Distribution Designer (Entry Level)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Distribution Designer
Job Description

The role involves independently developing design and construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems for electric utility customers. The majority of the work focuses on overhead systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive design and construction work packages for electrical distribution systems.
• Review client-provided work and assess the requirements of the project scope.
• Conduct fieldwork, including taking photos and measurements of assigned sites, as needed.
• Use fieldwork information to create designs in Open Utilities software.
• Design power distribution systems, including determining power requirements, defining main distribution panels, subpanels, transformers, and branch circuits.
• Perform energy analysis to ensure selected materials meet site usage requirements.
• Build a Bill of Materials (BOM) and enter it into SAP/Material Tracking Software.
• Assist with obtaining necessary permits for utility lines crossing roads, easements, or private properties.
• Submit completed electrical construction packages for approval and make revisions as needed.
• Utilize software such as Poleforman or PLA for structural analysis and calculations.
• Adhere to National Electric Safety Codes (NESC) when making designs or selecting materials.
• Collaborate with a designated Quality Control approver on necessary changes before submitting the final package.
• Communicate frequently with clients via email, phone, and teams.

• Experience in Design/Drafting or an Associate's degree focused on Design/CAD.
• Proficiency with design software such as AutoCAD, Solidworks, Catia, Microstation, etc.
• Ability to perform in fast-paced environments.
• Strong customer or client communication skills.
• Capacity to think quickly and strategically.
• Knowledge of NESC codes.
• Experience with utility distribution design.

• Internship or co-op experience with major utilities such as Consumers Energy, DTE, Duke Energy, or others.
• Experience with electric utility consulting firms specializing in distribution design or engineering.
• Quality Control or Quality Assurance (QA/QC) experience.
• Experience in training new employees or writing process standards.

Work will be a combination of office, home, and field locations, depending on personal preference and proximity to specific areas. Initial training may require in-office presence for out-of-state consultants, followed by the option for remote work. Desired candidates should live within a 60-mile radius of locations like Lansing/Owosso, Monroe/Dundee, and Grand Rapids.

Job Type & Location

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

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $25.00/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)

This is a hybrid position in Lansing,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on May 28, 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 [email protected] 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.