Design Engineer (Entry-level)

Job Title: Design EngineerJob Description

The Design Engineer develops detailed design and construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems ranging from 4kV to 138kV. This role combines office-based engineering design with field inspections and provides an excellent opportunity for early-career engineers to receive training and build a long-term career in a stable and growing power distribution industry.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive design and construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems operating from 4kV through 138kV, primarily supporting programmatic work such as overloaded transformers, inspection and maintenance, joint use, and inspection reports.
• Ensure all designs comply with safety requirements as well as established design and quality standards.
• Travel to project sites as needed to perform field inspections, collect data, and return to the office to complete detailed engineering design work.
• Perform engineering calculations including structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying calculations, specification of conductor sags and tensions for recommended spans, and calculations for voltage drop and flicker.
• Develop permitting documents and supporting materials required by various Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs).
• Provide engineering support during construction, responding to questions, clarifying design intent, and assisting project teams as needed.
• Conduct post-construction reviews to verify that all applicable engineering and construction standards have been met and that installed work matches design specifications.
• Perform root cause analysis of outages using engineering principles and develop mitigation strategies and design solutions to improve reliability.
• Collaborate with internal teams and clients, representing the engineering function professionally in meetings and discussions.
• Contribute to a fast-paced project environment by managing assigned work effectively, meeting deadlines, and supporting team goals.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering (Engineering Technology degrees are not accepted).
• Ability and desire to lead a team of engineers and take ownership of complex design work.
• Strong capability to interact directly with clients and represent the business and oneself in a professional manner.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple concurrent projects.
• Fundamental understanding of power distribution and electrical distribution concepts.
• Ability to perform engineering calculations related to structural analysis, conductor sag and tension, guying, voltage drop, and flicker.
• Willingness and ability to travel to field sites for inspections as required.
• Proficiency in engineering design tools and willingness to work with GIS and other utility-related technologies.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification is preferred.
• Any prior experience in power distribution or electrical utility design is a plus.
• Experience or familiarity with GIS tools used in utility or power distribution projects is beneficial.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Interest in building a long-term career in power delivery and electrical distribution.
• Motivation to grow into leadership responsibilities within an engineering team.

Work Environment

This position is based in an office environment with a cubicle setup in Carmel, Indiana. The office has been established specifically to support major power grid modernization and infrastructure projects in the region. Candidates are expected to work in the Carmel office four days per week during the first 9-12 months. After transitioning to direct employment and gaining experience, onsite expectations typically move to three days per week, with potential for additional flexibility after a few years. The team supports projects across the state of Indiana, and field visits to sites within the local service territory may be required; mileage for these visits is reimbursed. The culture combines the resources of a larger engineering firm with a small-office feel, with the team growing from the ground up. The environment is casual, but employees must be prepared to dress appropriately for client-facing meetings or field work when necessary. The standard work schedule is first shift, Monday through Friday. The role offers strong job stability, exposure to a nationally recognized engineering organization, and opportunities for training, growth, and long-term career development in a highly stable industry.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Carmel, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $29.81 - $29.81/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 Carmel,IN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 24, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.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.