Distribution Designer

Job Title: Distribution Designer (must sit in Seattle/Bellevue)

Location: Bellevue/ Seattle United States

Job Description

This role focuses on designing overhead and underground electric distribution systems ranging from 4kV to 69kV. The distribution designer prepares and reviews detailed design documents, monitors and maintains project schedules, reports changes that impact scope, schedule, and budget, and identifies risks and opportunities to improve the design and construction of distribution projects. The position requires close collaboration with engineering teams and field personnel to ensure accurate, efficient, and standards-compliant designs.

Responsibilities

• Design overhead and underground electric distribution facilities for voltages from 4kV through 69kV.
• Prepare design sketches, drawings, cost estimates, bills of material, and other required construction documentation.
• Apply established standards, guidelines, specifications, practices, procedures, and industry standards when preparing designs for electric distribution facilities.
• Perform distribution system design calculations to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation.
• Prepare and oversee the preparation of construction design documents, including plans and profiles, structure loadings, detailed design drawings, trench and conduit layouts, and equipment specifications.
• Communicate with engineering teams and other stakeholders to clarify system requirements and design expectations.
• Identify and coordinate Right of Way needs for proposed equipment and distribution facilities.
• Acquire field data as necessary to support accurate design, and collaborate with field surveying personnel to develop appropriate design solutions.
• Monitor and maintain project schedules, ensuring that design activities are completed on time.
• Report changes that may affect project schedule and budget, and help assess their impact.
• Identify risks that may affect schedule and costs and propose mitigation strategies.
• Present opportunities to improve the design and construction of distribution projects, focusing on quality, efficiency, and constructability.

Essential Skills

• At least five years of design experience using MicroStation or AutoCAD.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD for drafting and design of electric distribution systems.
• Strong drafting skills, including the ability to produce clear and accurate design sketches and drawings.
• Experience preparing cost estimates, bills of material, and construction documentation.
• Ability to perform electric distribution system design calculations.
• Knowledge of standards, guidelines, specifications, practices, procedures, and industry standards related to overhead and underground electric distribution facilities.
• Associate degree in applied science (AAS) in drafting and computer aided design (CAD) or in civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering technology, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively with engineers and other project stakeholders regarding system requirements and design details.
• Capability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background in design and drafting for utility or infrastructure projects.
• Experience preparing plan and profile drawings, structure loading diagrams, trench and conduit drawings, and equipment specifications.
• Familiarity with piping design or related infrastructure design disciplines.
• Comfort acquiring and interpreting field data in support of design activities.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality, constructible designs.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adjust to changing project schedules.
• Flexible approach to work that supports collaboration across remote and office-based teams.

Work Environment

This position primarily operates in a remote work environment, with occasional visits to the office as needed for meetings, coordination, or project reviews. The role involves extensive use of CAD software such as AutoCAD and MicroStation, as well as standard office productivity tools for documentation and communication. The work schedule is flexible, supporting both independent work and collaboration with team members. The environment encourages teamwork, open communication, and a balanced approach to remote and on-site activities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Bellevue, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $36.00/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 remote position.

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  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.