Distribution Engineering II (Houston)

The Distribution Engineer II plays a key role in designing and supporting electrical overhead and underground distribution systems for utility customers. This position combines office-based engineering design with occasional field work to collect data, review construction, and ensure that all projects meet applicable engineering and construction standards. The role offers the opportunity to work on complex urban cable and conduit projects, coordinate with multiple utilities, and contribute to reliable power delivery through sound engineering practices.

• Independently develop detailed design and construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems.
• Review work provided by customers and assess scope requirements to ensure clarity, completeness, and technical accuracy.
• Perform engineering calculations, including structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying calculations, specifying conductor sags and tensions for recommended spans, and voltage drop and flicker calculations.
• Provide engineering support during construction, including post-construction reviews to verify compliance with all applicable engineering and construction standards.
• Conduct root cause analysis of outages and develop mitigation strategies using sound engineering principles and design practices.
• Coordinate with conflicting utilities and other field engineering requirements to develop large, complex design packages for cable and conduit projects in dense urban environments.
• Prepare and support work permit development, easement documentation, and right-of-way (ROW) applications as part of project delivery.
• Visit customer sites to collect field data and observations that inform and refine design and construction work packages.
• Work effectively in both field and office settings, adapting to project needs and environmental conditions.
• Use distribution design tools and software to model, analyze, and document distribution system designs.
• Collaborate with project teams and stakeholders, sharing information and updates to keep projects on schedule and within scope.

• Bachelor of Science degree in an Engineering discipline such as Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, or Industrial from an ABET-accredited institution.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience working directly with an electric utility or an electric utility consulting company performing electric distribution design engineering.
• Hands-on experience with distribution design tools such as BOUD, O-Calc, or similar applications used for electric distribution design.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to use a personal vehicle for customer-related travel, with job-related travel reimbursed at IRS-approved rates.
• Willingness and ability to perform both field and office work, including working in outdoor environments on occasion.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly.
• Capability to work with limited supervision and manage assigned tasks and deadlines independently.

• Experience with NESC standards and their application to electric distribution design.
• Familiarity with ESRI tools, AutoCAD and/or MicroStation, and GIS platforms for mapping and design.
• Experience performing structural analysis, guying calculations, cable pulling calculations, protective device coordination, and calculations related to electric demand and fault currents.
• Exposure to work management software and job estimating software used in utility and engineering environments.
• Experience with CAD tools for creating and modifying engineering drawings and design documents.
• Collaborative attitude and commitment to inclusivity, working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and geographic locations.
• Positive, professional demeanor that supports productive relationships with colleagues, customers, and stakeholders.

This role is based in an office environment five days a week, with no hybrid work arrangement. The position involves primarily office-based design and analysis work, complemented by occasional customer-site visits and field data collection in outdoor settings. Professional dress and demeanor are expected in the office and during customer interactions. The work includes regular use of computers, engineering software, and standard office productivity tools in a structured, team-oriented setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.

The pay range for this position is $34.00 - $38.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Houston,TX.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 14, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.