Designer And Drafter

Job Title: Designer and Drafter Electrical DistributionJob Description

This role focuses on independently developing complete design and construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems for electric utility customers, with a strong emphasis on overhead distribution. You will translate field data, client requirements, and industry standards into detailed electrical distribution designs using specialized utility design software. The position offers the opportunity to work closely with utility clients, contribute to major distribution and reliability projects, and grow within a rapidly expanding utility energy division.

Responsibilities

• Independently develop detailed design and construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems for electric utility customers, with the majority of work focused on overhead distribution.
• Review client-provided work scopes and documentation, interpret requirements, and clarify project needs to ensure accurate and complete design packages.
• Perform field work as needed, including visiting assigned sites within designated territories to capture photos, take measurements, and document existing conditions.
• Use field data and client requirements to create accurate designs for electrical distribution systems using Open Utilities or similar industry-specific design software.
• Design power distribution systems by determining power requirements, defining main distribution panels, subpanels, transformers, and branch circuits, and selecting appropriate equipment such as transformers, circuits, power lines, and utility poles.
• Develop physical layouts for distribution systems and associated equipment, ensuring constructability and alignment with client standards and industry codes.
• Conduct energy analyses to verify that selected materials and equipment meet the required usage and load demands for residential and commercial sites.
• Prepare and maintain a detailed bill of materials (BOM) and enter material data into SAP or similar material tracking software.
• Support the preparation and coordination of permits for utility lines that cross roads, easements, and private property, and assist with documentation related to tree removal or right-of-way needs.
• Compile photos, measurements, designs, BOMs, and permit information into a complete electrical construction package for internal and client review.
• Incorporate feedback and perform revisions to design packages as needed prior to final submission to the utility client for construction use.
• Utilize structural analysis software such as Poleforman, PLA, or other pole loading analysis tools to evaluate wood pole integrity and strength and determine whether pole replacement is required.
• Perform pole loading, guying calculations, conductor sag and tension specifications, and voltage drop and flicker calculations to ensure safe and reliable distribution designs.
• Apply National Electric Safety Code (NESC) requirements when creating designs and selecting materials to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with a designated Quality Control approver to address any design issues, implement changes, and finalize electrical distribution design packages.
• Engage in frequent communication with clients via email, phone, and online collaboration tools to discuss project status, clarify requirements, and address questions.
• Work effectively in a fast-paced project environment, managing multiple work orders and meeting deadlines while maintaining high-quality deliverables.
• Contribute to a growing utility energy division by supporting new construction electrical work orders and participating in ongoing process improvements.
• Potentially assist with quality control and quality assurance activities, including reviewing designs, checking documentation, and supporting adherence to internal standards.
• Support training efforts for new team members and help document or refine process standards as the department continues to expand.

Essential Skills

• Design and drafting experience in an engineering, utility, or related environment, or an Associates degree with a major focused in Design or CAD.
• Hands-on experience with design software such as AutoCAD, Solidworks, Catia, MicroStation, or similar tools, with the ability to transition to Open Utilities for final design work.
• Ability to design electrical distribution systems, including low voltage distribution, and to interpret and apply utility design principles.
• Knowledge of or experience working with National Electric Safety Code (NESC) standards and their application in distribution design and material selection.
• Familiarity with electrical distribution design concepts such as power requirements, panel and subpanel layout, transformer selection, branch circuit design, and equipment layout.
• Experience preparing and maintaining bills of materials and entering data into SAP or comparable material tracking systems.
• Capability to perform energy analysis to verify that selected materials and equipment meet site usage requirements.
• Experience or aptitude with structural analysis tools such as Poleforman, PLA, or other pole loading analysis software used for wood pole analysis, guying calculations, and conductor sag and tension evaluation.
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced environments while managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Strong customer or client communication skills, including clear verbal and written communication with internal teams and external utility clients.
• Capacity to think both quickly and strategically when assessing project requirements, resolving design issues, and prioritizing work.
• Willingness and ability to perform field work, including taking site photos and measurements, when required.
• Relevant experience working directly with an electric utility, or coursework directly related to the utility industry or power grid.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Internship or co-op experience with major utilities such as Consumers Energy, DTE, Duke Energy, American Electric Power (AEP), First Energy, Indiana Power, Southern Indiana Power, NIPSCO, Indiana Gas and Electric, or other similar utility companies.
• Experience working for electric utility consulting firms that specialize in electric distribution design or engineering work.
• Background in interior design or fiber design as it relates to distribution projects.
• Experience with quality control or quality assurance (QA/QC) activities, particularly in engineering or utility design environments.
• Experience assisting with training new employees, mentoring junior staff, or supporting onboarding processes.
• Experience writing or contributing to process standards, design guidelines, or procedural documentation.
• Interest in professional development related to engineering licensure, including preparation for the FE exam and eventual pursuit of a PE license.
• Exposure to or understanding of utility industry disciplines such as construction services, site development, survey, storm water, transportation, wastewater, or related infrastructure projects.

Work Environment

This position supports a civil consulting engineering practice with a strong focus on the utility industry, including distribution and reliability work for major utility clients. The role offers a flexible work arrangement that can include working from home, a local office, and in the field, allowing you to choose the mix that best fits your needs in coordination with project requirements. Field work occurs within designated territories, including areas such as Lansing/Owosso and Monroe/Dundee, and the organization aims to align candidates within approximately a 60-mile radius of supported locations. Consultants based in states such as Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, or western Pennsylvania may be asked to work on-site at an office for the first one to two weeks for initial training, after which they can transition to a fully remote arrangement. Work involves the use of industry-specific tools and technologies, including Open Utilities for distribution design, SAP or similar systems for material tracking, and pole loading analysis tools such as Poleforman or PLA. Collaboration with clients and internal teams occurs frequently via email, phone, and online meeting platforms. The utility energy division is in a strong growth phase, with significant expansion driven by large distribution and reliability contracts, creating opportunities for advancement into lead roles and direct client-facing responsibilities. The broader organization maintains service agreements with multiple utility companies across the Midwest, offering exposure to in-state and out-of-state utility projects and a culture that supports ongoing professional growth and development.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Grand Rapids, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $34.00/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 & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Grand Rapids, MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 13, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Grand Rapids,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.

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.