Distribution Design Engineering I

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

Job Description

This entry-level Power Distribution Design Engineer I 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.
• Support post-construction reviews to confirm that designs meet project requirements and to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with internal project teams and external utility clients to clarify requirements, resolve design issues, and ensure alignment with project goals.
• Follow established engineering procedures, policies, and standards, including relevant codes such as the National Electric Safety Code (NESC) where applicable.
• Assist with power distribution and power delivery design tasks involving voltage, transformers, and related distribution equipment.
• Communicate clearly with peers, team members, and client representatives to explain technical facts, basic analyses, and design processes.
• Perform simple, routine technical problem-solving within a defined scope, escalating more complex issues to sr. engineers as needed.
• Support administrative tasks and customer follow-up activities related to design packages, field inspections, and project documentation.
• Participate in a mix of field inspections and office or remote design work, ensuring that project schedules and quality expectations are met.
• Demonstrate professional communication, dress, and demeanor in all client-facing and team interactions.

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.
• Ability to apply basic engineering theories, concepts, and principles within a narrow technical domain to develop design solutions.
• Comfort working in both field and office (or remote) settings, including performing site visits and field inspections.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds and walk up to 2 miles on unpaved surfaces during fieldwork.
• Reliable personal transportation suitable for traveling to field locations and client sites.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills suitable for client-facing interactions.
• Ability to work effectively in teams and collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and locations.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn under the supervision of more experienced engineers.
• Must live within a 50 min radius of Hastings, 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 in the Hastings, MI territory. 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 in West Branch and an hour radius. Around 90%–80% of your time will be working from home with a focus on engineering and development of design packages using CAD and related design tools, which can be completed from a home office or other remote setting. The remaining 10% will involve administrative tasks, documentation, and customer follow-up. Fieldwork can be scheduled flexibly around weather and project needs. You will work with modern engineering software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, and other utility design tools, and you will interface regularly with utility clients and internal project teams. The culture emphasizes growth, with strong opportunities for advancement, including potential progression into technical lead roles and the possibility of contributing to projects in other regions. Professional dress and demeanor are expected, particularly during client interactions and field visits.

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

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)

This is a hybrid position in Hastings,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on May 14, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.