Designer Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

As a Distribution Designer, you'll be responsible for creating safe, efficient, and compliant utility distribution designs while supporting utility modernization efforts across Wisconsin, Iowa, and surrounding territories.

• Design gas distribution systems and utility infrastructure projects in accordance with industry standards and client requirements
• Develop system layouts and route designs for gas distribution networks
• Support steel-to-HDPE conversion projects by selecting appropriate materials and installation specifications
• Perform gas pressure calculations and technical analyses to ensure system performance and safety
• Create maps, construction packages, and detailed design documentation
• Conduct field visits to collect measurements, photographs, and site data needed for accurate design development
• Evaluate existing infrastructure and site conditions to identify design constraints and opportunities
• Support right-of-way reviews and route evaluations
• Enter and maintain design data within company and client systems
• Use tools such as Maximo, SAP, GIS platforms, and utility design software to support project delivery
• Perform QA/QC reviews to ensure design accuracy, completeness, and compliance
• Communicate directly with customers, utility representatives, landowners, and project stakeholders
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on infrastructure improvement initiatives, including pole replacement and broadband expansion projects

• Minimum of 1 years of gas distribution design experience with a utility, engineering firm, or utility contractor
• Experience designing gas distribution systems, including route planning and system layouts
• Ability to perform gas pressure calculations and apply results to system design
• Knowledge of utility design standards, including NESC, REC, MUS, or similar industry standards
• Experience using utility asset management and design systems such as Maximo
• Strong communication and customer-facing skills
• Ability to conduct field investigations and transform field data into accurate design packages
• Proficiency working independently as a utility designer or technician

• Experience with SAP or similar enterprise utility systems
• Experience supporting electric distribution projects
• Familiarity with pole replacement programs and aging infrastructure initiatives
• Experience with fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) or rural broadband projects
• Knowledge of utility operations within Wisconsin and Iowa service territories
• GIS experience and familiarity with utility mapping tools

This position offers a flexible balance between remote design work and field activities:

• Approximately 60% office/remote design work
• Approximately 40% field work, primarily throughout Wisconsin and Iowa
• Opportunity to choose a mix of fielding and design responsibilities based on project needs and personal preference
• Travel to utility sites for data collection, site assessments, and stakeholder coordination

Whether you enjoy being in the field several days a week or prefer focusing on design production, this role provides flexibility and variety.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cedar Rapids, IA.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $40.00/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 Cedar Rapids,IA.

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.