Design Specialist

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.

At HBK Engineering, the integrity of our infrastructure is paramount. We are seeking a highly specialized Design Specialist who will serve as the ultimate guardian of compliance and engineering excellence within our high-stakes electrical utility distribution design and construction sector.

Your mission is clear: Guarantee that every project not only meets baseline regulatory requirements and industry codes but actively exceeds the performance and quality expectations of our clients.

You will act as the crucial Subject Matter Expert, collaborating closely with our talented planners and designers, championing best practices, and ensuring a culture of zero-defect execution.

• Apply broad knowledge of engineering principles and practices to ensure design compliance with relevant specifications, codes, and client requirements.
• Independently evaluate, select, and adapt standard techniques, procedures, and criteria to address unique and complex electrical, structural, civil, and construction-related challenges.
• Act as a team lead in the coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of utility engineering work.
• Coach and mentor entry-level staff.
• Perform quality control reviews of engineering designs under the oversight of professional engineering staff.
• Interface with clients to discuss a wide range of engineering and project management topics including project scope, schedule, budget, and invoices.
• Assist in the development of project scope for proposals, contracts, or cost estimates.
• Schedule and coordinate design work including relevant field support to ensure projects are completed on time.
• Develop and track project finances to ensure projects are completed within budget.
• Own all phases of the design lifecycle from initiation through construction completion and project closeout.
• Prepare reports and studies meeting client requirements that present technical information clearly and concisely.
• Work with project management and engineering leadership to manage project risk.
• Communicate complex engineering matters to internal project management, engineering leadership, and field resources.
• Independently manage time and schedule to achieve project milestones.
• Perform field walkdowns with internal staff, clients, customers, governance authorities, and construction partners.
• Travel as needed, typically <25%.

• An ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong technology skills and an understanding of the Office365 suite of tools.
• In-depth knowledge of 2D CADD software (AutoCAD or similar) including its use to generate layout drawings or other project materials.
• Review of drawings or engineering materials developed by others.
• Staff management and team oversight.
• Training and mentoring of entry- and mid-level staff.
• Understanding of remote communication software.
• Ability to come up to speed quickly on in-process projects and hit the ground running.
• Experience collaborating with a team in order to complete a larger project.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills suited for both internal and external conversations.
• Active management of project scope, schedule, and budget.
• The persistence to see projects through to completion.
• Adaptable to change in a dynamic team environment.

Education and Experience:

• Associate degree in a related technical field. (Preferred)
• Related technical certificates of achievement in CADD and related software platforms. (Preferred)

• Direct client interface and relationship management responsibilities
• Professional growth within the HBK Organization's senior Design Track
• Opportunity to lead coordination of complex utility engineering projects
• Team management experience with timesheet approval and annual review responsibilities
• Collaborative work environment with project management and engineering leadership
• Travel opportunities for field work and client engagement
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Career advancement opportunities in senior design leadership roles.

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.