Senior Distribution Designer -- Grid
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Reading, PA, 19601
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 11 January 2026
Description
This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid schedule.
Under the direction of a project lead, this position will offer you the opportunity to work in a project team environment with other engineers and designers using your knowledge of design practices to:
- Prepare construction sketches and details for:
- Overhead and underground network services (4 KV through 34 KV)
- Traffic control plans and/or permit drawings
- Structural facility drawings
- Equipment drawings
- Plans and profiles
- Perform short circuit and voltage drop calculations.
- Develop Bills of Materials and estimates.
- Compile proper pole type and heights.
- Analyze and design priority feeds.
- Support maintenance and recapitalization of distribution components.
- Plan modifications to the system.
- Develop work packages to troubleshoot, repair, replace or modify electrical distribution systems.
- Develop work packages and follow the performance of the work.
Dependent upon your location, this opportunity offers a generous relocation package.
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
- This position requires an Associate’s Degree in Drafting, and/or a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology, and/or a high school diploma.
- 7 or more years drafting course work or equivalent technical experience.
- A minimum of 10 years of distribution design experience.
- Proficient with AutoCAD and/or MicroStation.
- Ability to visualize systems without the aid of the computer.
- An Associate’s Degree in Computer Aided Design.
- Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology, including the ability to relate various equipment to a technical design.
- Knowledgeable in applicable codes, standards, and distribution software programs.
- Familiarity with design codes and standards such as NESC, NEC, ANSI, IEEE, GIS/GWD.
- Experience with complex overhead and underground distribution projects (120/208V through 34 kV).
- Strong communication skills.
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- Familiarity with various distribution design/analysis software.
- Familiarity with GIS software.
- Experience in utility distribution inspections and/or construction.
Award-Winning Benefits
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance- Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
- Life & Accident Insurance
- Disability Coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Back-Up Daycare
- FSA & HSA
- 401(k)
- Pre-Tax Commuter Account
- Merit Scholarship Program
- Employee Discount Program
- Corporate Charitable Giving Program
- Tuition Assistance
- First Professional Licensure Bonus
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Bereavement Leave
- Flexible Work Arrangements
Compensation Range
$74,750.00 - $115,120.00Transparency Statement
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.Awards & Recognition
Equal Opportunity
Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.
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Frequently asked questions
In Reading, PA, Distribution Designers often encounter a mix of urban and rural grid challenges, requiring adaptive overhead and underground design skills. Compared to bigger cities, the work may emphasize community-specific infrastructure, local compliance codes, and closer collaboration with regional utilities, reflecting distinct grid maintenance and expansion needs.
Mastery of AutoCAD or MicroStation is critical, alongside deep familiarity with electrical distribution codes like NESC and NEC. Proficient visualization and the ability to perform complex short circuit and voltage drop calculations empower designers to develop accurate construction sketches and efficient grid layouts for overhead and underground systems.
Career advancement typically involves moving from detailed drafting and design roles to overseeing entire distribution projects or teams. Gaining expertise in advanced grid software, leadership skills, and cross-disciplinary knowledge in utility management can open pathways to senior engineering or distribution management positions.
Sargent & Lundy emphasizes comprehensive wellness plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, complemented by robust financial benefits like 401(k) and tuition assistance. Their award-winning culture promotes work-life balance through flexible schedules, paid parental leave, and supportive employee programs, enhancing overall job satisfaction.
The company integrates knowledge of regional grid standards and collaborates closely with local utility authorities. They encourage designers to apply practical engineering principles specific to Reading’s infrastructure, fostering solutions that address area-specific electrical load demands and regulatory compliance.
Reading's energy sector shows steady demand for seasoned designers proficient in grid infrastructure due to ongoing maintenance and upgrades. While competition exists, candidates with ten-plus years of distribution design experience and familiarity with local codes tend to stand out significantly in this specialized labor market.
The compensation spans approximately $74,750 to $115,120 annually, reflecting experience and technical expertise. This range aligns with regional norms for electrical distribution design professionals, coupled with a benefits package designed to balance financial and personal well-being.
Designers often navigate complex terrain and weather-related considerations that impact overhead and underground installations. Compliance with Pennsylvania-specific codes and balancing system reliability with cost-effectiveness requires nuanced engineering judgment and adaptive problem-solving.
Sargent & Lundy’s hybrid work flexibility and emphasis on cross-disciplinary project teams foster a collaborative environment. Their dedication to continuous employee development through merit scholarships and licensure bonuses sets their distribution design roles apart within the utility engineering field.
While not mandatory, familiarity with GIS and specialized distribution analysis software enhances a designer’s effectiveness. These tools support precise mapping and system modeling, enabling more informed decision-making in complex grid design and maintenance projects.