Distribution Designer

Distribution Designer

Job Title: Distribution Designer - Interested in getting into the power utility field? Training provided!!

The Distribution Designer independently develops detailed design and construction work packages for overhead and underground electrical distribution systems that serve residential and commercial customers. This role focuses primarily on overhead power distribution and involves interpreting client requirements, performing or leveraging field data collection, creating designs in utility-specific software, and assembling complete construction packages that support new construction and reliability projects for electric utilities. The position offers the opportunity to grow with a rapidly expanding utility energy division and to build a long-term career in power distribution design and engineering.

Responsibilities

• Independently develop complete design and construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems, with a strong emphasis on overhead distribution.
• Review client-provided work orders and project documentation to understand scope, technical requirements, and design constraints.
• Conduct or utilize field data collection, including taking site photos and measurements, to accurately document existing conditions at assigned locations.
• Translate field information into detailed distribution designs that meet project requirements and utility standards.
• Use Open Utilities (or similar utility design software) to design power distribution systems, including determining power requirements, defining main distribution panels, subpanels, transformers, and branch circuits.
• Select appropriate equipment such as transformers, conductors, power lines, utility poles, and associated hardware, and lay out the physical configuration of the distribution system and required equipment.
• Perform energy and load analysis to confirm that selected materials and equipment meet the electrical demand and usage requirements of each site, whether residential or commercial.
• Utilize pole analysis software such as PoleForeman, PLA, or similar pole loading analysis tools to evaluate the structural integrity and loading of wood poles and determine whether replacement or reinforcement is required.
• Perform calculations related to pole loading, guying requirements, conductor sag and tension, recommended span lengths, and voltage drop or flicker.
• Prepare and submit complete electrical construction design packages, including photos, measurements, designs, BOMs, and permit documentation, for internal approval and then to the utility client.

Essential Skills

• Design and drafting experience, or an associate degree with a major focused in Design or CAD.
• Hands-on experience with design software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA, MicroStation, or similar CAD tools.
• Ability to learn and use Open Utilities or other utility-specific design software for electrical distribution design.
• Fundamental understanding of electrical power distribution concepts, including transformers, circuits, power lines, and low voltage distribution (LVD).
• Ability to interpret and apply National Electric Safety Code (NESC) requirements in distribution design and material selection.
• Experience creating Bills of Materials (BOM) and familiarity with material tracking systems such as SAP or similar platforms.
• Strong analytical skills to perform energy and load analysis and to determine appropriate equipment and conductor sizing.
• Capability to perform structural and loading assessments for distribution poles using tools like PoleForeman, PLA, or other pole loading analysis software, or a strong willingness to learn these tools.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, maps, and GIS or spatial information related to utility infrastructure.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $27.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Grand Rapids, MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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.