What is a distribution engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted Expert

Fred Garber Ph.D.

A distribution engineer designs and maintains the infrastructure of power distribution systems. They ensure that electricity is distributed safely and reliably to homes, businesses, and other facilities. Distribution engineers use their technical expertise to design power grids, substations, transformers, and other equipment. They also monitor the performance of the distribution network, troubleshoot problems, and develop strategies to optimize system efficiency. Distribution engineers work with project managers, electricians, and utility workers to ensure that projects are completed.

What general advice would you give to a Distribution Engineer?

Fred Garber Ph.D.

Professor, Electrical Engineering, Wright State University

I think the primary question, in the minds of those who are yet to graduate or are still searching, is in regard to the strength of the technical job market, especially the local job market. But you are in a position to definitively answer that question.

In you article, I would ask that you address the following:
Number of employers looking to fill and number of job offerings in the region (by engineering and computer science major) compared to last year and to the previous five years.

Any noticeable differences in job descriptions Zippia is receiving relative to work environment, benefits, starting salaries, etc.

Many of our soon-to-graduate students would be very interested in these quantitative and qualitative comparisons. Additionally, vast numbers of potential students would benefit from such information to guide their career choices.

ScoreDistribution EngineerUS Average

Salary

6.1

Avg. Salary $77,713

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

5.7

Growth Rate 3%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.2

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.18%

Asian 14.29%

Black or African American 4.94%

Hispanic or Latino 11.57%

Unknown 4.73%

White 64.28%

Gender

female 11.80%

male 88.20%

Age - 44

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44

Stress Level

5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

8.3

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

6.2

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Distribution Engineer?

Pros

Good salary and benefits
Chance to work on important infrastructure projects
Ability to work outdoors and in different environments
Continuous learning and development opportunities
Chance to work with cutting-edge technology

Cons

Long hours and the possibility of being on-call
Need to stay up-to-date with constantly evolving regulations and codes
May need to travel frequently and work on projects in remote locations
Need to work in all types of weather conditions
Work may involve dealing with difficult or dissatisfied customers or stakeholders

Key steps to become a distribution engineer

Explore distribution engineer education requirements

Most common distribution engineer degrees

Bachelor's

79.9 %

Associate

8.1 %

Master's

6.4 %

Start to develop specific distribution engineer skills

Skills	Percentages
Aided Design	19.61%
GIS	17.92%
CAD	14.92%
NESC	13.56%
Voltage Drop	7.31%

Complete relevant distribution engineer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New distribution engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a distribution engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real distribution engineer resumes.

Research distribution engineer duties and responsibilities

Manage general facilities including commissioning, building management systems, and calibrations for GMP area for tablets production operation.
Provide power flow, protection, NEC, ANSI, UL code applications, trouble shooting of electrical system outages.
Develop industrial standards and submit same to ANSI.
Assist when need in updating construction designs in GIS.

Apply for distribution engineer jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a distribution engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams