Joint Use Engineer

• 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.

Typical Career Path

• Entry-Level Distribution Engineer → Joint Use Engineer → Senior Engineer → Engineering Manager /
• Asset Management / Utility Operations Leadership