Designer

About Us

HBK Engineering, LLC is a fully licensed, professional engineering design firm headquartered in Chicago, IL with a staff approaching 700 individuals. HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support services and permitting facilitation. Since our founding in 1998, we have earned a reputation for delivering outstanding, accurate services in extremely time-sensitive, multilayered environments. That "industry-recognized" performance has propelled our expansion and the ability to provide engineering services in all 50 states. With 25 offices nationwide, including concentrations in the Midwest and on the Coasts, HBK brings together a dedicated team whose main focus is the design and protection of utilities and utility networks. We have successfully performed engineering work for a complete spectrum of utility infrastructure projects providing solutions and construction support from Coast to Coast in areas ranging from complex urban city centers, to rural greenfields, to limited access rights-of-way. In July 2020, HBK Engineering was acquired by Quanta Services. Quanta Services provides infrastructure services for electric power, pipeline, and communications industries and employees over 50,000 people. Quanta’s focus on the utility industry and HBK’s focus on constructability in our designs has made our integration into the Quanta family of companies seamless.

About this Role

An Experienced Designer at HBK Engineering is responsible for designing engineering systems for overhead and subsurface utility projects with a high degree of independence and leadership. This specific role focuses on supporting projects in the Minneapolis area and requires a seasoned professional capable of addressing complex electrical, structural, and civil challenges with minimal oversight. The position includes coaching entry-level staff while owning the design lifecycle from initiation through project closeout.

 

• Primary Work Location: Remote (Must be based in the Minneapolis, MN/St. Paul area).

What You'll Do

• Design engineering systems in compliance with relevant specifications, codes, and client requirements for overhead and subsurface utility projects.
• Apply specialized knowledge of Xcel Energy Distribution Design and Engineering standards to ensure project success.
• Use engineering judgment to independently address unique electrical and construction-related challenges with minimal oversight.
• Coach and mentor entry-level staff and perform peer reviews of engineering designs.
• Own all phases of the design lifecycle, including preparing detailed construction documents using AutoCAD and client-specific asset management platforms.
• Analyze data from topographical surveys, utility atlases, field sketches, and manufacturer datasheets.
• Develop utility pole loading models using structural software (e.g., SPIDAcalc).
• Communicate complex engineering matters to project management, leadership, and field resources.
• Perform field walkdowns with internal staff, clients, and construction partners as needed.

What You'll Bring

• Significant professional experience in utility design (Senior/Experienced level).
• Strong preference for candidates with direct experience in Xcel Energy distribution standards.
• Previous field experience: Proven ability to perform site walkdowns, verify field conditions, and translate real-world constraints into engineering designs.
• In-depth knowledge of 2D CADD software (AutoCAD) and its use in generating complex layout drawings.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage time to achieve project milestones.
• Experience training and mentoring junior designers or entry-level staff.
• Strong technology skills, including the Office365 suite and remote communication software.
• Ability to "hit the ground running" on active, in-process projects.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company’s Human Resources department.