Associate Designer Jobs in Towson, MD (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Distribution Designer

Job Description

The Distribution Designer supports utility design work for electric and potentially gas distribution systems, with a strong focus on projects in the PEPCO territory. This role centers on creating detailed, construction-ready designs using CAD tools and utility-specific software, ensuring all work complies with client standards and regulatory requirements. The position contributes to a growing engineering firm that is expanding into larger, more complex projects such as commercial developments and multi-unit communities. The designer collaborates closely with engineers, project teams, and utility stakeholders while working in a hybrid environment that balances in-office and remote work.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed electric and gas distribution designs for residential and commercial development projects using MicroStation, GWD, and other utility-specific software.
• Produce construction-ready drawings and design packages that meet utility standards, client specifications, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform distribution design work within PEPCO’s proprietary systems and standards, including use of PEPCO tools and processes.
• Utilize AS8 (Asset Suite 8) and Geographic Work Designer (GWD) to model, document, and manage utility distribution assets and work orders.
• Coordinate with engineers, project teams, and utility stakeholders to gather design requirements, clarify project scope, and ensure alignment with project objectives.
• Communicate effectively with clients and internal teams to provide updates, address questions, and resolve design-related issues.
• Review and verify design accuracy, completeness, and constructability, making revisions as needed to meet project timelines and quality expectations.
• Work independently in a hybrid environment, managing workload, priorities, and deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Contribute to the planning and execution of larger, more complex projects, including commercial developments and multi-unit communities.
• Support continuous improvement of design processes and tools by providing feedback and participating in team discussions and initiatives.
• Maintain reliability and strong work ethic by consistently delivering high-quality work and meeting performance expectations.

Essential Skills

• 2–5 years of experience in utility distribution design for electric and/or gas systems.
• Demonstrated experience with PEPCO projects and familiarity with PEPCO standards and proprietary systems.
• Hands-on experience using Geographic Work Designer (GWD) for utility design work.
• Proficiency in MicroStation or similar CAD software for developing construction-ready utility designs and drawings.
• Experience executing electric and gas distribution designs for residential and commercial development projects.
• Ability to work independently in a hybrid environment and manage workload effectively without heavy oversight.
• Strong communication skills for collaborating with engineers, project teams, utility stakeholders, and clients.
• Solid problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot design issues and propose practical solutions.
• Consistent reliability and strong work ethic, with a focus on accuracy and attention to detail in all design tasks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate’s degree is a plus and demonstrates foundational technical or engineering knowledge.
• Experience working directly within PEPCO’s proprietary systems and standards is strongly preferred.
• Strong preference for prior PEPCO project experience and familiarity with PEPCO territory.
• Experience using AS8 (Asset Suite 8) for asset management and utility work management.
• Background in gas utility design is beneficial for projects involving gas distribution systems.
• Experience with AutoCAD or similar CAD platforms as a complement to MicroStation proficiency.
• Client communication experience, including presenting design concepts and addressing technical questions.
• Interest in learning and development within a high-growth, engineering-focused environment.

Work Environment

This role operates in a hybrid work model, with three days in the office and two days remote each week. The primary office is located in White Marsh, MD, with potential future satellite office presence near PEPCO territory. The environment is fast-paced and growth-driven, offering exposure to increasingly complex utility and development projects. The culture is team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on accountability, performance, and collaboration among designers, engineers, and project staff. The firm places a strong focus on learning and development, supported by company events and engagement activities that foster connection and knowledge sharing. Employees benefit from competitive offerings including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and various office perks, creating an attractive and supportive setting for long-term career growth.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of White Marsh, MD.

The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $35.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in White Marsh,MD.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 24, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.