Distribution Design Project Lead

At Stantec, we’re leading the energy transition. How? By combining the strength of a large company with the agility of specialized teams to think big and tackle the hardest challenges. Join us, and you’ll be at the forefront of an evolving industry creating renewable energy solutions, modernizing the electric grid, and developing natural gas infrastructure.

And as part of one of the world’s top design firms, you’ll have the chance to create connections and grow professionally while building our clean energy future. #FeelingEnergized

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

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.

Stantec is a place where the best and brightest come to build on each other’s talents, do exciting work, and make an impact on the world around us. Join us and redefine your personal best. #EnergyAccelerated

Pay Range:

• Locations in CO, HI, IL, MD & Various CA, CT, NJ, VA Areas-$89,200.00 - $129,400.00 Annually

Primary Location: United States | CA | San Diego Organization: BC-2308 E&R-US Southwest Employee Status: Regular Management Level: Individual contributor Business Justification: New Position Travel: No Schedule: Full time Job Posting: 19/10/2026 05:10:51 Req ID: 1008211

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. At Stantec we are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process then please inform a member of our Talent Acquisition team.