Distribution Engineer

Job Title: Distribution Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on designing and delivering distribution engineering solutions that connect new homes and commercial facilities to the energy grid and upgrade existing distribution connections. The position combines field inspections, engineering design, electrical analysis, and bill of materials development to create complete work packages for utility construction crews. The role starts as a contract position with the potential to transition to a direct hire and offers significant opportunities for professional growth within a large, nationally recognized power delivery organization.

Responsibilities

• Perform field inspections at assigned sites to gather detailed notes, photographs, measurements, and sketches that will serve as the foundation for engineering design work.
• Conduct site visits independently, ensuring accurate documentation of existing conditions to support the development of complete and constructible design packages.
• Develop engineering and design packages for construction crews, including layout, configuration, and specifications for power distribution projects.
• Create and update electrical drawings based on field information, using CAD tools and design software such as AutoCAD and MicroStation or similar programs.
• Perform electrical analysis to determine appropriate materials and configurations, including structural analysis of poles, guying requirements, cable pulling, electric demand, transformer sizing, voltage drop and flicker, and coordination of protective devices.
• Select materials and develop a detailed Bill of Materials (BOM) using SAP or similar enterprise systems to support procurement and construction planning.
• Apply standard engineering practices and professional concepts to solve a variety of routine and moderately complex problems in power distribution design.
• Follow established procedures and guidelines when analyzing data and situations, making recommendations where answers can be readily obtained from standard practices.
• Manage multiple projects at various stages of the design and field process, balancing field work, office design work, analysis, and administrative tasks.
• Perform administrative duties such as project planning, documentation, and customer follow-up to ensure clear communication and alignment with client expectations.
• Interact daily with supervisors, peers, and customers to exchange information, present factual updates, and coordinate project activities.
• Ensure that design work complies with applicable codes and standards, including the National Electric Safety Code (NESC) when applicable.
• Support the utilitys field installation teams by providing complete, accurate, and constructible engineering work packages.
• Use sound judgment in resolving routine project issues and escalate more complex matters when necessary to avoid delays in project schedules.
• Maintain professional communication and a collaborative approach when working with internal teams, external partners, and client representatives.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering, or an Associates degree with relevant utility-related experience.
• For candidates with a Bachelors degree: 02 years of prior relevant experience in design engineering for electric utilities or utility consulting.
• For candidates with an Associates degree: 13 years of relevant experience working directly with an electric utility or an electric utility consulting company, performing design engineering.
• Experience using CAD tools for engineering design, such as AutoCAD or MicroStation, or comparable design software.
• Foundational knowledge of power distribution and power delivery concepts, including electrical design principles.
• Ability to perform and interpret engineering calculations related to pole structural analysis, guying, cable pulling, electric demand, transformer sizing, voltage drop, flicker, and coordination of protective devices.
• Comfort working in both field and office settings, including independent field work and remote design work.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds as needed during field activities.
• Ability to walk up to 2 miles on unpaved surfaces during site visits and field inspections.
• Reliable personal transportation to travel to and between project sites within the assigned territory.
• Valid drivers license.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills suitable for client-facing interactions.
• Ability to work effectively in team environments and collaborate with colleagues across different locations.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects at different stages simultaneously.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, or Civil) is preferred.
• Worked in utility or power industry, particularly in power distribution or power delivery, is preferred.
• Experience with the National Electric Safety Code (NESC) and applying NESC codes in distribution design is a plus.
• Familiarity with SAP for material selection and Bill of Materials creation is highly beneficial.
• Experience with PoleForeman or similar pole analysis tools is an advantage.
• Experience with MicroStation or other advanced design programs beyond basic CAD is desirable.
• Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certification is considered a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and professionally with clients and internal stakeholders.
• Collaborative and inclusive working style, with the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and geographic locations.
• Positive, proactive attitude and a willingness to learn and take on new challenges.
• Professional demeanor and the ability to represent the engineering team confidently in client-facing situations.

Work Environment

This role supports multiple territories in Michigan, with openings in and around communities such as Hamilton, Hastings, Big Rapids, and West Branch, MI. Candidates must live in or near one of these areas to effectively perform field work. The work environment is a blend of field and remote office work. A typical week includes approximately 1020% field inspections and 6080% engineering and development of design packages, with around 10% dedicated to administrative tasks, planning, and customer follow-up. Field work involves traveling to sites, walking on unpaved surfaces, taking measurements, photographs, and notes, and may be scheduled flexibly around other project demands and weather conditions. When not in the field, engineers have the ability to work fully remote, using CAD tools such as AutoCAD and MicroStation, as well as enterprise systems like SAP, to complete design and analysis tasks. The organization operates within a large, established power delivery group that partners with many major utilities and construction firms across the country, offering long-term project backlogs, strong growth prospects, and opportunities for advancement into technical lead roles or assignments on programs in other states. The culture emphasizes professionalism, collaboration, clear communication, and a positive, team-oriented mindset. Professional dress and demeanor are expected, particularly during client interactions and formal meetings.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $29.00 - $29.00/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 Hamilton,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 26, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.