Distribution DesignerJob DescriptionThis role focuses on Joint Use and Make-Ready engineering for overhead electric utility distribution systems, with a strong emphasis on telecommunications pole attachments. The Distribution Engineer reviews field conditions, evaluates existing and proposed telecom attachments, and develops practical Make-Ready solutions to support safe, reliable, and compliant overhead distribution modifications. The position involves extensive use of JETS and Katapult, close coordination with internal and external stakeholders, and oversight of projects from initial field data collection through design, client review, revisions, and construction support.Responsibilities
- Perform Joint Use and Make-Ready engineering for overhead electric distribution facilities to support new and existing telecommunications attachments.
- Review proposed telecom, fiber, CATV, and other third-party pole attachments and determine the electric utility modifications required to accommodate them.
- Analyze existing pole configurations, including attachment heights, equipment, conductor locations, spans, and overall field conditions.
- Use Katapult to review and validate field data, pole photographs, attachment information, measurements, and existing utility conditions.
- Use JETS to support Joint Use engineering documentation, including Make-Ready estimates, pole replacements, transfers, attachment modifications, and project records.
- Develop detailed Make-Ready recommendations such as pole replacements, pole transfers, attachment relocations, clearance corrections, guying and anchoring modifications, and equipment or conductor relocations, as well as other distribution modifications required to accommodate attachments.
- Review and verify designs for compliance with applicable NESC requirements, utility standards, client requirements, and Joint Use guidelines.
- Perform or review pole loading and structural analysis where applicable to ensure safe and reliable structures.
- Identify clearance, loading, constructability, and attachment conflicts in existing and proposed configurations and recommend solutions.
- Coordinate regularly with utility engineering teams, telecommunications providers, attachment owners, field personnel, contractors, and other project stakeholders to support project execution.
- Develop accurate engineering packages, including cost estimates, material requirements, construction documentation, and related project deliverables.
- Perform QA/QC reviews of Joint Use and Make-Ready designs to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with standards.
- Resolve design discrepancies between field conditions, Katapult data, JETS documentation, utility records, and proposed construction plans.
- Support projects throughout their lifecycle, from initial field data collection through detailed engineering, client review, design revisions, and construction support.
Essential Skills
- Hands-on professional experience with JETS for Joint Use and Make-Ready engineering documentation and project records.
- Hands-on professional experience with Katapult for field data review, validation, and analysis.
- Experience performing Joint Use and Make-Ready engineering for overhead electric distribution systems.
- Experience reviewing overhead electric distribution facilities and telecommunications attachments, including telecom, fiber, CATV, and other third-party pole attachments.
- Working knowledge of NESC clearance requirements and how they apply to overhead distribution and pole attachments.
- Working knowledge of Joint Use and pole attachment standards and their application to utility distribution systems.
- Working knowledge of overhead distribution construction practices and methods.
- Working knowledge of telecom, CATV, and fiber attachments on utility poles and related construction practices.
- Working knowledge of pole replacements, pole transfers, and Make-Ready requirements.
- Working knowledge of utility field data collection and construction documentation processes.
- Ability to interpret field notes, photographs, measurements, maps, utility records, and engineering drawings accurately.
- Ability to independently identify engineering conflicts and develop practical, constructible solutions.
- Experience with pole loading and structural analysis using tools such as SPIDACalc, O-Calc, or IKE PoleForeman.
- Experience performing QA/QC on Joint Use or Make-Ready projects to ensure compliance and quality.
- Experience coordinating with broadband, fiber, CATV, or telecommunications attachment owners.
- Preferred: 4+ years of experience in electric utility distribution engineering or design, Joint Use, Make-Ready engineering, telecommunications attachment engineering, or a closely related discipline.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline is preferred.
- Previous experience supporting electric utility Joint Use programs.
- Experience reviewing or developing construction-ready overhead distribution design packages.
- Experience with pole loading and structural analysis software such as SPIDACalc, O-Calc, and IKE PoleForeman.
- Experience with GIS and mapping tools such as ArcGIS or ArcMap.
- Experience with CAD and design platforms such as AutoCAD and MicroStation.
- Experience with distribution design and GIS platforms used for utility design and documentation.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in engineering documentation, cost estimates, and material lists.
- Effective communication skills for collaboration with utility teams, telecom providers, contractors, and other stakeholders.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deliverables concurrently while maintaining quality and adherence to standards.
Work EnvironmentThis is a remote role based out of Georgia that combines office-based engineering work with required field visits. The engineer works primarily in a remote setting using tools such as JETS, Katapult, pole loading software (including SPIDACalc, O-Calc, and IKE PoleForeman), GIS platforms (such as ArcGIS and ArcMap), and design tools like AutoCAD, MicroStation, and distribution design/GIS platforms. Field visits involve assessing overhead distribution facilities, collecting and validating field data, reviewing pole attachments, and coordinating with field personnel and contractors. The organization supports critical engineering initiatives and emphasizes connecting passion with purpose, offering opportunities to contribute to projects that advance how companies serve their communities. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Chattanooga, TN. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $40.00 - $50.00/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 Permanent position based out of Chattanooga, TN. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 20, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully remote position.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.
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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.