Distribution Engineer

This role focuses on designing, planning, and managing electrical power distribution systems within the Eastern Division service area. The Distribution Engineer ensures the safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of electricity to homes, businesses, and industrial customers by developing robust distribution networks and supporting both existing infrastructure and new connections.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and optimize electrical distribution systems, including overhead and underground lines, substations, transformers, and related components, while ensuring compliance with applicable industry standards and regulations.
• Perform network analysis, including load flow analysis, fault analysis, and voltage drop calculations, to assess distribution network capacity and performance and to identify and mitigate potential issues.
• Maintain accurate records of distribution equipment, conduct condition assessments, and recommend maintenance, repair, or replacement strategies for aging or damaged assets.
• Specify and select distribution equipment such as transformers, circuit breakers, switches, and protective devices, taking into account voltage levels, load requirements, and system configuration.
• Ensure that all distribution system designs and modifications meet safety standards, environmental regulations, and industry codes, and collaborate with regulatory authorities to obtain necessary approvals and maintain compliance.
• Identify and implement opportunities to enhance system reliability, reduce downtime, and improve power quality, including strategies that increase overall system resilience.
• Evaluate requests for new electrical connections, assess their impact on the existing distribution network, and design the infrastructure required to support new customers and load growth.
• Manage distribution infrastructure projects from conception through completion, coordinating with construction crews, contractors, and vendors to ensure adherence to project timelines, budgets, and quality requirements.
• Respond to emergency situations such as power outages and equipment failures by conducting rapid technical assessments and developing effective solutions to safely restore power.
• Analyze data from monitoring systems, smart grids, and sensors to gain insight into distribution system performance and to support data-driven decisions on system upgrades, maintenance, and operational improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, internal stakeholders, and external partners to align engineering solutions with operational needs and regulatory expectations.
• Stay current with emerging technologies, tools, and best practices in electrical distribution engineering and apply this knowledge to continuous improvement initiatives.

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a closely related field is typically required; candidates with extensive relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• In-depth knowledge of electrical power distribution principles, grid operation, protection systems, and distribution equipment.
• Experience in designing and planning overhead and underground electrical distribution systems, including substations and related infrastructure.
• Proficiency with distribution system design software, computer-aided design (CAD) tools, and power system simulation software.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD for creating and modifying engineering drawings.
• Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping and analyzing distribution networks.
• Ability to perform load flow analysis, fault analysis, and voltage drop calculations for distribution systems.
• Strong understanding of relevant regulatory requirements, industry standards, and environmental regulations affecting power distribution projects.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills for assessing network performance, diagnosing technical issues, and developing effective engineering solutions.
• Strong commitment to safety protocols and procedures in the design, operation, and maintenance of electrical distribution systems.
• Project management skills to plan, execute, and oversee distribution infrastructure projects, including scheduling, budgeting, and coordination of resources.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, contractors, vendors, and regulatory bodies.
• Ability to adapt to new technologies, evolving industry trends, and changing energy demands within the electrical distribution sector.

• Master’s degree in electrical engineering or a related discipline is beneficial for more specialized or advanced engineering responsibilities.
• Professional engineering licensure (PE) or similar professional certifications, as required or recognized in the relevant region.
• Experience with utility power distribution systems, including planning and operations within a utility environment.
• Exposure to civil and mechanical considerations related to power distribution infrastructure, such as pole design, foundations, and equipment mounting.
• Experience with substation design, including layout, equipment selection, and integration with distribution networks.
• Proficiency with additional design software and CAD tools beyond AutoCAD, particularly those used in utility engineering environments.
• Demonstrated ability to work with smart grid technologies, monitoring systems, and sensor data to support system optimization.
• Track record of successfully coordinating with contractors, construction crews, and vendors on field implementation of distribution projects.
• Interest in long-term career growth within a large utility environment, including transitioning from contract roles into internal permanent positions when available.

The role offers a balanced mix of office and field work, with approximately half of the time spent at a desk in an office setting in the Oneonta area and the other half spent in the field. In the office, the Distribution Engineer uses design software, CAD tools such as AutoCAD, GIS platforms, and power system simulation tools to develop and analyze distribution system designs. Field work involves visiting project sites and existing distribution infrastructure to perform assessments, verify designs, support construction activities, and respond to outages or equipment issues. The position operates within a large utility environment that values safety, professional development, and internal mobility, providing opportunities for contractors to be considered for internal permanent roles as they become available. The work may require occasional travel within the service area, exposure to outdoor conditions while in the field, and adherence to appropriate safety gear and attire consistent with utility and field engineering standards.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Oneonta, AL.

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $42.00/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 Oneonta,AL.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 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 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 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 : $35 - $42