Distribution Designer III

The Distribution Designer III plays a key role within the Power Distribution Engineering team as part of a growing power sector organization. This position focuses on detailed design of power distribution systems, including the preparation of drawings, specifications, and cost estimates for review and approval by a responsible engineer. The role combines technical design, field data collection, coordination with internal and external stakeholders, and limited leadership responsibilities over Designers and Technicians on assigned projects, including acting as a design leader on projects of minor complexity.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed design work for power distribution projects, including the preparation of drawings, specifications, and estimates for review and approval by the responsible engineer.
• Provide limited direction and technical guidance to Designers and Technicians on assigned projects and act as a design leader on projects of minor complexity.
• Prepare manual or computer-assisted design and construction drawings of a complex nature with a high degree of neatness and minimal errors.
• Perform design services that require a full understanding of drawings, specifications, and applicable industry and company standards for the assigned work.
• Take a significant role in the preparation of cost estimates, technical specifications, evaluations, and material or equipment requisitions.
• Assist in the preparation of engineering calculations to support design decisions and project documentation.
• Coordinate equipment deliveries and design development activities to ensure alignment with project schedules and milestones.
• Acquire on-site field data to support design work or to monitor and evaluate equipment performance in the field.
• Serve as a Project Coordinator on certain projects, helping to manage scope, schedule, communication, and coordination with stakeholders.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of practices and procedures in one or more technical areas such as electrical engineering, instrumentation and control, protective relaying, transmission and substation design, civil or mechanical engineering, distribution engineering, surveying, GIS and mapping, and CADD.
• Follow prescribed standards and procedures to ensure consistency, quality, and compliance with applicable codes and guidelines.
• Handle contacts and communication with clients and other agencies in connection with project design responsibilities.
• Demonstrate leadership and technical capability to meet project objectives and support the broader Power Distribution Engineering team.
• Perform other design-related duties as assigned to support departmental and project needs.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Distribution Designer.
• Degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology from an accredited college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience as determined appropriate for this position.
• Strong knowledge of power distribution and distribution design principles.
• Thorough understanding of technical practices and procedures in one or more of the following areas: electrical engineering, instrumentation and control, protective relaying, transmission design, substation design, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, distribution engineering, surveying, GIS and mapping, and CADD.
• Demonstrated ability and experience with GIS systems, preferably Smallworld or GWD.
• Demonstrated ability and experience with CADD systems, particularly AutoCAD.
• Ability to interpret and apply drawings, specifications, industry standards, and company standards to design work.
• Ability to prepare complex manual or computer-assisted design and construction drawings with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Capability to prepare or significantly contribute to cost estimates, specifications, evaluations, and requisitions.
• Ability to follow prescribed standards and procedures consistently.
• Demonstrated leadership and technical capability to perform all job responsibilities effectively.
• Ability to interact professionally with clients and other agencies in connection with project design responsibilities.
• Clear and valid driver’s license and eligibility to drive on company time using personal or company vehicles, including meeting the requirement to be at least 21 years of age.

• Experience working in both field and office environments is preferred.
• Utility distribution design experience with a utility or consulting engineering firm, with demonstrated project capability, is preferred.
• Experience coordinating equipment deliveries and design development to meet project schedules.
• Experience acquiring and using on-site field data to support design or to monitor and evaluate equipment performance.
• Experience serving as a Project Coordinator or in a similar coordinating role on engineering projects.
• Strong communication skills for coordinating with internal teams, clients, and external agencies.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and project priorities.
• Comfort working with industry and company standards, guidelines, and procedures.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision while maintaining high standards of quality and accuracy.

This role operates within a Power Distribution Engineering team in a professional engineering environment that supports a growing power sector. The position involves a mix of office-based design work and field activities. In the office, the Distribution Designer III uses GIS systems such as Smallworld or GWD and CADD tools such as AutoCAD to produce detailed design and construction drawings, specifications, and cost estimates. The work requires frequent interaction with engineers, Designers, Technicians, clients, and external agencies to coordinate project design responsibilities and schedules. Field work includes visiting project sites to acquire on-site data, monitor and evaluate equipment performance, and verify design conditions, which may involve driving personal or company vehicles. The work environment emphasizes adherence to industry and company standards, careful documentation, and coordination of equipment deliveries and design development to meet project deadlines. Dress expectations may vary between office and field settings, with typical business-appropriate attire in the office and practical, safety-conscious clothing and footwear in the field as required by project and site conditions.

Job Type & Location

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

The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $37.00/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 fully onsite position in Charlotte,NC.

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 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 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.

Salary : $32 - $37