Remote Distributed Systems Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Job Title: Distribution Designer

Job Description

The Distribution Designer independently develops design and construction work packages for overhead and underground electrical distribution systems for utility customers, with a strong emphasis on overhead distribution.

Responsibilities

• Independently develop detailed design and construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems, with the majority of work focused on overhead distribution.
• Review project scopes and requirements provided by the utility client and translate them into accurate and constructible design solutions.
• Perform field work as needed, including visiting assigned sites to capture photos, take measurements, and document existing conditions for use in the design process.
• Use field data to create complete distribution designs that may include determining power requirements, defining main distribution panels, subpanels, transformers, and branch circuits, selecting appropriate equipment such as transformers, circuits, power lines, and utility poles, and laying out the physical arrangement of the distribution system and associated equipment.
• Design power distribution systems using Open Utilities and other industry-specific design software as required by the utility client.

Essential Skills

• Design and drafting experience in an engineering or utility-related environment, or an Associate’s degree with a focus in Design, CAD, or a closely related discipline.
• Proficiency with computer-aided design (CAD) tools such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA, MicroStation, Revit, or similar software.
• Ability to learn and effectively use Open Utilities and other utility-specific design tools required by the client.
• Understanding of electrical distribution design concepts, including transformers, low voltage distribution (LVD), electrical demand, and utility distribution systems.
• Familiarity with or experience applying National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) requirements in design and material selection.
• Ability to perform structural and loading analysis for distribution poles using tools such as PoleForeman, Pole Loading Analysis (PLA), or similar software, including guying calculations and conductor sag and tension specifications.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or higher in a field related to design, drafting, CAD, electrical engineering technology, or a similar discipline.
• Coursework or academic focus related to the utility industry, power grid, power systems, or electrical distribution.
• Experience working directly with an electric utility, a utility energy division, or a consulting firm specializing in electric distribution design or engineering.
• Internships or co-op experience with major utility companies or utility-focused engineering firms, particularly those involved in electric distribution and reliability work.
• Exposure to or experience with GIS-based tools, permitting workflows, joint use or make-ready processes, pole inspection, and pole replacement projects.
• Knowledge of low voltage distribution (LVD) systems, joint use considerations, and make-ready engineering.

Work Environment

The work environment combines remote, office-based, and field settings, offering flexibility based on where you live and project needs. Work is primarily tied to utility distribution projects in Michigan, with field assignments in designated territories. Field work involves visiting outdoor sites in varying weather conditions to take photos, measurements, and site notes, often around existing power lines, poles, and distribution equipment.

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

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $25.00/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 Bay City,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.