Entry Level Distribution Engineer

Job Title: Distribution Engineer

Job Description

This Distribution Engineer role focuses on designing, planning, and managing electrical distribution systems that safely and reliably deliver power to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. You will play a key role in ensuring the efficiency, reliability, and resilience of the distribution network while meeting regulatory requirements and supporting system expansion and modernization.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and optimize electrical distribution systems, including overhead and underground lines, substations, transformers, and related components, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Perform network analysis, including load flow studies, fault analysis, and voltage drop calculations, to assess distribution system capacity and performance and to identify and mitigate potential issues.
• Maintain accurate records of distribution equipment, perform condition assessments, and recommend maintenance, repair, or replacement of aging or damaged assets as part of asset management activities.
• Specify and select appropriate distribution equipment such as transformers, circuit breakers, switches, and protective devices, considering voltage levels, load requirements, and system configuration.
• Ensure that all distribution system designs and modifications meet safety standards, environmental regulations, and applicable industry codes, and collaborate with regulatory authorities to obtain approvals and maintain compliance.
• Identify opportunities to improve the reliability and power quality of the distribution system, reduce downtime, and implement strategies that enhance system resilience.
• Evaluate requests for new electrical connections, assess their impact on the existing distribution network, and design the necessary infrastructure to support new customers and load growth.
• Manage distribution infrastructure projects from conception through completion, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and coordinating with construction crews, contractors, and vendors to meet project timelines and cost targets.
• Respond to emergencies, such as power outages or equipment failures, by conducting rapid assessments, developing technical solutions, and supporting efforts to safely restore power.
• Analyze data from monitoring systems, smart grid technologies, and sensors to gain insights into system performance, identify trends or anomalies, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, planning, construction, and regulatory stakeholders, to ensure alignment on system design, reliability goals, and project execution.
• Stay current with emerging technologies, industry trends, and evolving regulatory requirements related to electrical distribution and incorporate relevant advancements into system designs and practices.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in electrical engineering or a closely related field is typically required a masters degree may be preferred for more specialized responsibilities.
• Engineering degree (BS or higher) from an ABET-accredited college or university strongly preferred.
• Power distribution experience preferred, including involvement in distribution system design, analysis, or operations.
• Proficiency with distribution system design software, computer-aided design (CAD) tools, and power system simulation software.
• Experience using AutoCAD for electrical design and layout work.
• Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping and analyzing distribution networks.
• Knowledge of substation design, including equipment layout, protection, and integration with distribution systems.
• Ability to perform load flow analysis, fault analysis, and voltage drop calculations for distribution networks.
• In-depth knowledge of electrical distribution principles, grid operations, protection systems, and distribution equipment.
• Understanding of regulatory requirements, industry standards, and environmental regulations applicable to electrical distribution systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for assessing network performance, diagnosing issues, and developing effective technical solutions.
• Demonstrated 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 coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams, contractors, and regulatory bodies.
• Ability to adapt to new technologies, evolving industry trends, and changing energy demands in the electrical distribution sector.
• Ability to live within, or relocate to, a reasonable commuting distance of the main work location in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Professional engineering license (PE) or similar professional certification, as required or recognized in the applicable region.
• Experience with power delivery and distribution design projects, including overhead and underground systems.
• Experience in environmental compliance as it relates to distribution system design and construction.
• Experience working with smart grid technologies, monitoring systems, and sensor data for performance analysis.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating with construction crews, contractors, and vendors on utility projects.
• Previous experience working with large utility organizations or complex distribution networks.
• Willingness to take on storm duty and support emergency response efforts when needed.
• Candidates with extensive, directly relevant power distribution experience may be considered even without a formal degree.

Work Environment

This role is based in a Western Division Distribution Office in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with work performed primarily on-site in an office setting. The position involves significant in-office engineering and design work using tools such as design software, CAD applications (including AutoCAD), GIS systems, and power system simulation tools. You will collaborate closely with other engineers, planners, and field personnel to support daily operations and project work. Some field work is required, including site visits to distribution lines, substations, and related facilities to support design, inspection, and troubleshooting activities. The role also includes participation in storm duty and emergency response, which may involve extended or irregular hours to help restore service safely and efficiently during major weather events or system disturbances. The work environment emphasizes safety, teamwork, professional development, and the opportunity to build a long-term career path within a large utility setting, with strong potential for internal opportunities and advancement

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Reform, AL.

The pay range for this position is $33.00 - $44.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Reform,AL.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 20, 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 : $33 - $44