Distribution Planning Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Distribution Planning Engineer
Job Description

As a Distribution Planning Engineer, you will support distribution planning activities related to electric distribution systems. This role involves analyzing load growth for distribution substations and circuits, performing power system analysis, evaluating voltage and VAR performance, identifying system improvement opportunities, and supporting infrastructure expansion projects. You will collaborate with various teams to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient electric distribution services, and you may also assist during system emergencies and strategic grid modernization initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Analyze load growth and forecast capacity requirements for distribution substations and distribution circuits.
• Perform distribution system studies, including voltage and VAR analysis.
• Identify system deficiencies and develop recommended solutions to improve system performance, reliability, and capacity.
• Develop project scopes and engineering recommendations to support distribution infrastructure expansion.
• Assist with customer load evaluations and method-of-service decisions.
• Support reliability, power quality, engineering, and operations teams with technical analysis and planning recommendations.
• Conduct engineering studies and technical evaluations of moderate complexity.
• Prepare technical reports, calculations, correspondence, documentation, and engineering recommendations.
• Support strategic grid improvement initiatives and long-range planning efforts.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate project records, engineering documentation, and supporting files.
• Provide engineering support during storm restoration and emergency response activities as needed.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• 1–5 years of engineering experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Distribution utility experience highly preferred.
• Experience with electric distribution systems, including substations, feeders, and distribution infrastructure.
• Experience with distribution capacity planning, circuit analysis, or system planning.
• Familiarity with GIS and distribution system applications.
• Experience with CYME is a plus but not required.
• Understanding of distribution substation design and distribution system operations.
• Experience evaluating engineering alternatives and preparing technical recommendations.
• Understanding of project management fundamentals.
• EIT certification or successful completion of the FE Exam is a plus.

Located near downtown, our office provides easy access and houses over 100 employees, including a power group of 40 people. We have recently moved into a beautiful new office space. The Raleigh office includes various asset teams and a lighting team. We offer a hybrid schedule, allowing work from home on Monday and Friday after 1-3 months, depending on individual development. For experienced Planning Engineers capable of working independently, remote work options are available.

Job Type & Location

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

The pay range for this position is $27.00 - $35.00/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)

This is a hybrid position in Raleigh,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 13, 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 ziprecruiter.com 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.