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Distribution Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Distribution Design Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site +1

$34.18 - $48.83/hr

Distribution Design Engineer (Remote - Minnesota)Build the Future of Power Infrastructure Are you an experienced Distribution Design Engineer looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on ...

A company is looking for a Distribution Design Engineer to join their team. This engineer will aide in the upgrades of a major energy providers distribution grids. They will be in charge of ...

We provide comprehensive consulting, engineering and design, program and project management, construction management, and EPC services, specializing in substation, transmission, distribution, and ...

Purpose Design and assist with the design of electric distribution projects. The designs are based ... Coordinate with the Manager, Electric Engineering and be cognizant of design work and job statuses.

We are in search of an Associate Distribution Engineer for electric utility and fiber design engineering to work in our Orlando office! This position will require you to work for our temporary agency ...

We are in search of an Associate Distribution Engineer for electric utility and fiber design engineering to work in our Orlando office! This position will require you to work for our temporary agency ...

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Distribution Design Engineer information

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$16

$44

$70

How much do distribution design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for distribution design engineer in the United States is $44.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.86 and $51.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are common challenges faced by distribution design engineers in utility projects?

Distribution Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing cost-effective solutions with regulatory compliance, accommodating evolving load demands, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders like utility companies, contractors, and local authorities. They must also stay updated with new technologies and materials while ensuring the safety and reliability of the distribution network. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as project requirements and field conditions can change unexpectedly.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a distribution design engineer?

To thrive as a Distribution Design Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering principles, utility standards, and power distribution, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, GIS systems, and industry-specific design tools, as well as knowledge of regulatory codes and sometimes a Professional Engineer (PE) license, is often required. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication with cross-functional teams and clients are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure reliable and cost-effective design solutions that meet safety standards and client requirements in power distribution projects.

What is a distribution design engineer?

Distribution Design Engineers are professionals who plan, design, and oversee the construction and maintenance of electrical power distribution systems. They ensure that electricity is delivered efficiently and safely from substations to homes, businesses, and other end-users. Their work includes evaluating project requirements, preparing technical drawings, selecting appropriate materials, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. These engineers often collaborate with utility companies, contractors, and regulatory agencies to optimize the reliability and performance of power distribution networks.

What is the difference between Distribution Design Engineer vs Power Systems Engineer?

AspectDistribution Design EngineerPower Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, PE license common
Work EnvironmentDesigning electrical distribution systems for utilities and infrastructureAnalyzing and optimizing power grids and large-scale electrical systems
Industry UsageUtility companies, infrastructure projectsPower generation, transmission, and large-scale grid management

The Distribution Design Engineer primarily focuses on designing electrical distribution systems for utilities and infrastructure projects, ensuring reliable power delivery at the local level. In contrast, the Power Systems Engineer works on the broader power grid, analyzing and optimizing large-scale electrical systems. Both roles require similar credentials and often overlap in industry usage, but their scope and focus differ significantly.

More about Distribution Design Engineer jobs
What states have the most Distribution Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Distribution Design Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Distribution Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,574 per year, or $44 per hour.

Distribution Design Engineer

Actalent

Saint Paul, MN • On-site, Remote

$34.18 - $48.83/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Distribution Design Engineer (Remote – Minnesota)Build the Future of Power Infrastructure

Are you an experienced Distribution Design Engineer looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on utility infrastructure projects? Join a team that values technical excellence, innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. In this role, you'll contribute to critical electric distribution projects while working alongside industry experts who are committed to delivering high-quality solutions for utility customers across the country.

Why You'll Love Working Here

We believe great work starts with great people. Our employees enjoy:

  • Opportunities to work on high-profile, impactful infrastructure projects
  • A collaborative environment that encourages innovation and knowledge-sharing
  • Strong commitment to employee development, training, and career advancement
  • A culture focused on safety, quality, and technical excellence
  • The flexibility of remote work while remaining connected to a highly skilled team
  • Exposure to nationwide utility programs and industry-leading technologies
  • The ability to make a tangible difference in strengthening America's electric grid

Position Summary

As a Distribution Design Engineer, you will play a key role in the delivery of utility distribution projects by performing engineering design, quality assurance, and technical leadership functions. You will be responsible for supporting project execution from initial design through permitting and construction support while ensuring compliance with applicable safety standards, regulations, and customer requirements.

The ideal candidate has experience in electric distribution design, utility engineering, AutoCAD, GIS systems, and project coordination.


Key Responsibilities
  • Perform QA/QC reviews to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and quality of engineering deliverables.
  • Manage project workloads and provide technical guidance to team members.
  • Develop overhead and underground electric distribution designs using AutoCAD.
  • Prepare engineering designs for utility distribution projects.
  • Perform drafting, engineering calculations, and easement validation.
  • Develop cost estimates for design and construction activities.
  • Prepare permit packages and support permitting requirements.
  • Coordinate surveys, inspections, testing activities, and project documentation.
  • Review GIS Smallworld data for updates, discrepancies, and potential conflicts.
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and customer expectations.
  • Coordinate with internal teams, clients, and stakeholders to support successful project delivery.
  • Interpret and process civil permit documentation and electronic pole diagrams.
  • Ensure all designs comply with applicable safety standards, utility construction standards, and regulatory requirements.
  • Support utility infrastructure upgrades and expansions across diverse service territories.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
  • Experience in electric utility distribution design, power systems, electrical construction, or a related field.
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD.
  • Experience working with GIS platforms, including Smallworld.
  • Strong understanding of overhead and underground electric distribution systems.
  • Ability to perform engineering calculations and prepare technical design documents.
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and project management skills.
  • U.S. Citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with civil design and permitting processes.
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certification.
  • Experience supporting utility construction or field operations.
  • Knowledge of utility design standards, permitting requirements, and right-of-way/easement processes.

Work Location
  • Remote position
  • Candidates must reside in Minnesota
  • Future transition to a hybrid work arrangement as local office operations expand

What Success Looks Like

In this role, you will consistently deliver technically sound designs, maintain high quality standards, effectively manage competing priorities, and help utility customers achieve their infrastructure goals safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

If you're passionate about electric distribution design and want to grow your career while contributing to projects that power communities across the nation, we'd love to hear from you.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Paul, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $34.18 - $48.83/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)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Saint Paul,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 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.


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About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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