Distribution Designer

Job Title: Distribution Designer Job Description This role sits within the Distribution Department and focuses on designing and reviewing overhead and underground electric distribution lines ranging from 4 kV to 69 kV. The Distribution Designer develops complete work packages for overhead, underground residential distribution (URD), reconductoring, asset replacement, and underground cable and conduit projects. The position ensures that all designs comply with established engineering, construction, and quality standards while supporting field construction activities and contributing to the successful delivery of complex distribution projects in both urban and rural environments. Responsibilities Design and review overhead and underground electric distribution lines from 4 kV to 69 kV in accordance with engineering and construction specifications. Develop complete work packages for overhead, URD, reconductoring, asset replacement, and underground cable and conduit distribution projects. Design complex overhead and underground distribution projects in both urban and rural environments, ensuring compliance with engineering standards and construction specifications. Perform field engineering of project requirements, including site reviews, identification of existing conditions, and verification of design assumptions. Identify and document conflicting utilities and coordinate resolutions within the design to ensure safe and reliable construction. Perform engineering and design calculations, including programming and configuration of protective line equipment as required for distribution projects. Coordinate small design teams as needed to develop project budgets, scoping documents, design criteria, and other project deliverables. Provide engineering assistance to clients during construction, including responding to design-related questions and clarifications. Attend construction meetings, coordination sessions, and community outreach events as needed to support project execution. Monitor project progress and identify when objectives are not being met, initiating corrective actions to bring projects back on track. Interpret applicable codes, standards, and regulations and translate them into practical design and construction requirements. Develop and contribute to standards and guidelines for distribution construction projects. Promote engineering professionalism and adherence to established technical and quality standards within the design team. Develop, recommend, and implement project plans by establishing goals, objectives, and requirements that address scheduling, resources, and information needs for complex engineering work. Essential Skills 2+ years of experience in utility, telecommunications, joint use, or make-ready design. Hands-on experience with utility distribution design, including overhead and underground systems. Experience with joint use and make-ready design for shared utility infrastructure. Experience performing pole loading analysis and telecom attachment design. Proficiency with distribution design tools and platforms such as DDS or similar systems. Familiarity with pole loading software such as SPIDACalc or comparable tools. Ability to interpret and apply engineering and construction specifications, codes, and regulations. Demonstrated ability to identify conflicting utilities and incorporate resolutions into design packages. Strong skills in developing complete work packages, including drawings, calculations, and supporting documentation. Ability to coordinate with small design teams and contribute to budgeting, scoping, and design criteria development. Effective communication skills to support construction teams, attend meetings, and participate in community coordination. High School Diploma or GED. Additional Skills & Qualifications Associate degree in Drafting, Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or a related technical field (preferred). Technical training, certifications, or coursework related to utility design, telecommunications, CAD, or electric utility infrastructure (preferred). Experience with joint use or make-ready projects supporting electric utilities or telecommunications providers. Experience with SPIDACalc, DDS, or similar pole loading and distribution design software. Experience using AutoCAD, MicroStation, or other utility design platforms. Familiarity with GIS-based tools and workflows for utility distribution design. Ability to develop and implement standards and best practices for distribution design and construction. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. Commitment to professional engineering standards and continuous improvement in design quality. Work Environment The Distribution Designer works in a professional engineering environment that combines office-based design activities with occasional field and construction support. You will use modern design and analysis tools such as DDS, SPIDACalc, AutoCAD, MicroStation, and GIS-based platforms to produce detailed distribution work packages. The role involves collaboration with small design teams, project engineers, and construction personnel, as well as participation in construction meetings and coordination sessions. Work typically follows standard business hours, with some flexibility to attend project-related meetings or site visits as needed. The environment emphasizes technical excellence, adherence to engineering standards, and support of critical infrastructure projects that help utilities and telecommunications providers deliver reliable services. Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of Birmingham, AL. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $40.00/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) Workplace Type This is a fully remote position. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Aug 16, 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 [email protected] 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.