Distribution Design Engineering I

Title: Distribution Design Engineering I

Location: Walled Lake United States

Job Description:

Transmission, Distribution, & Power

25 USD - 29 USD/hour

Job Title: Distribution Design Engineer IJob Description

The Distribution Design Engineer I plans, engineers, and designs electric and gas distribution systems that support safe, reliable, and efficient power delivery. This entry-level role focuses on developing work packages, performing basic engineering and design calculations, and supporting field activities to ensure that distribution infrastructure meets economic, environmental, social, regulatory, and reliability requirements. The position works under supervision on less complex assignments and contributes to the development of solutions using established principles and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Plan and design electric and gas distribution systems in alignment with established engineering standards, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Determine the need, size, location, and timing of power delivery infrastructure to balance economic, environmental, social, and regulatory constraints with reliability needs.
• Develop work packages for overhead and underground residential distribution projects, including required documentation and technical details.
• Support the engineering and design of underground cable and conduit systems for power distribution.
• Perform basic field engineering activities, including visiting sites in the assigned area to collect pictures, measurements, and other data related to existing power distribution assets.
• Identify and document conflicting utilities or site conditions that may affect design or construction activities.
• Conduct routine engineering and design calculations using established methods and tools to support project requirements.
• Assist with post-construction reviews to verify that completed work aligns with design specifications and standards.
• Follow established procedures and policies to solve simple, routine technical problems within the distribution design scope.
• Collaborate and communicate with peers to explain facts, basic analyses, processes, and practices related to distribution design projects.
• Maintain accurate records of design work, field data, and project documentation in accordance with company standards.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Less than 2 years of prior relevant engineering experience, preferably in power distribution or a related field.
• Basic knowledge of engineering principles, theories, and concepts within a technical domain relevant to electric or gas distribution.
• Ability to apply established engineering procedures and policies to solve simple, routine technical problems.
• Fundamental understanding of electric and/or gas distribution system components and configurations.
• Ability to perform basic engineering and design calculations accurately.
• Capacity to develop and interpret technical work packages for distribution projects.
• Ability to conduct field measurements and accurately document existing conditions, including photographs and dimensional data.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills to interact with peers and explain basic analyses and processes.
• Ability to work under supervision, take direction, and complete assignments within defined scopes and timelines.
• Attention to detail and commitment to following safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Engineering with a focus on electrical, civil, or a related discipline is preferred.
• Experience or coursework related to power systems, utility distribution, or infrastructure design is beneficial.
• Familiarity with design engineering concepts and practices for overhead and underground distribution systems.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, maps, and technical documentation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills within an entry-level engineering context.
• Willingness to learn new tools, processes, and standards related to distribution design engineering.
• Ability to work both independently on assigned tasks and collaboratively within a project team.

Work Environment

This role follows a hybrid work model, with approximately 80% of the time spent working from home and 20% in the field within the area being supported. Remote work typically involves performing design engineering tasks, preparing work packages, conducting calculations, and collaborating with team members using standard office and engineering software tools. Field work involves visiting distribution sites to collect photographs, measurements, and other data on existing power distribution infrastructure, which may require walking over varied terrain and working in outdoor conditions. The position operates within a structured environment that emphasizes adherence to established procedures, safety practices, and quality standards, while providing guidance and supervision appropriate for an entry-level engineer.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Walled Lake, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $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 Walled Lake,MI.

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. 

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.