--- title: 'Distribution Design Engineer at Valdes Architecture & Engineering' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/distribution-design-engineer-valdes-architecture-engineering-lombard-bfa3ta8dxws1' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-07' --- # Distribution Design Engineer at Valdes Architecture & Engineering - **Company:** Valdes Architecture & Engineering - **Location:** Lombard, IL - **Compensation:** $60k–$120k - **Employment:** full-time - **Work type:** hybrid - **Posted:** 2023-07-20 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-07 - **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/valdeseng/4c6194b7-8da9-4a03-b4a9-273cb2def220 ## Job description We are seeking a Distribution Design Engineer to join our growing team supporting overhead and underground utility distribution projects (34kV and below). This role offers the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects that directly impact power delivery and community infrastructure. You will be involved in the full design lifecycle—from initial field assessments through construction support—while collaborating closely with utility clients, internal design teams, and field personnel. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys hands-on design work, problem-solving, and seeing projects come to life in the field. ## Responsibilities - Perform engineering and design for overhead and underground utility distribution systems (34kV and below) - Develop distribution line designs using client-specific standards, processes, and network design software - Manage and prioritize multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced environment - Collaborate with internal teams and interface directly with utility clients to ensure project alignment and success - Prepare complete construction packages for overhead and underground distribution projects - Utilize GIS data and mapping tools to support design development and accuracy - Conduct field walkdowns to validate existing conditions and inform design decisions - Respond to field questions during construction and provide technical support as needed - Coordinate with equipment suppliers, surveyors, and construction personnel throughout the project lifecycle - Provide guidance and mentorship to less experienced team members Typical Project Assignments - Overhead and underground distribution design for new and rebuild line projects - Pole replacements and system upgrades - Grid automation and system modernization efforts - New customer service interconnections - Underground cable replacements and cable vault design - Joint-use coordination and design - Preparation of design calculations and material selection in accordance with client standards - GIS mapping and system documentation ## Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering - 3–7 years of experience in utility distribution engineering or related field - Familiarity with overhead and underground distribution design practices - Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and with clients - Experience with GIS tools and design software is preferred - Must possess exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills - Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future What The Role Offers - Exposure to a diverse mix of utility distribution projects - Hands-on experience across design, fieldwork, and construction support - A collaborative environment with opportunities to learn from experienced engineers and grow your career - The ability to contribute to critical infrastructure that powers communities Valdes Architecture & Engineering Company is looking for bright and talented people that want to take their career to the next level. We offer many rewarding career paths to challenge and engage our employees at all phases of their careers. Our office provides a team environment, and excellent working conditions, which allow individuals to maximize their potential. Valdes Architecture & Engineering offers an outstanding benefits package including Medical, Dental, 401K plan, Company paid Long Term and Short Term Disability Insurance, Company paid Life and AD&D Insurance, Pet Insurance, a discounted gym membership and tuition reimbursement. ## EEO/AAE ## About Valdes Architecture & Engineering ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Valdes Architecture & Engineering is a multidisciplinary engineering, architecture, and project management firm delivering capital project solutions primarily for industrial and facility markets. - **Entity Type**: Private - **Headquarters**: Lombard, Illinois, United States - **Founded**: 1992 - **Founders**: Robert (Bob) Valdes, PE, SE ## Core Business - **Primary industry/industries**: Engineering & Architecture, Project Management, Industrial Construction - **Target customers**: B2B; clients in oil & gas, chemicals, utilities, life sciences, manufacturing, science & technology, government, higher education, and agribusiness. - **Mission or purpose statement**: To deliver timely, cost-effective solutions for capital projects of any size, complexity, or location through a commitment to safety, quality, and client satisfaction [valdeseng.com]. ## Products & Services Valdes offers a full suite of in-house services covering the lifecycle of capital projects: - **Architecture**: Building design and planning. - **Civil Engineering**: Site development and infrastructure. - **Structural Engineering**: Analysis and design of structural systems. - **Mechanical & Electrical Engineering**: HVAC, plumbing, power, and lighting systems. - **Process Engineering**: Design for chemical, refining, and manufacturing processes. - **Instrumentation & Controls**: Automation and control system design. - **Piping & Plant Layout**: 3D modeling and piping stress analysis. - **Laser Scanning & Surveying**: Reality capture for existing conditions. - **Project Management**: Full project controls, cost estimating, procurement, and construction management. - **Validity & Integration**: Commissioning and system integration. - **Plant Services & Support**: Ongoing operational support and staffing services. ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly available (Private company) - **Key Metric**: ~200 employees; completed over 7,300 projects across the United States [valdeseng.com]. - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Not publicly disclosed. Privately held and managed by founder and leadership. - **Growth Signals**: - Grew from a single-person civil/structural firm in 1992 to a 200-person multidisciplinary team. - Maintains long-term relationships with clients (still serves its very first client) [valdeseng.com]. - Holds multiple professional licenses (Architecture, Land Surveying, Professional Engineering, Structural Engineering). - Certified as a Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) by the NMSDC, Illinois CMS, City of Chicago, and California PUC. ## Competitive Advantages - **Minority-Owned Certification**: Certified MBE status is a differentiator for government and large corporate clients with diversity spend requirements. - **Deep Industry Expertise**: 30+ years of focused work in complex, high-stakes sectors like refining, chemicals, and utilities. - **Full U.S.-Based Execution**: All work is performed in the United States, ensuring quality control and compliance with domestic standards [valdeseng.com]. - **Integrated Multidisciplinary Model**: Offers architecture, engineering, and project management under one roof, reducing handoff friction for clients. ## Strategic Focus - **Expand Service Lines**: Has continuously added capabilities (e.g., process engineering, laser scanning, staffing services) to serve a broader range of client needs. - **Deepen Client Partnerships**: Emphasis on repeat business and long-term relationships, rather than transactional project work. - **Geographic Expansion**: Maintains offices in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, with an increasing ability to support projects across the U.S. ## Why Work Here - **Culture & Work Environment**: Emphasizes a collaborative, team-based atmosphere rooted in safety and quality. The company highlights a high number of long-term employees as a sign of a positive culture [valdeseng.com]. - **Flexibility**: Offers flexible schedules including a **9×4 weekly schedule option** and **remote work flexibility** [valdeseng.com]. - **Benefits Package**: Competitive salaries, 401(K) with company match, company-paid life/AD&D/STD/LTD insurance, PTO, and paid holidays (including Veterans Day for veterans). - **Professional Development**: Tuition reimbursement, reimbursement for annual license fees, in-house and external training, access to a Learning Management System (LMS), and a mentorship program. - **Diversity & Inclusion**: A certified Minority-Owned Business that states a commitment to diversity of thought and perspectives [valdeseng.com]. - **Recognition**: Employee of the Year award, anniversary milestone celebrations, and appreciation awards. - **Work Locations**: On-site roles are available in Lombard, IL; Griffith, IN; and Kenosha, WI. Some hybrid and remote positions are available for specific roles [lever.co]. ## Sources 1. [valdeseng.com](https://valdeseng.com/) 2. [valdeseng.com - Who We Are](https://valdeseng.com/who-we-are/) 3. [valdeseng.com - Careers](https://valdeseng.com/careers/) 4. [valdeseng.com - Benefits](https://valdeseng.com/benefits/) 5. 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