Power Designer - Field

Description

Power Designer - Field

Overhead Power Utility Pole Design | Field Data Collection

Remote Location: Shreveport, LA

Primary Field Focus: Northwestern Louisiana, Northeast Texas and along the West Arkansas border.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking an experienced Power Distribution / Make-Ready Designer who is comfortable owning the full lifecycle of utility pole design, from field data collection through construction-ready engineering deliverables. This role is ideal for designers who prefer to personally verify field conditions, understand how real-world infrastructure impacts design decisions, and want to reduce handoff gaps between field and design teams. Candidates must have prior experience in overhead utility pole design and NESC-compliant make-ready or power distribution engineering. This is not an entry-level or field-only role.

This role will initially support project work in Northwestern Louisiana, Northeast Texas and along the West Arkansas border. As project needs grow and shift, the assigned work areas may change. Applicants must be willing and able to travel outside of the initial starting areas, including overnight travel when required.

When not performing field data collection, this position will work remotely. Regular local fieldwork is required and work location can vary (50%+ travel possible). Not all travel will result in an overnight stay, depending on the work area compared to the home location.

This position requires the use of your own vehicle for which we provide mileage reimbursement. Sigma covers the cost of hotels and provides daily per diem when overnight stays are required.

Note: New hires are required to attend a 2-week paid, in-person onboarding and training at our Perrysburg, Ohio headquarters.
Applicants without prior experience in utility pole design or power distribution engineering may not be considered.

What You Can Expect to Do

Field Data Collection and Walkouts

• Perform utility pole walkouts and field surveys to collect accurate attachment, clearance, and structural data
• Verify pole ownership, attachment types, heights, spans, guying, and equipment in the field
• Document existing conditions
• Capture photos, measurements, GPS data, and field notes to support design decisions
• Research right-of-way, easements, permitting constraints, and property ownership as necessary

Design and Engineering

• Execute overhead distribution and make-ready designs in compliance with NESC and client standards
• Evaluate field conditions and determine make-ready requirements, attachment rearrangements, and pole replacements
• Perform pole loading analysis and clearance resolution
• Develop complete, construction-ready design packages
• Perform end-to-end joint-use and/or general distribution design
• Use design platforms such as DDS, AutoCAD, MicroStation, Katapult, O-Calc, GIS, or utility-specific systems
• Collaborate with engineering, project management, and quality teams as needed
• Perform or support quality control reviews as needed

TOP COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

Make-Ready Engineering, Power Distribution Design, Utility Pole Walkouts, Field Data Collection, Joint-Use Design, Pole Loading Analysis, NESC Compliance, Overhead Distribution, Utility Pole Attachments, Right-of-Way and Permitting, Construction-Ready Design, DDS, GIS for Utility Design, CAD for Utility Design, Aerial Design, Utility Coordination

Requirements

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or higher in engineering, drafting, or a related field preferred
• Minimum 1 year of experience in power distribution design, or make-ready engineering / joint-use design (2+ years strongly preferred)
• Demonstrated experience performing utility pole walkouts and field data collection specifically to support design work
• Proven experience applying NESC standards, clearance analysis, and pole loading concepts
• Proficiency with CAD or MicroStation; strong preference for experience with DDS, Katapult, O-Calc, or similar utility design platforms
• Strong understanding of overhead power distribution construction practices
• Ability to work independently in the field and translate field conditions into accurate designs
• Valid driver’s license, active auto insurance, and ability to pass background, drug, and motor vehicle screenings
• Authorization to work in the United States
• Willingness to perform regular local fieldwork with