Distribution Design Engineering (Entry Level)

Job Title: Distribution Design Engineer I (Greensboro)

Job Description

This entry-level Distribution Design Engineer I role focuses on developing detailed design and construction work packages for overhead, underground, underground residential distribution, make-ready, and street lighting projects. You will use customer GIS and work management systems such as GE Smallworld and Bentley Expert Designer, working both in the field and in the office. Under the guidance of a technical lead, you will learn and apply customer engineering and construction standards while gaining hands-on experience with complex distribution design in both urban and non-urban environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop design and construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems operating from 4 kV through 138 kV, primarily associated with programmatic work such as overloaded transformers, inspection and maintenance programs, joint use, and inspection reports.
• Prepare work packages for underground residential distribution, make-ready work, and street light projects in accordance with applicable engineering and construction standards.
• Use customer GIS and work management systems, including platforms such as GE Smallworld and Bentley Expert Designer, to create, update, and manage distribution design packages.
• Travel to project sites as needed to perform field inspections, collect design data, assess existing conditions, and then return to the office to complete detailed engineering design work.
• Perform engineering calculations, including structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying calculations, specification of conductor sags and tensions for recommended spans, and calculations of voltage drop and flicker.
• Develop permitting documents and supporting drawings for various Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) to facilitate construction approvals.
• Support the assessment and development of design packages for complex cable and conduit projects in dense urban environments, including coordination with other utilities and stakeholders.
• Assist with work permit development, easement documentation, and right-of-way (ROW) applications required for distribution projects.
• Contribute to the design of mainline vault medium-voltage switchgear, network system layouts, and distribution system protection and coordination under the direction of a technical lead.
• Provide engineering support during construction, responding to field questions, clarifying design intent, and assisting with any required design adjustments.
• Conduct post-construction reviews to verify that completed work meets all applicable engineering and construction standards and to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Participate in root cause analysis of outages and develop mitigation recommendations using sound engineering principles and distribution system design practices.
• Comply with all safety requirements as well as design and quality expectations throughout the planning, design, and construction support phases of each project.

Essential Skills

• Completed Bachelor of Science degree in an engineering discipline such as electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering.
• 0–1 years of experience in engineering or a related technical field, with an interest in power distribution design.
• Ability to perform basic engineering calculations related to structural loading, guying, conductor sag and tension, and electrical performance such as voltage drop and flicker.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, to prepare reports, calculations, and project documentation.
• Strong written communication skills to produce clear design notes, reports, and permitting documents.
• Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills to collaborate effectively with technical leads, peers, field personnel, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work in both office and field environments, including traveling to project sites for inspections and data collection.
• Capability to learn and follow established engineering and construction standards and procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity or interest in using GIS and work management systems such as GE Smallworld and Bentley Expert Designer for utility distribution design.
• Interest in overhead and underground distribution system design, including underground residential distribution, make-ready projects, and street lighting.
• Interest in learning about coordination of conflicting utilities and other field engineering design requirements in both urban and non-urban settings.
• Willingness to develop expertise in designing complex cable and conduit systems in dense urban environments.
• Interest in gaining experience with network system design, mainline vault medium-voltage switchgear, and distribution system protection and coordination.
• Motivation to grow in a role that offers training in customer-specific engineering and construction standards and procedures.

Work Environment

• This role combines office-based design work with occasional field assignments.
• You will spend most of your time in an office setting using engineering software, GIS platforms, work management systems, and standard office tools such as Microsoft Office to develop and refine distribution design packages.
• Periodically, you will travel to project sites to perform field inspections, gather data, verify existing conditions, and coordinate with on-site personnel.
• The work environment emphasizes adherence to safety requirements, consistent design quality, and collaboration with a technical lead and broader project team.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Greensboro, NC.

The pay range for this position is $29.81 - $29.81/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 fully onsite position in Greensboro,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 27, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

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