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Job Title: Distribution Designer - Interested in getting into the power utility field? Training provided!!!! Hybrid, 3 days work at home, 2 days work in the office.

Job Description

The Distribution Designer independently develops detailed design and construction work packages for overhead and underground electrical distribution systems that serve residential and commercial customers. This role focuses primarily on overhead power distribution and involves interpreting client requirements, performing or leveraging field data collection, creating designs in utility-specific software, and assembling complete construction packages that support new construction and reliability projects for electric utilities. The position offers the opportunity to grow with a rapidly expanding utility energy division and to build a long-term career in power distribution design and engineering.

Responsibilities

• Independently develop complete design and construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems, with a strong emphasis on overhead distribution.
• Review client-provided work orders and project documentation to understand scope, technical requirements, and design constraints.
• Conduct or utilize field data collection, including taking site photos and measurements, to accurately document existing conditions at assigned locations.
• Translate field information into detailed distribution designs that meet project requirements and utility standards.
• Use Open Utilities (or similar utility design software) to design power distribution systems, including determining power requirements, defining main distribution panels, subpanels, transformers, and branch circuits.
• Select appropriate equipment such as transformers, conductors, power lines, utility poles, and associated hardware, and lay out the physical configuration of the distribution system and required equipment.
• Perform energy and load analysis to confirm that selected materials and equipment meet the electrical demand and usage requirements of each site, whether residential or commercial.
• Develop accurate Bills of Materials (BOM) for each project and enter material information into SAP or other material tracking software.
• Assist with identifying and preparing information for required permits, including permits for utility lines crossing roads, easements, private property, or areas where vegetation clearing or tree removal may be necessary.
• Utilize pole analysis software such as PoleForeman, PLA, or similar pole loading analysis tools to evaluate the structural integrity and loading of wood poles and determine whether replacement or reinforcement is required.
• Perform calculations related to pole loading, guying requirements, conductor sag and tension, recommended span lengths, and voltage drop or flicker.
• Apply National Electric Safety Code (NESC) standards when developing designs and selecting materials to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with a designated Quality Control approver to review designs, address comments, and implement necessary revisions before final submission.
• Prepare and submit complete electrical construction design packages, including photos, measurements, designs, BOMs, and permit documentation, for internal approval and then to the utility client.
• Incorporate feedback and requested changes from the client and internal stakeholders, updating design packages as needed.
• Communicate frequently with the client via email, phone, and online collaboration tools to clarify requirements, resolve design questions, and provide project updates.
• Support new construction electrical work orders and distribution reliability projects for utility customers in the assigned territory.
• Maintain accurate project records and documentation in accordance with company and client standards.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by sharing best practices, supporting quality initiatives, and helping refine design processes.

Essential Skills

• Design and drafting experience, or an associate degree with a major focused in Design or CAD.
• Hands-on experience with design software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA, MicroStation, or similar CAD tools.
• Ability to learn and use Open Utilities or other utility-specific design software for electrical distribution design.
• Fundamental understanding of electrical power distribution concepts, including transformers, circuits, power lines, and low voltage distribution (LVD).
• Ability to interpret and apply National Electric Safety Code (NESC) requirements in distribution design and material selection.
• Experience creating Bills of Materials (BOM) and familiarity with material tracking systems such as SAP or similar platforms.
• Strong analytical skills to perform energy and load analysis and to determine appropriate equipment and conductor sizing.
• Capability to perform structural and loading assessments for distribution poles using tools like PoleForeman, PLA, or other pole loading analysis software, or a strong willingness to learn these tools.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, maps, and GIS or spatial information related to utility infrastructure.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for frequent interaction with clients and internal teams.
• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment and to manage multiple work orders or projects simultaneously.
• Capacity to think both quickly and strategically when addressing design challenges and client needs.
• Relevant experience working directly with an electric utility, or coursework directly related to the utility industry or power grid.
• Relevant experience with an electric utility consulting firm that specializes in distribution design or engineering work.
• Strong customer and client service orientation, with the ability to collaborate closely with utility representatives.

The work environment combines remote, office, and field-based activities, with flexibility to adapt to what works best for each individual.

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

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $27.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Reed City,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 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.