Capacity Planner Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Distribution Planning Engineer / Distribution Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on distribution planning activities for electric distribution systems, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient power delivery. You will analyze load growth, perform power system studies, evaluate voltage and VAR performance, and identify opportunities to improve system reliability and capacity. The position works closely with engineering, operations, reliability, construction planning, and resource management teams, supports infrastructure expansion projects, and may contribute to system emergency response and strategic grid modernization initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Analyze load growth and forecast capacity requirements for distribution substations and distribution circuits.
• Perform distribution system studies, including voltage and VAR analysis, to assess system performance.
• Identify system deficiencies and develop recommended solutions to improve performance, reliability, and capacity.
• Develop project scopes and engineering recommendations to support distribution infrastructure expansion projects.
• Assist with customer load evaluations and method-of-service decisions to ensure appropriate service solutions.
• Support reliability, power quality, engineering, and operations teams with technical analysis and planning recommendations.
• Conduct engineering studies and technical evaluations of moderate complexity for distribution systems.
• Prepare clear technical reports, calculations, correspondence, documentation, and engineering recommendations.
• Support strategic grid improvement initiatives and long-range planning efforts for the electric distribution system.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate project records, engineering documentation, and supporting files for assigned projects.
• Provide engineering support during storm restoration and emergency response activities as needed.
• Utilize tools such as CYME, GIS, Bentley Open Utility Designer, MicroStation, and related applications to perform system planning, capacity analysis, and circuit studies.
• Contribute to distribution engineering and design activities, including coordination with substation, transmission, and distribution teams.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• 1–5 years of engineering experience, including at least 1 year of distribution engineering or distribution design experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills applied to power distribution systems and capacity planning.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with electric distribution systems, including substations, feeders, and distribution infrastructure.
• Experience with distribution capacity planning, circuit analysis, or system planning.
• Experience supporting electric utility engineering, design, planning, operations, or reliability teams.
• Familiarity with GIS and distribution system applications.
• Understanding of distribution substation design and distribution system operations.
• Ability to evaluate engineering alternatives and prepare technical recommendations.
• Understanding of project management fundamentals.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering for candidates without direct distribution planning experience.
• Electric utility distribution experience is highly preferred for all candidates.
• Demonstrated understanding of power distribution systems and electrical engineering fundamentals.
• Experience with CYME for distribution system modeling and analysis is a plus.
• Experience with tools such as BOUD, Maximo, Smallworld, Bentley Open Utility Designer, MicroStation, and GIS for system planning and asset management.
• Background in power distribution, transmission, and substation-related engineering is beneficial.
• EIT certification or successful completion of the FE Exam is a plus.
• Experience with DER integration, voltage optimization, infrastructure upgrades, and capital improvement projects is advantageous.
• Familiarity with strategic grid modernization programs and storm-hardening initiatives is beneficial.

Work Environment

This role is based in a modern office near downtown with easy access and a recently renovated, attractive workspace. The power group consists of approximately 40 professionals within an office of more than 100 employees, offering a collaborative environment with distribution planners, engineers, designers, construction professionals, and utility subject matter experts. The Raleigh office includes multiple asset teams, a relocation team, and a lighting team, providing exposure to diverse utility engineering disciplines. The position follows a hybrid schedule: after roughly 1–3 months, depending on individual development, team members typically have the option to work from home on Monday and Friday. Remote work may be considered for an experienced planning engineer who can operate independently. Employees benefit from long-term utility infrastructure programs, supporting major electric utility investments, reliability improvements, storm-hardening initiatives, and grid modernization efforts. The organization offers an employee ownership program, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), a 401(k) with company match, performance-based compensation growth, and comprehensive healthcare benefits, contributing to stability, career growth, and direct participation in the company’s long-term success.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Raleigh, NC.

The pay range for this position is $27.00 - $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 Raleigh,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 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.