Designer

Distribution Designer (Electric Utility)
About the Role

We are looking for a Distribution Designer to support the planning, design, and delivery of electric utility infrastructure projects. This position offers a blend of office-based design work and field involvement, providing the opportunity to contribute to projects that improve reliability, safety, and service for local communities.
Working alongside experienced engineers, project managers, and utility design professionals, you'll assist with distribution projects from initial planning through construction. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys technical problem-solving, collaboration, and seeing their designs come to life in the field.

Key Responsibilities
Design & Engineering Support

• Assist with the design of overhead and underground electric distribution systems from concept development through construction-ready plans.
• Develop primary, secondary, and service distribution designs for new installations, system upgrades, and reliability improvement projects.
• Design overhead and underground infrastructure, including pole replacements, reconductoring projects, and underground duct bank systems.
• Identify potential design conflicts and develop practical, cost-effective solutions that support constructability and project success.

Field Investigation & Data Collection

• Conduct site visits and field surveys to gather measurements, photographs, sketches, and existing site information.
• Evaluate field conditions and translate collected data into accurate and buildable utility designs.
• Support project teams by documenting existing conditions and providing field-derived design recommendations.

Technical Design & Documentation

• Prepare detailed utility construction drawings using AutoCAD while ensuring compliance with client and utility standards.
• Utilize industry software such as AUD and SpidaCalc to evaluate pole loading, clearances, and structural requirements.
• Develop bills of materials that include labor units, material quantities, and construction requirements.
• Maintain accurate project documentation throughout the design process.

Coordination & Permitting

• Work with right-of-way teams, local agencies, municipalities, and permitting authorities to support project approvals.
• Ensure designs meet applicable utility standards, safety regulations, and industry requirements.
• Collaborate with engineers, field personnel, project managers, and senior designers to resolve technical challenges and improve design solutions.
• Support project coordination efforts to keep schedules and deliverables on track.

Required Qualifications

• 1-4 years of experience in electric utility distribution design.
• Experience designing overhead and/or underground distribution facilities.
• Proficiency using AUD for utility design projects.
• Hands-on experience with primary, secondary, and service distribution systems.
• Field survey experience and familiarity with utility construction environments.
• Ability to prepare bills of materials and supporting construction documentation.
• Working knowledge of permitting processes, right-of-way coordination, and utility clearance requirements.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with utility clients and standards within the Mid-Atlantic region.
• Familiarity with SpidaCalc and GIS applications used for utility design and asset mapping.
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary project teams.
• Interest in advancing into lead design, engineering, or project management roles.
• Understanding of utility construction practices and field implementation requirements.

Why Join Us?
Meaningful Impact

Help design critical electric infrastructure that supports grid reliability, public safety, and community growth.
Career Development

Benefit from mentorship and a clear path for advancement into senior design, engineering support, or project management positions.
Diverse Project Experience

Enjoy a balance of office design work and field exposure while supporting a variety of utility projects and initiatives.
Collaborative Culture

Work alongside engineers, project managers, field personnel, and experienced designers from project kickoff through construction.
Long-Term Stability

Join a growing organization supporting ongoing utility infrastructure programs that provide consistent and impactful project opportunities.

Work Environment

This position offers a fully remote work environment while maintaining close collaboration with project teams, engineers, and utility clients. Team members regularly engage through virtual meetings and project coordination sessions while also supporting field activities as needed. The role provides an excellent balance between independent work, team collaboration, and hands-on exposure to utility infrastructure projects.
If you fit these qualifications and are interested in this opportunity schedule a meeting with a recruiter using this link:
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ashland, VA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $31.25 - $40.87/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 Ashland,VA.
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.