Project/Design Specialist - Electric Distribution
The Project/Design Specialist supports electric distribution projects by performing design work and assisting with project management tasks like scheduling and budgeting. This role is designed for a technical professional looking to grow into a Project Manager position through mentorship and hands-on experience.
- Compensation
- Not disclosed
- Location
- Madison, Wisconsin, United States
- Work setup
- Hybrid
- Seniority
- Not specified
- Employment
- Full time
- Experience
- Not specified
- Category
- Design
- Posted
Must have
- Experience supporting electric distribution systems, including overhead and/or underground design, or related technical projects
- Strong technical foundations and attention to detail
Nice to have
- Experience working in a consulting, utility, or infrastructure-focused environment
- Ability to communicate effectively with engineers, designers, and project stakeholders
- Interest in project management, leadership, and client interaction
- Comfort working on multiple tasks or projects in a deadline-driven environment
- Desire to grow beyond pure design into a broader delivery or leadership role over time
- Exposure to utility clients or investor-owned utilities (IOUs)
- Familiarity with distribution design workflows, permitting, and construction support
- Experience assisting with schedules, estimates, or project tracking tools
- Bachelor's or Associate's degree in engineering, design or other technical areas
Full description
We’re seeking a motivated Project Specialist – Electric Distribution to join our growing Electric Programs team. This role is ideal for a technically strong project professional who enjoys hands-on design work and is interested in developing project management skills with the goal of growing into a Project Manager role over time.
This position offers the opportunity to support and lead the technical execution of electric distribution projects, while gaining exposure to project planning, client coordination, cost awareness, and team leadership. You’ll work closely with experienced Project Managers who will mentor and support your growth as the team and program continue to expand.
This is a high-impact growth role on an expanding team, offering visibility, increasing responsibility, and a clear development path.
What You’ll Do
Technical Delivery
- Coordinate and/or perform electric distribution design work, including overhead and underground distribution, system upgrades, and modernization projects
- Lead quality control (QC) reviews for pre- and post-construction design packages
- Prepare and review technical analyses, design documents, and deliverables to ensure accuracy, constructability, and compliance with standards
- Review vendor drawings and participate in reviews for projects
- Support permitting and coordination with municipalities, utilities, and third-party stakeholders as needed
- Assist with construction support and help resolve design-related issues during build
Project Coordination & PM Skill Development
- Partner closely with the Project Manager to support scope, schedule, budget, and quality tracking
- Communicate risks, constraints, and schedule impacts clearly to PMs and stakeholders
- Participate in client meetings, technical discussions, and coordination calls
- Assist with proposal development, technical estimates, and understanding fee structures
- Support forecasting, workload planning, and tracking progress across multiple projects
- Learn and apply best practices related to project controls, change management, and risk management
Team & Program Growth
- Contribute ideas for process improvements, standardization, and efficiency gains
- Support a collaborative, growth-oriented team culture
- Take advantage of structured mentorship and opportunities to build toward a future Project Manager role
Required Qualifications