Distribution Engineer

Job Title: Distribution Engineer
Job Description
The Distribution Engineer designs, plans, and manages electrical distribution systems that deliver power to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. This role ensures the safe, reliable, and efficient distribution of electrical power by developing robust system designs, performing detailed network analyses, and supporting both day-to-day operations and long-term infrastructure projects. The engineer collaborates with cross-functional teams, contractors, and regulatory authorities to deliver compliant, resilient, and cost-effective distribution solutions.
Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and optimize electrical distribution systems, including overhead and underground lines, substations, transformers, and related components, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Perform network analyses such as load flow studies, fault analysis, and voltage drop calculations to assess distribution network capacity, performance, and reliability.
• Identify potential issues in the distribution network and develop mitigation strategies to maintain system stability and power quality.
• Maintain accurate records of distribution equipment and assets, perform condition assessments, and recommend maintenance, repair, or replacement of aging or damaged infrastructure.
• Specify and select appropriate distribution equipment, including transformers, circuit breakers, switches, and protective devices, based on voltage levels, load requirements, and system constraints.
• Ensure all distribution system designs and projects meet applicable safety standards, environmental regulations, and industry codes, and coordinate with regulatory authorities to obtain necessary approvals.
• Identify and implement opportunities to enhance system reliability, improve power quality, reduce downtime, and increase overall system resilience.
• Evaluate requests for new electrical connections, assess their impact on the existing distribution network, and design the infrastructure required to support new customers.
• Manage distribution infrastructure projects from conception through completion, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and coordinating with construction crews, contractors, and vendors.
• Support response to emergencies and outages by conducting rapid assessments of power system issues and developing solutions to safely and efficiently restore service.
• Analyze data from monitoring systems, smart grid technologies, and field sensors to gain insights into system performance and make data-driven design and operational decisions.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders to ensure clear communication and alignment throughout project lifecycles.
• Stay current with emerging technologies, industry trends, and regulatory changes affecting electrical distribution systems and incorporate best practices into designs and processes.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a closely related field, typically from an ABET-accredited college or university.
• Power distribution experience, including distribution system design and analysis.
• Proficiency with distribution system design software and computer-aided design (CAD) tools.
• Experience with AutoCAD for creating and updating electrical distribution drawings.
• Familiarity with GIS (Geographic Information Systems) for mapping and managing distribution assets.
• Knowledge of substation design, including equipment layout, protection, and integration with distribution networks.
• Ability to perform power system studies such as load flow analysis, fault analysis, and voltage drop calculations.
• In-depth understanding of electrical distribution principles, grid operations, protection systems, and associated equipment.
• Working knowledge of regulatory requirements, environmental regulations, and industry standards related to electrical distribution.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for diagnosing network issues and developing effective technical solutions.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety protocols and procedures in the design, operation, and maintenance of electrical systems.
• Project management skills to plan, execute, and oversee distribution infrastructure projects, including coordination with multiple stakeholders.
• Effective communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams, contractors, and regulatory bodies.
• Ability to adapt to new technologies, evolving industry trends, and changing energy demands in the distribution sector.
• Residence within, or willingness to relocate to, a reasonable commuting distance of the primary work location in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master's degree in electrical engineering or a related discipline for candidates pursuing more specialized responsibilities.
• Professional engineering license (PE) or similar professional certifications, depending on regional requirements.
• Experience with power delivery and distribution design, including both overhead and underground systems.
• Exposure to smart grid technologies, monitoring systems, and data-driven decision-making tools.
• Experience with environmental compliance in utility or infrastructure projects.
• Ability to work proactively and plan work ahead of field execution tools and construction activities.
• Candidates with extensive, relevant power distribution experience may be considered even without a formal degree.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Interest in long-term career growth within a large utility environment, including potential transition from contract to internal roles.

Work Environment
This role is based primarily at a Western Division Distribution Office in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with most work performed on-site in an office setting. The Distribution Engineer works extensively with design software, CAD tools such as AutoCAD, GIS platforms, and power system simulation tools to develop and analyze distribution system designs. The position includes some field work to support site assessments, project implementation, and storm duty, which may involve working outdoors in varying weather conditions and around energized electrical equipment under established safety protocols. Work hours are generally standard office hours, with the expectation of flexibility during emergencies, outages, or storm response events. The environment offers exposure to large-utility operations and processes, with opportunities to collaborate closely with engineering, operations, and construction teams and to pursue long-term career growth within a structured, professional setting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Tuscaloosa, AL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $33.00 - $44.00/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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Tuscaloosa,AL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 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.


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