsoft Office software applications
Experience with analyzing data and preparing departmental financial reporting
Ability to read and understand engineering drawing/schematics
Must have dependable transportation and a valid driver’s license with insurance
Ability to successfully work with remotely located team members
This position requires the ability to pass a post-offer drug (including marijuana) and alcohol test in compliance with Federal regulations and is also subject to random testing as a condition of continued employment.

Benefits

Comp & perks

medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
401(k)-retirement savings plan
supplemental insurance options
company-paid life and AD&D insurance
company-paid short-term disability coverage
generous paid time off program

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

electric distribution design engineeringfinancial analysisdepartmental budget managementproject managementprocess improvementsengineering drawing interpretationpole loading softwareconstruction modeling softwarequality assurancesafety standards compliance

Soft Skills

supervisory skillsanalytical skillsdecision-making skillscommunication skillsorganizational skillsdetail-orientedrelationship developmentmentorshipteam collaborationadaptability

Certifications

Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering