Position Summary
The Joint Use Attachment Engineer is responsible for reviewing, designing, and approving pole attachment applications for communications and utility infrastructure. This role ensures compliance with engineering standards, safety regulations, and applicable codes (such as the NESC), while maintaining the integrity and reliability of the electric distribution system. The engineer collaborates with internal teams, telecom providers, and regulatory bodies to facilitate safe and efficient joint use of utility poles.
Key Responsibilities
• Review joint use applications for pole attachments, including telecom, fiber, cable, and wireless equipment installations.
• Perform structural and load analysis of utility poles to ensure compliance with design and safety standards.
• Evaluate pole capacity and determine make-ready requirements necessary to accommodate new attachments.
• Design and specify required upgrades, such as pole replacements, guying, or rearrangements.
• Ensure adherence to National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), company standards, and local/state regulations.
• Coordinate with internal departments (engineering, construction, operations) and third-party attachers.
• Provide cost estimates and contribute to project timelines for make-ready work.
• Review and approve engineering drawings, construction plans, and field data.
• Resolve field issues related to pole attachments, including conflicts or clearance violations.
• Support field inspections or audits of existing pole conditions and attachments.
• Maintain accurate engineering and asset records in GIS or work management systems.
• Assist in developing and improving joint use policies, standards, and processes.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 2–5+ years of experience in utility distribution engineering, telecommunications, or joint use engineering.
• Knowledge of overhead distribution systems and pole line construction practices.
• Familiarity with NESC, OSHA regulations, and joint use agreements.
• Experience with pole loading analysis software (e.g., O-Calc, SpidaCalc, Katapult, or similar).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Excellent communication and coordination skills.
Preferred Qualifications
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or progress toward licensure.
• Experience working with electric utilities or telecom providers.
• Familiarity with GIS systems and utility asset management databases.
• Knowledge of make-ready engineering and FCC pole attachment rules.
Key Competencies
• Attention to detail and safety awareness
• Technical and structural analysis expertise
• Project coordination and stakeholder management
• Regulatory compliance understanding
• Time management and ability to handle multiple projects
Work Environment
• Primarily office-based with occasional field visits.
• May require site inspections in varying weather and terrain conditions.
• Interaction with customers, contractors, and regulatory agencies.