Distribution Designer

Job Title: Distribution Designer / Field Distribution TechnicianJob Description

This role combines detailed utility distribution design with hands-on field survey work to support power distribution projects across Eastern Massachusetts and parts of Connecticut. You will prepare complex design and construction drawings, support engineering calculations and cost estimates, and gather accurate field data from project sites. The position offers flexibility to focus on design, field work, or a blend of both, with clear opportunities to learn, grow, and eventually manage both field and design responsibilities independently within a stable, growth-oriented engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare manual or computer-assisted design and construction drawings of a complex nature with a high level of neatness and minimal errors.
• Perform design services that require a full understanding of drawings, specifications, and applicable industry and company standards for assigned work.
• Contribute to the preparation of cost estimates, technical specifications, evaluations, and material or equipment requisitions.
• Assist in the preparation of engineering calculations to support distribution, transmission, or related engineering projects.
• Coordinate equipment deliveries and design development activities to meet established project schedules.
• Acquire on-site field data to support design work, including surveying distribution assets such as telephone poles and related infrastructure.
• Monitor and evaluate equipment performance in the field as needed to validate design assumptions or project requirements.
• Perform detailed design work, including the preparation of drawings, specifications, and estimates for review and approval by the responsible engineer.
• Travel to project sites in Massachusetts and Connecticut to perform field surveys, data collection, and site verification, often driving long distances.
• Conduct make ready analysis to assess existing infrastructure and determine required modifications for new or upgraded distribution facilities.
• Collaborate with engineers, designers, and field personnel to ensure designs are constructible, accurate, and aligned with project objectives.
• Maintain accurate records of field observations, measurements, and survey data to support designers and engineers.
• Follow established practices and procedures in one or more technical areas such as distribution engineering, electrical design, GIS and mapping, or CADD.
• Work with minimal supervision while managing multiple design-related tasks and field assignments.
• Participate in training and on-the-job learning to develop from a field-focused role into a combined field and design position over time, if desired.

Essential Skills

• Ability to prepare manual or computer-assisted design and construction drawings with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Experience using AutoCAD or similar CADD tools for utility or infrastructure design.
• Familiarity with make ready analysis for power distribution or related infrastructure.
• Interest in and willingness to perform field work, including surveying distribution assets and collecting on-site data.
• Capability to interpret and apply drawings, specifications, and industry standards to design tasks.
• Strong understanding, or the ability to develop a strong understanding, of practices and procedures in one or more areas such as electrical engineering, distribution engineering, transmission design, substation design, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, instrumentation and control, protective relaying, surveying, GIS and mapping, or CADD.
• Ability to perform design-related duties with minimal supervision, including preparing drawings, specifications, and estimates.
• Valid driver's license and ability to drive long distances to project sites in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
• Residence within approximately 1.5 hours of Cape Cod or Eastern Massachusetts to support frequent field work without extensive overnight stays.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience if no degree, or an associate degree or equivalent in a technical field (flexible based on overall education and experience).
• Demonstrated leadership potential and technical capability to perform assigned job duties.
• Willingness to learn, adapt, and take on both field and design responsibilities over time.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent education in a technical field is preferred, but not strictly required if relevant experience is present.
• Entry-level candidates with familiarity with make ready analysis and a strong interest in distribution design are welcome.
• Candidates interested in strictly field technician roles do not need prior design experience or formal design education, provided they are willing to learn and travel regularly to field sites.
• Experience with power distribution design, electrical design, or related engineering disciplines is beneficial.
• Exposure to GIS and mapping tools for utility or infrastructure projects is an advantage.
• Experience with surveying, including collecting field measurements and documenting existing conditions, is helpful.
• Ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders to align equipment deliveries and design schedules.
• Strong organizational skills to manage documentation, field notes, and design files.
• Comfort working independently in the field and collaborating closely with a small, specialized team.
• Openness to developing from a 100% field role into a combined field and design position as skills and experience grow.

Work Environment

The role operates within a large, established engineering organization that offers long-term stability and significant growth opportunities. Work is split between office, remote, and field settings, depending on your focus. New hires typically begin in the office for training and onboarding, then transition to a hybrid schedule with approximately two days per week working from home once they are fully up to speed. For experienced designers, there is potential to work fully remote after acclimating to the team and workflows. The local team in Franklin, Massachusetts is small, providing a close-knit environment with direct access to colleagues and support. Field work is a key component of many roles, involving regular travel by personal vehicle to project sites across Eastern Massachusetts and parts of Connecticut, including long-distance driving. Mileage reimbursement is provided for use of your personal vehicle. In some cases, company vehicles may be used for surveys, depending on assignment. The organization aims to limit hotel stays by prioritizing candidates who live within about 1.5 hours of Eastern Massachusetts, where much of the work is concentrated. You will work with tools such as AutoCAD, CADD systems, GIS and mapping software, and standard field survey equipment. The environment emphasizes safety, adherence to engineering standards, and continuous learning, with opportunities to progress from field-focused work into more advanced design responsibilities over time.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Franklin, MA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/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 Franklin,MA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 19, 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.