Join us as we Rise to the Challenge

The Distribution Engineering Designer VI (DED VI) position is the sixth level of the DED career track where progression is based on time in grade and performance. This position will be expected to direct site meetings with clients/customers and construction crews.  The DED VI will directly communicate with clients to request additional work or project opportunities, in addition to tracking progress of their projects.

This position will be accountable for distribution planning functions. These duties involve analyzing load growth for distribution substations, distribution circuits, performing power analysis for the assigned distribution area including voltage and VAR evaluations and other planning related functions. This position will be accountable for selecting project solutions for system issues that are discovered and delivering job scopes for these projects to expand the distribution infrastructure. The position will be involved in leading decisions on method of service projects and supporting the economic development department as potential revenue customers are being analyzed for service in the assigned geographic area. The position will support other Delivery Operations groups such as Power Quality, Reliability &Integrity, Engineering & Construction Planning and Resource Management as needed to enable proper system design of the distribution system.  This position will provide assistance for system emergencies as required. Supports the Grid Improvement Program (GIP) by performing strategic analysis to identify system improvements.

With general supervision, responsibilities and duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Provides engineering/technical expertise and guidance in the identification, analysis and resolution of well-defined problems in area of expertise.
• Contributes to team decision-making in the accomplishment of business goals and objectives through effective planning, organizing, estimating, scheduling and monitoring of work activities; deals with changing priorities and differing situations and makes decision that may affect the work of the team.
• Prepares thorough and accurate technical reports, correspondence, documentation, calculations and sketches related to well-defined problems and analysis of moderate scope and complexity.
• Conducts engineering and related studies; projects and assignments are clearly defined with focus on development but must be able to complete routine engineering projects with minimal oversight; competent to design, operate and maintain systems with minimum impact on existing systems.
• Possesses and applies the fundamental concepts, practices and procedures; demonstrates proficiency in technical competencies and has ability to interpret technical information and instructions.
• Develops positive working relationships to effectively coordinate work activities.  Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills.  Maintains accurate records and files.
• Supports the company's goals and represents the company positively and professionally.

Key Technical Skills Required:

•  Experience in the utility industry
• 3-5 years of experience in the distribution utility business
• Experience with distribution capacity planning and circuit analysis
• Experience with CYME, GIS and other distribution operations applications
• Familiarity with distribution substation design  
• Understanding of basic engineering theories and principles
• Understanding of basic practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations and preparing and presenting recommendations
• Ability to deal with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Passing grade on the Engineering Fundamentals Exam
• Understanding of basic principles of project management
• Department specific experience applicable to the hiring department

Your key responsibilities include:

• Perform engineering calculations analysis 
• Under directions of a supervisor or as an individual perform routine assignments 
• Collaborate and provide technical direction to client, and peer engineers. 
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned. 

Project Management and Leadership:  

• Plan, develop, coordinate and direct large projects or engineering programs.  

• Conduct research in problem areas of scope, analysis, and complexity. 

• Ability and willingness to research and work in different geographies.  

• Serve as a staff specialist, applying advanced theories and concepts.  

• Assist in proposals, negotiations, and presentations (when needed).  

• Collaborate with internal departments for client relationship development.  

• Manage work routines and assign job activities.  

• Attend project team meetings.  

• Coordinate with other practices and sub-consultants. 

• Provide technical oversight and guidance.  

Training, Development, and Compliance: 

• Mentor and train staff. 

• Comply with all KCI policies and procedures. 

• Ensure projects comply with ISO standards. 

• Conduct employee performance appraisals, when applicable.  

• Develop professional relationships through active participation in industry associations and community involvement. 

• Identify and assist in attracting talent to KCI. 

Financial Management and Reporting: 

• Complete all tasks on time and within budget while fully meeting project scope.  

• Operate within specified (corporate or project) budget parameters. 

• Assist with receivables management.  

• Work with the Project Manager to actively manage project budgets.  

• Achieve or exceed budgets individual utilization targets (85%).  

Project Execution and Technical Oversight: 

• Conduct site visits and gather data if needed. 

• Prepare analysis calculations, drawings, specifications, and cost estimates.  

• Compare field data to base plan.  

• Prepare preliminary concept designs.  

• Read and interpret technical documents.  

* Essential Duties and Responsibilities are the basic job functions that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation.  

• Four-year ABET-accredited Engineering degree and fifteen years of relevant experience with a minimum of five of those years in distribution design.  An active PE license can replace two years of relevant work experience.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• PE license is highly desired.