Distribution Engineer - Greater Hammond / Chicago Area

Company: Orbital Engineering, Inc.
Location: Hammond
Posted on: February 8, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Distribution Engineer - Greater Hammond / Chicago Area Working with our business partners to create, improve and sustain industry and infrastructure. Orbital Engineering has been driven by this core purpose for more than 50 years - energizing Orbital team members and helping our clients solve challenging and complex problems with innovative engineering, inspection, and construction solutions. Orbital team members are guided by the fundamental beliefs of building trusted relationships, personal accountability, innovation, and excellence in everything we do. Orbital is looking for others to join our team to continue activating our purpose and embrace our values. Orbital Engineering’s Utility Services Department partners with Utility and Communication Companies in Engineering and Construction operations for Joint Use Pole Attachment Programs (JU) and Distribution Engineering Design Projects. This position will directly support projects within the Utility Services Department’s pole attachment application process and utility distribution design process. Orbital Engineering, Inc. is currently seeking a Distribution Engineer who resides in the Greater Hammond, IN / Chicago, IL area to work in a hybrid role. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Prepare and develop distribution voltage construction packages for both overhead and underground projects, including distribution equipment installation, feeder replacement, cable replacement, and pole replacements as part of an infrastructure improvement program Assist with distribution line design 2.4kV - 34kV Work with Designers and Engineers to prepare new drawings, modify existing drawings, or create as-built documents Assist in the preparation of proposals, engineering/project cost estimates, and execution schedules Provide technical support for customers and support regional business development initiatives Provide quality reviews of work prepared by others and adhere to the QA/QC process Prepare calculations and assist with equipment specifications Evaluate loading of various equipment components being installed such as transformers and structural loading of poles to ensure a cost-effective, safe and reliable design utilizing client specifications. Visually identify, inspect, and record equipment and different construction situations in the field, including rights-of-way Apply National Electric Safety Code (NESC) Standards, Client Standards, Federal, State or Local Municipal Guidelines, and/or other applicable guidelines to complete engineering designs (Pole Replacements, Communication Space Rearrangements, Joint-Use Design) for possible joint-use or make-ready construction Ability to analyze field collected data (including imagery) and accurately update applicable software packages for successful design implementation Regularly utilizes Client proprietary software packages or equipment to complete daily responsibilities in the engineering design workflow process, may include facilitating new attachment permitting process Accountable for work assigned and responsible for completing work on project schedule and within project budget while regularly communicating status with management team Frequently communicates with Client(s) on engineering design to best determine the most cost-effective solution for their project Provides timely and detailed documentation and support to Orbital accounting functions for ensuring projects are on budget and appropriately accounted Transcribe notes, use measuring devices to identify, inspect, and record the data which is found in an organized manner As needed, must be able to work in all weather conditions and in residential, commercial, and industrial areas Work is primarily remote/office based, but fieldwork may be needed throughout the engineering design process Must be willing to travel overnight or for extended periods of time, based on project assignment Will be required to attend meetings at clients’ sites and regularly interact with the general public, including landowners and operators Minimum Requirements Must reside within a reasonable commuting distance to the Greater Kansas City area Bachelor's degree from a four-year ABET accredited college or university with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering; preferably electrical Experience or basic knowledge of concepts in the electric utility industry, including primary and secondary distribution systems, & utility standards Understanding of basic engineering theories and principles Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization, and problem-solving skills Ability to prioritize work on multiple projects and effectively communicate project status Computer proficiency including general Microsoft Office products, distribution design, GIS, and business enterprise software Excellent written and oral communication skills Reasoning skills and ability to solve practical problems Must have dependable transportation and a valid driver’s license with insurance Must be able to pass a fit for duty test Ability to work from home and an office setting, as required 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. Preferred Qualifications Successful completion of the Engineer in Training (EIT) or Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam from a state licensing board Have or willing to obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) license from a state licensing board Ability to read and understand engineering drawings/schematics Working knowledge of electrical distribution assets and/or communication equipment construction Experience in pole loading (Spida Calc, O-Calc, Pole Foreman, or Katapult) or other construction modeling software (AutoCAD) is beneficial Knowledge of industry utility or joint-use software (SPANS, NJUNS, IkeGPS) for make-ready engineering and construction is beneficial Familiar with Design and Checking practices for engineering drawings and deliverables Familiar with Safe Work Practices and PPE applications Orbital Engineering, Inc. has provided worldwide professional engineering and consulting services since 1969. Our commitment to quality, responsiveness, and attention to detail has earned us the reputation as a leading provider of engineering and design services. A commitment to excellence and hard work will be rewarded with a competitive salary, career advancement opportunities, and an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, 401(k), and supplemental insurance. Orbital Engineering, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, EEO/AA/M-F-V-D. Orbital Engineering, Inc. seeks diversity among its employees. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential job functions. DIS00002065 LI-CV1

Keywords: Orbital Engineering, Inc., Elmhurst , Distribution Engineer - Greater Hammond / Chicago Area, Energy / Utilities , Hammond, Illinois