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Distribution Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Distribution Design Engineer I **** Training provided **** This is an Engineer Level One role focuses on planning, engineering, and designing electric distribution systems that support safe, reliable ...

Insight Global 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 ...

Insight Global 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 ...

S. based) FLSA Classification Exempt Orbital Engineering, Inc. is currently seeking a Distribution Design Supervisor for a remote work position. This position requires experience with both Joint Use ...

... distribution solutions for utilities, government, data centers, industrial, and commercial ... Provide design engineering services instrumental to the completion of turnkey projects. * Provide ...

New

Design Engineer (PE)

Wheaton, IL · On-site +1

$100K - $125K/yr

Design Engineer (PE) - Electric Distribution Location: Remote/Wheaton, IL Hire Type: Direct Hire Salary: $100K-$125K/YR Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401(k) with company match ...

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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 Jul 15, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Distribution Design Engineer, and why are they important?

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 are Distribution Design Engineers?

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,574 per year, or $44 per hour.
Distribution Engineer

Distribution Engineer

Actalent

Kalamazoo, MI • Hybrid

$29/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Distribution Design Engineer I **** Training provided ****

Job Description

This is an Engineer Level One role focuses on planning, engineering, and designing electric distribution systems that support safe, reliable, and efficient power delivery. You will help determine the need, size, location, and timing of power delivery infrastructure while balancing economic, environmental, social, regulatory, and reliability requirements. Working under the guidance of experienced engineers, you will contribute to work packages for overhead and underground residential distribution, perform field engineering, support design calculations, and participate in post-construction reviews. This position offers strong growth potential within a large, established power engineering organization with significant project backlog and opportunities for advancement.

Responsibilities

  • Plan, engineer, and design electric distribution systems that support reliable power delivery to residential and commercial customers.
  • Determine the need, size, location, and timing of power delivery infrastructure developments while considering economic, environmental, social, regulatory, and reliability constraints.
  • Develop work packages for overhead distribution, underground residential distribution, and underground cable and conduit systems.
  • Perform field engineering to gather project requirements, verify existing conditions, and identify conflicting utilities or site constraints.
  • Conduct engineering and design calculations using established procedures, standards, and applicable codes.
  • Use CAD and other design tools, such as AutoCAD and MicroStation or equivalent programs, to create and update distribution design drawings and documentation.

Essential Skills

  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Environmental preferred)
  • Associate’s degree in a related technical field with 1–3 years of relevant experience will be considered.
  • Relevant experience working directly with an electric utility or an electric utility consulting company performing design engineering.
  • Experience using CAD tools for engineering design, such as AutoCAD and MicroStation or similar design software.
  • Foundational knowledge of electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering principles as they relate to power distribution and power delivery.
  • Must live within a 40 min radius of West Branch, Kalamazoo, or Muskegon, MI

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Experience in utility or power systems, particularly in power distribution and power delivery, is preferred.
  • Experience with the National Electric Safety Code (NESC) and applicable NESC codes.
  • Familiarity with design tools such as MicroStation, OpenUtilities, and other power and utilities design software.
  • Experience with SAP or similar enterprise systems used in utility environments.
  • Exposure to tools such as PoleForeman or similar pole loading and analysis software.
  • Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certification is a plus.
  • Understanding of electrical design concepts related to voltage, transformers, and distribution equipment.
  • Experience with Civil 3D or similar civil engineering design tools is beneficial.
  • Demonstrated collaborative, inclusive working style and strong interpersonal skills.
  • Professional demeanor with the ability to represent the engineering team effectively in client meetings.
  • Interest in career growth with potential to progress into technical lead roles as experience is gained.

Work Environment

This role combines both field and remote work in support of electric distribution projects within available territories. Approximately 10%–20% of your time will involve field inspections, including walking on unpaved surfaces, evaluating existing infrastructure, and gathering data in various weather conditions.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kalamazoo, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $29.00 - $29.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Kalamazoo,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 27, 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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