Distribution Designer

Job Title: Distribution DesignerJob Description

This role offers the opportunity to help launch a new office in Southfield, Michigan, as one of the first Distribution Designers on site. You will split your time between field work in Southeast Detroit and office-based design, developing detailed design and construction work packages for overhead and underground electrical distribution systems. The position suits a candidate with a strong design background, familiarity with AutoCAD, and foundational utility knowledge who is eager to take on meaningful, technically challenging work in a collaborative engineering consulting environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop complete design and construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems for electric utility customers.
• Review client-provided information and assess scope requirements to determine design needs and constraints.
• Perform engineering calculations, including structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying calculations, conductor sag and tension specifications for recommended spans, and voltage drop and flicker calculations.
• Provide engineering support during construction, including post-construction reviews to verify that all applicable engineering and construction standards have been met.
• Conduct root cause analysis of outages and develop mitigation measures using sound engineering principles and design practices.
• Coordinate with other utilities and address conflicting utilities and field design requirements, particularly in dense urban environments.
• Assist in assessing and developing large design packages for complex cable and conduit projects, including work permit development, easements, and right-of-way (ROW) applications.
• Spend approximately 50% of time in the field visiting assigned poles and lines to observe existing conditions, record accurate measurements, and capture detailed photographs.
• Use field data, measurements, and photographs to produce accurate and comprehensive design drawings in the office.
• Travel within Southeast Detroit and surrounding areas, typically up to approximately 1.5 hours from the office, with very rare overnight travel.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues in a group-oriented environment to share knowledge, review work, and ensure high-quality deliverables.
• Follow internal standards, client specifications, and industry best practices to ensure designs are safe, reliable, and compliant.

Essential Skills

• At least an associate degree in a design-related discipline.
• Experience in a design role, ideally 2-3 years, which may be outside the utility industry.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD for creating and modifying design drawings.
• Experience with SolidWorks or similar 3D design software is highly beneficial.
• Basic knowledge of electric utility systems and distribution design concepts.
• Ability to perform or learn to perform engineering calculations, including structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying, conductor sag and tension, and voltage drop and flicker.
• Capability to interpret and apply engineering and construction standards in design work.
• Comfort working in both office and field environments, including traveling to and working at outdoor sites.
• Strong attention to detail for recording field measurements, documenting site conditions, and producing accurate drawings.
• Effective communication skills to work with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and manage assigned tasks from field data collection through design completion.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field is a plus, particularly for candidates interested in an engineering career path.
• Experience working directly with an electric utility or an electric utility consulting company performing electric distribution design engineering.
• Experience in distribution design for other engineering consulting firms or competitors.
• Familiarity with complex cable and conduit projects in dense urban environments.
• Experience preparing work permits, easements, and right-of-way (ROW) applications.
• Interest in obtaining additional training, certifications, and skills development supported by the employer.
• A track record of working on multidisciplinary engineering or infrastructure projects.
• An entrepreneurial mindset and comfort working in a growing office with evolving processes and responsibilities.

Work Environment

This position is based in a newly established office in Southfield, Michigan, with work focused on projects in Southeast Detroit. The role is expected to be full-time in the office, with potential flexibility over time depending on performance and production. You will split your time approximately 50% in the office and 50% in the field. Field work involves traveling-typically up to about an hour and a half from the office-to visit poles and lines, collect measurements, and take photographs. Travel time counts toward working hours, and a company vehicle may be available for project-related travel. Overnight travel is very rare. The work environment emphasizes group collaboration, with professionals who tackle interesting and meaningful projects across commercial, industrial, and government sectors. The organization values a collaborative spirit, entrepreneurial energy, and an agile structure. Employees benefit from a culture that recognizes technical expertise as a core asset and invests in training, new skills, and certifications. You will work with modern design tools such as AutoCAD and potentially 3D design software, and you will contribute to engineering solutions that address local infrastructure needs in an ever-changing world.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $28.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Southfield,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 15, 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.