Distribution Design Engineer

Job Title: Distribution Design EngineerJob Description

The Distribution Design Engineer provides technical leadership and quality assurance for utility distribution design projects, ensuring safe, compliant, and cost-effective solutions. This role oversees workload management and technical guidance for a project team, performs detailed design work using AutoCAD and GIS tools, and supports multiple projects from concept through permitting and construction. The engineer contributes directly to high levels of customer satisfaction by delivering accurate designs, thorough documentation, and timely project completion.

Responsibilities

• Provide QA/QC review of design work produced by the team to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable standards and regulations.
• Manage workload distribution across the team and offer technical guidance to support successful project delivery.
• Perform detailed design for a variety of utility customers using AutoCAD, including both overhead and underground electric distribution projects.
• Complete full design packages for utility distribution projects, including drafting, engineering calculations, easement validation, design and construction cost estimating, and development of permit packages.
• Support or perform field-related activities such as survey, inspection, testing, and documentation of power distribution systems, compressors, and related facilities.
• Review and interpret GIS Smallworld data to identify, resolve, or avoid conflicts and ensure accurate network representation.
• Coordinate projects for construction across multiple departments to support timely construction and meet customer, crew, and stakeholder needs within negotiated time frames.
• Learn, apply, and incorporate company safety rules and policies, company design standards, and governing authority regulations into all daily work and design activities.
• Ensure all designs meet applicable company safety standards, distribution construction standards, and governing authority regulations.
• Process civil permit files and ensure all required documentation is accurate, complete, and submitted in a timely manner.
• Interpret and decipher electronic pole diagrams to support accurate design and construction planning.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously to ensure on-time, successful completion and contribute to achieving department and organizational goals.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to address design issues, clarify requirements, and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.

Essential Skills

• Background in electrical engineering with experience in power, electrical construction, or closely related fields.
• Experience in distribution design or working as a distribution design engineer on utility electric projects.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD for utility or electrical distribution design applications.
• Familiarity with GIS tools, including the ability to review and interpret GIS Smallworld data.
• Ability to perform and review engineering calculations, including those related to power distribution design.
• Experience with drafting, design documentation, and preparation of construction and permit packages.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and capability to perform QA/QC on design deliverables.
• Ability to interpret electronic pole diagrams and apply them to distribution design.
• Understanding of safety practices, company design standards, and governing authority regulations related to electric distribution.
• Strong coordination and communication skills for working across multiple departments and with various stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with GIS Smallworld and AutoCAD is highly desirable.
• Civil design and permitting experience is a plus, particularly related to utility or infrastructure projects.
• Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certification is a strong advantage and may support increased billable value.
• Experience with overhead and underground utility electric projects.
• Experience processing civil permit files and working with permitting authorities.
• Prior involvement in survey, inspection, testing, and documentation for power distribution or related facilities.
• Ability to quickly learn and apply internal safety rules, design standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Motivation to contribute to large-scale utility projects with a broad impact nationwide.

Work Environment

This role operates primarily in a remote work environment and requires residence within the state of Minnesota. The position may transition to a hybrid arrangement in an office setting in the near future. Work is performed using tools such as AutoCAD and GIS Smallworld, along with standard office and collaboration software. The engineer will collaborate with cross-functional teams, coordinate with construction and field personnel, and support projects that impact utility operations across a wide geographic area. The culture emphasizes safety, adherence to design standards, and delivering high-quality work that supports a reputable, large-scale utility customer performing projects nationwide.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Paul, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $34.18 - $48.83/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 hybrid position in Saint Paul,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 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.