Distribution Designer

Distribution Designer

Job Description

The Distribution Designer performs detailed design work for electric utility projects, including the preparation of drawings, specifications, and cost estimates for review and approval by the responsible engineer. This role supports the design and development of distribution, transmission, substation, and related infrastructure by applying technical knowledge, engineering standards, and industry best practices. The position requires strong drafting and design skills, the ability to work with minimal supervision, and close collaboration with engineering and field teams.

Responsibilities

• Prepare manual or computer-assisted design and construction drawings of complex nature with a high level of accuracy, neatness, and minimal errors.
• Perform design services that require a full understanding of drawings, specifications, and applicable industry and company standards for the assigned work.
• Support the preparation of cost estimates, specifications, technical evaluations, and material or equipment requisitions for distribution and related projects.
• Assist in the development and review of engineering calculations to support design decisions and ensure compliance with standards.
• Coordinate equipment deliveries and design development activities to meet established project schedules and milestones.
• Acquire on-site field data, including measurements and conditions, to complete designs and to monitor and evaluate equipment performance in the field.
• Apply knowledge of one or more technical disciplines such as electrical engineering, distribution engineering, transmission design, substation design, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, instrumentation and control, protective relaying, surveying, GIS and mapping, and CADD to support project needs.
• Collaborate with engineers, field personnel, and other stakeholders to clarify design requirements, resolve issues, and ensure that project objectives are met.
• Follow established design practices, procedures, and quality standards, and contribute to continuous improvement of design processes.
• Demonstrate leadership and technical capability appropriate to the Distribution Designer level by taking ownership of assigned tasks and supporting team goals.

Essential Skills

• Thorough knowledge of technical practices and procedures in one or more of the following areas: electrical engineering, instrumentation and control, protective relaying, transmission design, substation design, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, distribution engineering, surveying, GIS and mapping, and CADD.
• Proficiency in preparing manual or computer-assisted design and construction drawings with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to interpret and work from drawings, specifications, and industry and company standards relevant to electric utility design.
• Experience performing drafting and design work in areas such as distribution engineering, transmission design, substation design, civil, mechanical, surveying, and protective relaying.
• Skill in using CAD/CADD tools for design and drafting tasks.
• Experience with GIS and mapping tools related to utility or infrastructure projects.
• Ability to collect and interpret field data to inform design decisions and evaluate equipment performance.
• Demonstrated leadership and technical capability to perform assigned job duties and responsibilities.
• For Distribution Designer Associate: Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience with no degree, or an associate degree or equivalent in a technical field preferred.
• For Distribution Designer II: Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience with no degree, or an associate degree or equivalent in a technical field preferred, plus at least 1 year of satisfactory experience as a Designer I (Associate Designer).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent education in a technical field is preferred for both Distribution Designer Associate and Distribution Designer II levels.
• Relevant experience in drafting, field engineering, GIS, distribution engineering, civil design, CAD, substation design, transmission design, mechanical design, surveying, protective relaying, and instrumentation and controls is highly valuable.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision while managing multiple design tasks and meeting project deadlines.
• Strong organizational and communication skills to coordinate effectively with engineering, procurement, and field personnel.
• Flexibility to consider a combination of education and work experience for appointment to the appropriate designer level, based on demonstrated capability.

Work Environment

• This position is primarily office-based and involves working with design and engineering software, including CAD/CADD and GIS tools, to support utility infrastructure projects.
• The role offers the opportunity for flexible hours once training is complete, subject to business needs and leadership discretion. After training, there may be an opportunity to work from home up to two days per week, depending on performance and operational requirements.
• Occasional visits to field sites may be required to collect on-site data and observe equipment or installation conditions.
• The work environment emphasizes collaboration, accuracy, and adherence to engineering and safety standards in a professional office setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ceredo, WV.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $28.00/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 fully onsite position in Ceredo,WV.

This position is anticipated to close on May 8, 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.