Distribution Designer

Job Title: Distribution Designer

Job Description

The Distribution Designer independently develops detailed design and construction work packages for overhead and underground electrical distribution systems that support residential and commercial customers. This role focuses primarily on overhead distribution and involves interpreting client requirements, conducting site field work as needed, and using industry-specific software to design safe, reliable, and code-compliant power distribution solutions. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to major utility distribution and reliability projects, collaborate closely with utility clients, and grow into leadership responsibilities within a rapidly expanding utility energy division.

Responsibilities

• Independently develop complete design and construction work packages for overhead and underground electrical distribution systems for utility customers, with a primary focus on overhead distribution.
• Review client-provided work orders and documentation, interpret the scope of work, and assess technical and design requirements for each project.
• Perform field work as needed, including visiting assigned sites to capture detailed photographs and measurements that will inform the final design.
• Translate field data into accurate distribution designs using utility-specific design software (Open Utilities) and other CAD tools.
• Design power distribution systems by determining power requirements, defining main distribution panels, subpanels, transformers, and branch circuits, and selecting appropriate equipment such as transformers, circuits, power lines, and utility poles.
• Develop the physical layout of the distribution system and associated equipment, ensuring constructability, safety, and alignment with client standards and industry codes.
• Conduct energy analyses to verify that selected materials and equipment meet the required electrical demand and usage for the site, whether residential or commercial.
• Create and maintain a detailed Bill of Materials (BOM) for each project and enter it into SAP or similar material tracking software for procurement and tracking purposes.
• Assist with identifying and coordinating potential permits required for utility lines that cross roads, easements, and private property, and support orders for vegetation management such as tree trimming or removal along new line routes.
• Use structural analysis tools such as PoleForeman, PLA, or similar pole loading analysis software to evaluate the integrity and strength of wood poles, determine whether pole replacement is required, and perform guying calculations.
• Specify conductor sags and tensions, evaluate recommended spans, and perform calculations related to voltage drop and flicker to ensure reliable system performance.
• Apply National Electric Safety Code (NESC) requirements when making design decisions and selecting materials to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with a designated quality control approver to review designs, incorporate feedback, and complete any required changes or revisions prior to final submission.
• Prepare and submit final electrical distribution design packages, including photos, measurements, designs, BOMs, and permit documentation, for internal approval and client review.
• Support construction teams by providing clear, accurate design documentation that enables them to construct and connect electrical distribution systems at the site.
• Communicate frequently with clients via email, phone, and online collaboration tools to clarify requirements, provide status updates, and address questions or design issues.
• Work effectively in a fast-paced project environment, managing multiple assignments, meeting deadlines, and adjusting to changing priorities.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by following established standards and, when applicable, assisting with the development or refinement of design processes and procedures.
• Optionally support quality control or quality assurance activities, assist with training new team members, or help document and improve process standards as the team grows.

Essential Skills

• Design and drafting experience in a professional or academic setting, or an Associate’s degree with a major focused in Design or Computer-Aided Design (CAD).
• Proficiency with CAD and design tools such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA, MicroStation, or similar computer-aided design software.
• Ability to learn and use utility-specific design software, including Open Utilities, for electrical distribution design.
• Fundamental understanding of electrical power distribution concepts, including transformers, circuits, low voltage distribution (LVD), and electrical demand.
• Knowledge of or experience working with National Electric Safety Code (NESC) requirements and applying codes to distribution designs and material selection.
• Capability to perform structural and loading assessments using tools such as PoleForeman, PLA, or similar pole loading analysis software, including wood pole loading and guying calculations.
• Experience or aptitude in conducting basic energy analyses to ensure material and equipment selections meet site usage requirements.
• Ability to create and manage Bills of Materials (BOM) and enter data into SAP or similar material tracking systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for frequent interaction with clients and internal stakeholders via email, phone, and online collaboration platforms.
• Ability to perform effectively in fast-paced environments, think quickly and strategically, and manage multiple tasks or projects simultaneously.
• Relevant exposure to electric utility work, such as employment, internships, or co-ops with electric utilities or utility-focused consulting firms.
• Basic understanding of permitting considerations for utility distribution projects, including road crossings, easements, and private property access.
• Comfort with field work that involves taking site measurements, photographs, and collecting data to inform design work.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality, including the ability to incorporate feedback from quality control reviews.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Coursework directly related to the utility industry, electrical power systems, or the power grid.
• Experience working directly with an electric utility or with a consulting firm specializing in electric distribution design or engineering.
• Internship or co-op experience with major utilities such as Consumers Energy, DTE, Duke Energy, American Electric Power (AEP), FirstEnergy, or other regional electric utilities.
• Familiarity with distribution design concepts such as make-ready engineering, joint use coordination, pole inspection, and pole replacement planning.
• Experience with GIS tools or mapping systems used in utility distribution projects.
• Exposure to low voltage distribution (LVD) projects and related design practices.
• Experience supporting permitting activities for utility projects, including preparing documentation or coordinating with permitting authorities.
• Experience in quality control or quality assurance (QA/QC) activities for engineering or design deliverables.
• Experience training new employees, mentoring junior staff, or contributing to the development of process standards and procedures.
• Interest in pursuing professional development in engineering, such as preparing for the FE exam or working toward a PE license, with support from the organization.
• EIT (Engineer-in-Training) status or progress toward EIT certification is a plus.
• Familiarity with distribution-related topics such as electrical demand analysis, transformer selection, NESC codes, and utility distribution standards.
• Experience using collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams or similar platforms for remote communication.
• Ability and willingness to travel within a reasonable radius of assigned field locations for site visits.

Work Environment

The work environment combines remote, office, and field settings to provide flexibility and support work–life balance. Team members based in Michigan can choose to work from home, from a local office, and in the field as needed, allowing them to decide what arrangement works best for their schedule and responsibilities. Field work typically occurs within approximately a 60-mile radius of designated service areas, with a current territory need in West Branch, MI. The role involves regular use of design and analysis tools such as Open Utilities, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA, MicroStation, SAP, and pole loading analysis software like PoleForeman or PLA, as well as collaboration platforms for frequent communication with clients and internal teams. The position is part of a growing utility energy division within a larger civil consulting engineering organization that supports the utility industry, construction services, site development, survey, storm water, transportation, and wastewater projects. The division is experiencing significant growth, creating opportunities for advancement into lead roles and client-facing responsibilities. Team members work on distribution and reliability projects for multiple major utility companies across the Midwest, with opportunities to contribute to out-of-state utility work and expand their industry knowledge in a professional, supportive, and growth-oriented environment.

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

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $27.00/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 West Branch,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 8, 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.