Electrical Distribution Lead Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Electrical Distribution Lead Engineer Job Description

This role leads the delivery of electrical distribution projects up to 34.5 kV from initial design through execution. You will serve as a technical expert, mentor junior engineers, and take ownership of project success by managing scope, budget, schedule, and quality across multi-discipline teams. The position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects in advanced manufacturing, data centers, generative AI computing, gigafactories, bio/ag tech, and distributed infrastructure, while partnering directly with clients to develop solutions, present designs, and drive project outcomes. You will also help shape project strategy, improve processes, and support overall business growth.

• Lead the execution of electrical distribution projects up to 34.5 kV from design through completion.
• Prepare a variety of complex engineering deliverables for multiple projects, including calculations, drawings, and technical documentation.
• Conduct research to develop equipment and material recommendations that meet project requirements and standards.
• Manage data and perform complex engineering calculations to support design decisions and ensure technical accuracy.
• Develop and manage project budgets, schedules, and quality requirements across multiple disciplines to ensure successful delivery.
• Lead larger production teams and coordinate multi-discipline activities, serving as the responsible charge for assigned projects.
• Provide technical leadership for overhead and underground distribution line projects and drive solutions to achieve project goals.
• Apply and enforce quality standards consistently, ensuring compliance with internal quality programs for all assigned tasks.
• Perform internal quality assurance technical reviews and ensure adherence to established procedures and best practices.
• Provide guidance and direction to other team members within the same project and discipline to support their development.
• Support continuous improvement and change management efforts by identifying opportunities to enhance processes and tools.
• Interface directly with clients, vendors, and subcontractors to coordinate project activities and resolve technical issues.
• Identify key client interests and drivers and ensure these are reflected in project planning and execution.
• Communicate client concerns to project team members and collaborate on effective solutions to maintain client satisfaction.
• Provide support for business development and pursuit activities, including technical input for proposals and presentations.
• Manage project changes directly with the client under the supervision of the Project Manager, ensuring proper documentation and control.
• Lead large multi-discipline teams to meet project deliverables and ensure alignment with project objectives.
• Review lower-level engineering work to ensure technical accuracy, completeness, and compliance with standards.
• Oversee the collection, assimilation, and management of data required for engineering work and project documentation.
• Manage work assignments for project team members and ensure the quality and timeliness of their deliverables.
• Actively participate in management, project scheduling, and work and resource planning meetings to align priorities and resources.
• Support engineering production for substation, renewables integration, HVDC/FACTS/STATCOM, data center integration, and BESS integration projects as required.

• Minimum of 5 years of related work experience in electrical distribution engineering.
• Experience managing engineering design services for overhead and underground distribution line projects for utilities, particularly in the 4 kV to 34.5 kV range.
• Proven ability to develop and manage project budgets, schedules, and quality requirements across multi-discipline teams.
• Demonstrated experience leading larger production teams and serving as responsible charge for projects.
• Strong technical background in the design of overhead and underground distribution projects up to 34.5 kV.
• Advanced knowledge of engineering design principles and applicable design guides and standards, including NESC and NEC.
• Working knowledge of interdisciplinary project coordination, including procurement, subcontract administration, permitting, real estate and land acquisition, and construction support.
• Working knowledge of the proposal process and the development of engineering estimates.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage directly with clients, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Ability to perform complex engineering calculations and manage technical data accurately.
• Ability to guide, mentor, and review the work of junior engineers and other team members.
• Ability to use audio and videoconferencing tools effectively for internal and external communication.
• Ability to travel to client sites as required.

• Professional Engineering (P.E.) license highly preferred.
• Degree in Engineering from an accredited program in the country of practice.
• Experience working with investor-owned utilities in the United States on distribution line projects.
• Interest in developing and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Experience participating in business development or pursuit activities.
• Familiarity with tools and workflows used for distribution design, including platforms such as AutoCAD or similar design software.
• Experience supporting continuous improvement and change management initiatives.
• background in substation, renewables integration, HVDC/FACTS/STATCOM, data center integration, or BESS integration projects is a plus.
• Experience in supervisory, lead, or manager-level responsibilities within engineering teams.

The role typically follows a 40-hour workweek with a strong emphasis on worklife balance, including the option of a 9/80 schedule where available. New hires work fully in the office for the first 90 days to support onboarding and collaboration, after which hybrid or flexible work options may be offered based on performance, role requirements, and leadership discretion, typically involving three days in the office and two days working from home. The position involves extended periods of sitting or standing while using a computer and standard office technology. You will frequently use audio and videoconferencing tools to communicate with internal teams, clients, vendors, and subcontractors. Travel to client sites is required as needed to support project execution and client relationships. The environment supports a strong backlog of work, emphasizes balanced workloads, and offers benefits such as participation in an employee ownership program, comprehensive benefits, paid holidays including floating days, and unlimited sick time, creating a stable and supportive setting for long-term career growth.

This is a Permanent position based out of Ann Arbor, MI.

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $120000.00/yr.

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.

Health & WellnessMedical insuranceDental insuranceVision insuranceMental health support programsFlexible spending accounts (FSA) and/or Health Savings Accounts (HSA) (depending on plan eligibility)Financial Benefits401(k) retirement plan with company matchingEmployee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) because Black & Veatch is 100% employee-ownedPerformance-based bonus opportunitiesEmployee stock ownership wealth-building benefits over timeTime OffPaid vacationPaid holidaysSick leaveParental leave (maternity and paternity benefits)Professional DevelopmentTuition assistance/reimbursementProfessional certification supportTraining and career development programsWork-Life BalanceFlexible work arrangements or hybrid work options (varies by role and location)Employee assistance programs (EAP)Family BenefitsAdoption assistanceChildcare -related benefits (depending on location and plan offerings)Caregiver support programsFor utility, T&D, and engineering professionals (the types of roles you often recruit for), one of the most attractive benefits is typically the ESOP employee ownership program, which allows employees to build retirement wealth through company ownership rather than relying solely on a 401(k).

This is a Permanent position based out of Ann Arbor, MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 27, 2026.

This is a hybrid position in Ann Arbor,MI.

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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.