Design Technician

Job Title: Design Technician

Job Description

The Design Technician performs detailed utility design work using AutoCAD for a variety of utility customers. This role supports overhead and underground electric utility projects by preparing accurate designs, performing engineering-related calculations, and developing complete permit and construction packages. The position offers an opportunity to build a career in design in an entry-level role while contributing to safe, reliable, and cost-effective utility infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Perform design work for a variety of utility customers using AutoCAD, ensuring accuracy and adherence to applicable standards and regulations.
• Complete design activities for assigned utility design projects, including overhead and underground electric utility projects.
• Prepare drafting deliverables such as plans, profiles, and details for power distribution, compressors, and related facilities.
• Perform engineering-related calculations to support utility designs and ensure constructability and compliance.
• Validate easements to confirm rights-of-way and access needed for utility projects.
• Develop design and construction cost estimates to support project planning and budgeting.
• Assemble and develop complete permit packages, including drawings, documentation, and supporting materials required by governing authorities.
• Support or perform survey-related tasks as needed to gather field data for design work.
• Assist with or perform inspections and testing of power distribution and related facilities as part of design and documentation activities.
• Document power distribution systems, compressors, and other related facilities accurately for project records and future reference.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously to ensure timely and successful completion, resulting in high levels of customer satisfaction and achievement of departmental goals.
• Review GIS Smallworld data to identify updates or conflicts and incorporate findings into project designs.
• Coordinate projects for construction across multiple departments to support timely construction and meet customer, crew, and client needs within negotiated time frames.
• Learn and apply company safety rules and policies, design standards, and governing authority regulations in all daily work and designs.
• Ensure that all designs meet the requirements of applicable safety standards, company distribution construction standards, and governing authority regulations.
• Process permit files, ensuring all documentation is complete, accurate, and submitted in a timely manner.
• Interpret and decipher electronic pole diagrams and incorporate this information into design drawings and documentation.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency with AutoCAD for design and drafting tasks.
• Ability to pass a math and measurement assessment to demonstrate numerical accuracy and spatial understanding.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.
• Capability to perform engineering-related calculations relevant to utility design.
• Strong attention to detail for drafting, easement validation, and cost estimating.
• Ability to review and interpret GIS Smallworld data for updates or conflicts.
• Strong coordination and communication skills to work with multiple departments and stakeholders.
• Ability to learn and consistently apply safety rules, company design standards, and governing authority regulations.
• Associate degree in design, drafting, engineering, or a similar field.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• CAD experience beyond AutoCAD is a plus.
• Experience with GIS systems, particularly GIS Smallworld, is a plus.
• Exposure to or experience with utility design, including overhead and underground electric projects, is beneficial.
• Familiarity with permit processes and permit package development is advantageous.
• Interest in building a career in design through an entry-level opportunity.

Work Environment

The role involves approximately 30% field work and 70% office or remote work. Field work may include visiting project sites, supporting survey activities, observing existing overhead and underground utility infrastructure, and gathering data for design. Office and remote work focuses on design tasks in AutoCAD, reviewing GIS Smallworld data, preparing permit packages, and coordinating with internal teams. The position operates in a professional environment that emphasizes safety, adherence to design and construction standards, and collaboration across departments to deliver timely and accurate utility projects.

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Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Paul, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $23.00/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 hybrid position in Saint Paul,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 12, 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.