6+ years of experience in electric utility or power consulting, with a focus on distribution design.
3+ years of project leadership experience, managing teams effectively.
Detailed knowledge of overhead and underground distribution lines up to 34.5 kV.
Familiarity with CAD systems like AutoCAD or MicroStation is preferred.
Experience with SDG&E standards and medium-voltage systems is a plus.
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential.
Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks efficiently.
Responsibilities
Coordinate with project teams and stakeholders to resolve design challenges.
Ensure compliance with client standards, codes, and safety regulations.
Review designs for accuracy and completeness before submission.
Maintain organized project documentation and design records.
Support multiple projects, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines.
Represent Stantec in meetings, maintaining a professional demeanor.
Utilize design software to develop and manage project deliverables.
Benefits
Career advancement opportunities in a supportive team environment.
Diverse project portfolio including renewable energy and telecom.
Flexible work arrangements with remote work options.
Opportunities for professional development and mentorship.
Engagement in a variety of projects across the power sector.
Full Job Description
Job Description
Your Opportunity
Stantec is hiring a Distribution Design Project Lead to join our US West region Distribution group. We understand the challenges of the power sector in meeting worldwide demand for clean, efficient energy in the midst of financial, strategic, and regulatory uncertainty. Within our positive team environment, our employees enjoy great career advancement opportunities and the chance to work on a variety of projects including transmission, distribution substation, converter stations, telecom, protection and control, renewable energy, and generation. We provide career opportunities as unique as you are.
Your Key Responsibilities
Coordinate with project teams, contractors, utility personnel, and external stakeholders to resolve design challenges and advance project milestones
Apply and adhere to client standards, codes, safety requirements, and regulatory guidelines (e.g., CPUC, NEC, OSHA)
Review designs for accuracy, completeness, constructability, and compliance prior to submittal
Manage and maintain organized project documentation and design records
Support multiple concurrent projects, prioritizing tasks to meet schedule and budget requirements
Participate in internal and external meetings, representing Stantec in a professional manner
Utilize design tools and software to develop and manage deliverables (e.g., AutoCAD, GIS, utility work management platforms)
Identify risks, constructability concerns, and cost impacts, and collaborate with project teams to develop solutions
Provide input on design standards, process improvements, and best practices
Advanced / Leadership Responsibilities (based on experience):
Lead design efforts for complex projects or programs with minimal oversight
Perform formal design reviews (e.g., 30/60/90%) and quality assurance/quality control evaluations
Provide technical guidance, direction, and mentorship to other designers and team members
Serve as a client-facing technical resource, supporting project planning and execution
Review and approve contractor or third-party design packages
Coordinate across multidisciplinary teams and manage stakeholder expectations
Develop and prepare electric distribution designs, including overhead and underground systems, relocations, and system improvements, if required
Produce construction drawings, work orders, bills of materials, cost estimates, and supporting design documentation, if required
Perform engineering calculations, system analysis, and design validation to support project requirements, if required
Qualifications
Qualifications
Your Capabilities and Credentials
Detailed, first-hand knowledge of design, construction, O&M of overhead and underground distribution lines at or below 34.5 kV
Experience with CAD systems such as Bentley MicroStation or Autodesk AutoCAD/Civil3D is desirable
General knowledge of other electrical grid-related disciplines (transmission, substations, generation) is a plus
Experience with SDG&E or similar utility standards (underground, overhead, service, and design manuals); experience level may range from early-career to advanced
Experience with both overhead and underground systems
Experience with medium-voltage systems in both utility and industrial contexts is desirable
PLS-CADD, PLS-Pole and OCalc experience is desirable.
Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook and Office is required.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Prioritize and manage multiple tasks / projects with various due dates.
Education and Experience
At least 6 years of direct electric utility or utility/power consulting experience; other infrastructure-related experience will be considered
At least 3 years of leading projects while managing and direction staff performing the work
Completion of a related STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) credential is a plus
While work is primarily conducted remotely, employees must be able to occasionally travel to the noted office locations for in-person engagements.
Typical office environment working with computers and remaining sedentary for long periods of time. Field work may include exposure to the elements including inclement weather.
This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.
About Stantec
Stantec Inc. is a global engineering consulting firm headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The company provides professional consulting services in the areas of infrastructure, water, environment, buildings, and energy. Stantec has over 22,000 employees working in more than 400 locations across six continents. The company has a diverse client base that includes public and private sector clients. Stantec is committed to sustainability and has implemented green practices in its operations. The company has received numerous awards for its work, including the American Council of Engineering Companies' National Recognition Award for exemplary engineering achievement.
