Distribution Engineering I

This entry-level Distribution Engineer I role focuses on developing detailed design and construction work packages for overhead, underground, underground residential distribution, make-ready, and street lighting projects across a wide range of distribution voltages. You will work with modern GIS and work management systems, support both field and office activities, and receive comprehensive training in engineering and construction standards. Under the guidance of a technical lead, you will gain hands-on experience with complex urban cable and conduit designs, permitting, right-of-way applications, and distribution system protection and coordination.

Responsibilities

• Develop design and construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems operating from 4 kV through 138 kV, primarily associated with programmatic work such as overloaded transformers, inspection and maintenance programs, joint use, and inspection reports.
• Prepare work packages for overhead, underground, underground residential distribution, make-ready, and street light projects using customer GIS and work management systems such as GE Smallworld and Bentley Expert Designer.
• Apply and comply with all safety requirements as well as design and quality expectations throughout the project lifecycle.
• Travel to project sites as needed to perform field inspections, collect design data, assess existing conditions, and then return to the office to complete detailed engineering design work.
• Perform engineering calculations, including structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying calculations, specification of conductor sags and tensions for recommended spans, and calculations of voltage drop and flicker.
• Develop permitting documents and supporting technical information for various Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs).
• Support the preparation of work permits, easement documents, and right-of-way (ROW) applications for distribution projects, including complex cable and conduit installations in dense urban environments.
• Assist in the design of mainline vault medium-voltage switchgear, network system configurations, and distribution system protection and coordination schemes under the supervision of a technical lead.
• Provide engineering support during construction, including responding to field questions, clarifying design intent, and participating in post-construction reviews to ensure all applicable engineering and construction standards have been met.
• Conduct root cause analysis of outages and recommend mitigation measures using sound engineering principles and design practices.
• Coordinate with other utilities and stakeholders to identify and resolve conflicts between existing and proposed facilities, ensuring constructible and efficient designs.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, design records, and calculations in accordance with company and client standards.

• Completed Bachelor of Science degree in an engineering discipline, such as electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering.
• 0–1 years of experience in engineering, preferably related to power distribution, utility, or infrastructure projects.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to learn and work with GIS and work management systems such as GE Smallworld and Bentley Expert Designer.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear technical documents, reports, and correspondence.
• Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with technical leads, peers, and field personnel.
• Ability to perform engineering calculations accurately and apply fundamental engineering principles to practical field conditions.
• Willingness and ability to work in both office and field environments, including traveling to project sites as needed.

• Interest in electric power distribution systems, including overhead and underground designs from 4 kV through 138 kV.
• Interest in developing design work packages for underground residential distribution, make-ready, and street lighting projects.
• Interest in gaining experience with coordination of conflicting utilities and other field engineering design requirements.
• Interest in the assessment and development of design packages for complex cable and conduit projects in dense urban environments.
• Interest in work permit development, easement and right-of-way application processes, and permitting with various Authorities Having Jurisdiction.
• Interest in network system design, mainline vault medium-voltage switchgear design, and distribution system protection and coordination.
• Motivation to learn customer-specific engineering and construction standards and apply them consistently in project work.
• Ability to work under the supervision of a technical lead while taking initiative and managing assigned tasks to completion.

This role combines office-based design work with occasional field assignments. In the office, you will use standard computer equipment and software tools such as Microsoft Office, GIS platforms, and work management systems to develop detailed engineering designs and documentation. Field work involves visiting project sites to perform inspections, gather data, and verify existing conditions, which may include exposure to outdoor weather and active utility environments. You will collaborate closely with technical leads, engineers, and field personnel in a professional, safety-focused setting that emphasizes training, adherence to engineering and construction standards, and continuous learning.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Asheville, NC.

The pay range for this position is $29.81 - $29.81/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 Asheville,NC.

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.