Engineering Technician – Distribution Engineering
Electric Distribution Engineering
Job Purpose
Provide technical expertise to plan, design, and support the construction and maintenance of the Company’s electric distribution system, with a primary focus on distribution rebuilds and system modifications. This role ensures work is completed in compliance with established safety codes, governmental regulations, and Company standards while supporting system reliability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Core Responsibilities
Note: This is not an all-inclusive listing.
Design and coordinate upgrades, relocations, and replacements of overhead and underground electric distribution facilities in accordance with National Electric Safety Code (NESC), Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) requirements, and Company construction standards.
Support distribution rebuild and modification projects by developing accurate designs, layouts, and construction documentation.
Collaborate closely with external customers and internal stakeholders to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective solutions for Company-driven and customer-initiated projects.
Prepare estimates for make-ready work and design billable job orders for joint-use attachments with other utilities.
Coordinate the design and tracking of municipal streetlight systems served from Company distribution facilities.
Perform clearance reviews, sag and tension calculations, and pole loading analyses to ensure ongoing code compliance.
Actively support the department’s safety program by promoting a positive safety culture, participating in safety meetings, and incorporating safety considerations into all design and field decisions.
Maintain working knowledge of applicable safety codes, governmental regulations, Company rules, and construction standards.
Behavioral Competencies
Note: These are in addition to MGE’s Core Competencies
Technical Learning – Actively builds knowledge of electric distribution systems, codes, and standards; applies learning to improve design quality and efficiency.
Plans and Aligns – Organizes work, manages multiple projects, and adapts to changing schedules, priorities, and customer requirements.
Collaborates – Works effectively with internal teams, customers, municipalities, and trade allies to achieve shared goals.
Ensures Accountability – Takes ownership of design accuracy, compliance, and project deliverables.
Values Differences – Builds positive working relationships and communicates effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
Skills
Electric distribution system design (overhead and underground) – Working proficiency
Application of safety and regulatory codes (NESC, PSCW) – Working proficiency
Reading and interpreting drawings, maps, and construction documents – Working proficiency
Project coordination and time management – Working proficiency
Customer and stakeholder communication – Working proficiency
Use of engineering, GIS, and utility design software – Working proficiency
Independent problem solving and decision-making – Working proficiency
Education
Associate degree in Power Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience
Valid State of Wisconsin driver’s license required
Experience
Three to five years of related experience in the electric utility industry or electric distribution design
Job Location
The position is hybrid, and office days are in downtown Madison, Wisconsin, where MGE is an active participant in community efforts to preserve the area's extraordinary quality of life. We offer free, on-site parking and are located near biking trails and bus stops. Many employees enjoy the convenience of our on-site EV charging stations.
Pre-employment will require satisfactory completion of a background check and drug screen.
We are an AA/EOE employer and consider all qualified candidates without regard to protected status.