Distribution Design Engineer

Job Title: Senior Power Delivery EngineerJob Description

This role focuses on engineering design for power delivery and distribution systems, with a strong emphasis on resiliency programs such as grid hardening, pole replacements, and overhead-to-underground conversions. The Senior Power Delivery Engineer uses DDS (Distribution Design Studio) software to support utility distribution projects and ensures reliable, resilient electrical service across assigned territories.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering design activities for power delivery and distribution projects, ensuring compliance with utility standards and industry best practices.

• Utilize DDS (Distribution Design Studio) software to develop, review, and modify distribution designs for resiliency programs, including unit counts, pole replacements, overhead to underground (OH to UG) conversions, and pole relocations.

• Support resiliency and grid hardening initiatives by analyzing existing infrastructure and recommending improvements that enhance reliability and reduce outage risk.

• Prepare and update engineering documentation, drawings, and design packages for power delivery and distribution projects.

• Collaborate with project teams and stakeholders to clarify design requirements and resolve technical issues related to distribution engineering.

• Apply engineering principles to evaluate distribution system performance and propose design changes that improve safety, reliability, and efficiency.

• Ensure that all design work aligns with utility standards and project specifications for AEP, CenterPoint, and similar utility projects.

• Maintain accurate records of design changes, project progress, and technical decisions within DDS and related project systems.

• Contribute to continuous improvement of distribution design processes and standards, particularly in the areas of resiliency and grid hardening.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience working in power delivery engineering.

• 2-3+ years of experience in distribution design, distribution engineering, or similar roles supporting AEP or CenterPoint projects.

• Proficiency with DDS (Distribution Design Studio) software for distribution design work.

• Demonstrated experience with resiliency programs, including grid hardening, unit counts, pole replacements, overhead to underground conversions, and pole relocations.

• Strong understanding of power delivery systems and utility distribution engineering principles.

• Ability to interpret and produce engineering drawings and documentation for distribution projects.

• Capability to work effectively on projects based in the Houston and San Antonio areas.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background in engineering, preferably with a focus on power delivery or electrical distribution.

• Experience supporting major utility projects, including AEP and CenterPoint.

• Familiarity with distribution planning concepts such as grid hardening and resiliency.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills applied to utility distribution systems.

• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional project teams and communicate technical information clearly.

Work Environment

The role operates in a hybrid remote and office setting, with a standard schedule of approximately 40 hours per week. Work is primarily performed using DDS (Distribution Design Studio) and related engineering tools to support power delivery and distribution projects. The environment supports a professional engineering culture focused on reliability, resiliency, and high-quality design work. Benefits include paid holidays and paid time off (PTO), contributing to a balanced and supportive work experience.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $40.00/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 fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 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.