Job Title: Distribution Design Engineer I **** Training provided ****Job DescriptionThis entry-level Power Distribution Design Engineer I role focuses on planning, engineering, and designing electric distribution systems that support safe, reliable, and efficient power delivery. You will help determine the need, size, location, and timing of power delivery infrastructure while balancing economic, environmental, social, regulatory, and reliability requirements. Working under the guidance of experienced engineers, you will contribute to work packages for overhead and underground residential distribution, perform field engineering, support design calculations, and participate in post-construction reviews. This position offers strong growth potential within a large, established power engineering organization with significant project backlog and opportunities for advancement.Responsibilities
- Plan, engineer, and design electric distribution systems that support reliable power delivery to residential and commercial customers.
- Determine the need, size, location, and timing of power delivery infrastructure developments while considering economic, environmental, social, regulatory, and reliability constraints.
- Develop work packages for overhead distribution, underground residential distribution, and underground cable and conduit systems.
- Perform field engineering to gather project requirements, verify existing conditions, and identify conflicting utilities or site constraints.
- Conduct engineering and design calculations using established procedures, standards, and applicable codes.
- Use CAD and other design tools, such as AutoCAD and MicroStation or equivalent programs, to create and update distribution design drawings and documentation.
- Support post-construction reviews to confirm that designs meet project requirements and to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Collaborate with internal project teams and external utility clients to clarify requirements, resolve design issues, and ensure alignment with project goals.
- Follow established engineering procedures, policies, and standards, including relevant codes such as the National Electric Safety Code (NESC) where applicable.
- Assist with power distribution and power delivery design tasks involving voltage, transformers, and related distribution equipment.
- Communicate clearly with peers, team members, and client representatives to explain technical facts, basic analyses, and design processes.
- Perform simple, routine technical problem-solving within a defined scope, escalating more complex issues to experienced engineers as needed.
- Support administrative tasks and customer follow-up activities related to design packages, field inspections, and project documentation.
- Participate in a mix of field inspections and office or remote design work, ensuring that project schedules and quality expectations are met.
- Demonstrate professional communication, dress, and demeanor in all client-facing and team interactions.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Environmental, Design preferred)
- Associates degree in a related technical field with 13 years of relevant experience will be considered.
- Relevant experience working directly with an electric utility or an electric utility consulting company performing design engineering.
- Experience using CAD tools for engineering design, such as AutoCAD and MicroStation or similar design software.
- Foundational knowledge of electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering principles as they relate to power distribution and power delivery.
- Ability to apply basic engineering theories, concepts, and principles within a narrow technical domain to develop design solutions.
- Comfort working in both field and office (or remote) settings, including performing site visits and field inspections.
- Ability to lift up to 20 pounds and walk up to 2 miles on unpaved surfaces during fieldwork.
- Reliable personal transportation suitable for traveling to field locations and client sites.
- Valid drivers license.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills suitable for client-facing interactions.
- Ability to work effectively in teams and collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and locations.
- Positive attitude and willingness to learn under the supervision of more experienced engineers.
- Must live within a 40 min radius of Hastings, MI
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering or Civil Engineering is preferred.
- Experience with power delivery projects for utilities, including overhead and underground distribution systems, is highly beneficial.
- Familiarity with industry standards and codes applicable to power distribution (such as voltage considerations and NESC-related practices).
- Experience supporting projects for electric utilities, power generation owners, or industrial clients.
- Ability to apply established engineering methods to develop practical products, solutions, and processes within the power delivery domain.
- Interest in professional growth with potential to advance into technical lead roles as experience increases.
- Willingness to support work across various parts of the utility industry, including generation, substations, transmission, and distribution.
- Openness to future opportunities to support programs in other regions or states as the organization continues to grow.
Work EnvironmentThis role combines remote and field-based work, with approximately 70% of the time spent working from home and about 30% spent performing field activities within an assigned territory in Michigan. You will work with modern engineering and design tools, including CAD software such as AutoCAD and MicroStation or similar platforms, to develop power delivery designs and documentation. Field work involves visiting utility sites, walking on unpaved surfaces for up to 2 miles, and lifting up to 20 pounds while collecting data and verifying existing conditions. The organization operates within a dynamic power delivery environment, supporting a large portfolio of utility projects and long-term grid infrastructure improvements. The culture emphasizes growth, with significant opportunities for upward mobility and the potential to move into technical lead roles within a relatively short time frame. As part of a nationally recognized power delivery engineering team, you will collaborate with utilities, construction partners, and other stakeholders on impactful energy delivery solutions in a professional, safety-focused setting. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Hastings, MI. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $29.00 - $29.00/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) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Hastings, MI. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a hybrid position in Hastings,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.
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