Gamal Sheard

About Gamal Sheard

I’m a Senior Distribution Designer & Team Lead with 10+ years of experience delivering high-quality overhead and underground electrical distribution designs for major utilities across the United States. I specialize in end-to-end project execution — from field data collection and engineering analysis to design development, QA/QC, and final construction packages.I currently lead and mentor a 6–10 person design team, providing daily technical guidance, approving OT and time off, coordinating payroll, and ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely deliverables. My leadership style is hands-on, safety-driven, and focused on developing strong designers who can confidently execute complex OH/UG distribution work.My technical background includes multi-million-dollar distribution projects, grid hardening initiatives, system upgrades, reconductoring, new line extensions, and capacity expansion programs for utilities such as NiSource, Eversource, and Duke Energy. I bring extensive experience in NESC compliance, structural loading, sag/tension calculations, conductor sizing, material selection, and Construction Unit/Assembly identification for BOM accuracy.In the field, I conduct detailed site investigations and operate with strict safety practices across diverse terrains and high-risk environments. In the office, I leverage industry-standard tools including AutoCAD, ArcFM, ArcGIS, SpidaCalc, PoleForeman, Maximo, and various GIS-based systems to model, analyze, and optimize distribution line design.I’m passionate about leading teams, solving engineering challenges, and delivering safe, reliable, and cost-effective utility infrastructure solutions. I’m actively open to roles in electrical distribution design, utility engineering, grid modernization, T&D engineering support, and leadership positions where I can continue to contribute technical expertise and develop strong high-performing teams.

Experience

1. Distribution Designer

   Mesa Associates, Inc

   Aug 2019 — Present

   Design and prepare construction orders related to overhead, underground facilities associated with electric distribution systems applying prescribed standards, guides, specifications and procedures. Develop and design routine to moderately difficult engineering and construction drawings (layouts, assemblies, schematics, and details) in OH/UG distribution line design based on general engineering or design information utilizing computer aided design technology. Responsible for the quality of design documents, and that all documents are prepared in accordance with applicable Mesa or client procedures which define the requirements for document/deliverable generation.Working knowledge of the design approach (technical, construction, and commercial) and ensures that the design approach meets the applicable requirements.Maintains understanding of drawing types required for a project, their purpose, and inter-relationship with other sets of deliverables. Communication with Senior Designer on project status, needs, and changes in scope, schedule, and budget. Performs basic design calculations, prepares material and equipment specifications, and produces preliminary sketches or detailed design drawings once design approach is finalized. Maintain understanding of general construction methods and constructability requirements.Works with Senior Designer to evaluate, select, and apply design techniques, procedures, and criteria to assigned engineering/technical tasks. Reference information from vendor prints, catalogs, technical manuals, and client standards and interface with engineering as required. Knowledge of drafting/design, including techniques, standards, nomenclature, and symbols used in the preparation of drawings. Daily utilize software such as AutoCAD, Microstation, and Microsoft Office Suites.Software experience in Pole Foreman, SpidaCalc, O-Calc Pro is required. Experience in GIS and WMS systems is preferred.

Education

• College of Southern Maryland

  Associate of Arts (AA), General Studies

  2006 — 2008

• Bowie State University

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Applied Mathematics

  2008 — 2011

Skills

• Matlab
• Cross Functional Team Building
• Lean Manufacturing
• Fmea
• Injection Molding
• Microsoft Office
• Data Acquisition
• Statistics
• Employee Training
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Product Development
• Validation
• Autocad
• Iso
• Customer Relationship Management (Crm)
• Continuous Improvement
• Testing
• Customer Service
• Mechanical Engineering
• Polyworks
• Team Management
• Supervisory Skills
• 5s
• Time Management
• Design for Manufacturing
• Quality Assurance
• Management
• Troubleshooting
• Data Analysis
• Six Sigma
• Quality Auditing
• Utilities
• Microsoft Powerpoint
• Engineering
• Microsoft Word
• Team Leadership
• Solidworks
• Project Management
• Inspection
• Minitab