Distribution Planner

Job Title: Distribution Planning Engineer / Distribution Planner Job Description This role focuses on planning and analyzing electric distribution systems to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient power delivery. You will evaluate load growth, perform power system studies, and identify system improvement opportunities to support infrastructure expansion, reliability enhancements, and grid modernization initiatives. The position collaborates closely with engineering, operations, reliability, construction planning, and resource management teams and may also provide support during system emergencies and storm restoration events. Responsibilities Analyze load growth and forecast capacity requirements for distribution substations and distribution circuits. Perform distribution system studies, including voltage analysis and VAR (volt-ampere reactive) performance evaluations. Identify system deficiencies and develop recommended solutions to improve distribution system performance, reliability, and capacity. Develop project scopes and engineering recommendations to support distribution infrastructure expansion and upgrades. Assist with customer load evaluations and method-of-service decisions to ensure appropriate and reliable service connections. Support reliability, power quality, engineering, and operations teams by providing technical analysis and planning recommendations. Conduct engineering studies and technical evaluations of moderate complexity related to distribution systems. Prepare technical reports, engineering calculations, correspondence, documentation, and formal engineering recommendations. Support strategic grid improvement initiatives and long-range planning efforts, including grid modernization and storm-hardening programs. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including planners, designers, and utility partners. Maintain accurate project records, engineering documentation, models, and supporting files for planning and compliance purposes. Provide engineering support during storm restoration and emergency response activities as needed. Collaborate with distribution planners, designers, and construction professionals on critical electric infrastructure projects. Contribute to capacity planning efforts, including load flow analysis and circuit analysis, using industry-standard tools and applications. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program (or a closely related engineering degree). At least 3 years of electric utility distribution design or distribution engineering experience. Experience with power distribution systems, including distribution circuits, substations, and utility distribution infrastructure. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in evaluating system performance and developing technical solutions. Ability to perform or support capacity planning and load flow analysis using tools such as CYME, ETAP, or EasyPower (experience with these tools is highly valued). Familiarity with distribution system planning concepts such as circuit analysis, system planning, and voltage/VAR performance. Experience working with electric utility distribution engineering, design, planning, operations, or reliability teams. Proficiency with engineering documentation, including preparing technical reports, calculations, and engineering recommendations. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present technical findings and recommendations. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines while supporting multiple projects. General understanding of project management fundamentals, including planning, coordination, and tracking of engineering tasks. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience with distribution capacity planning, circuit analysis, or system planning for electric distribution networks. Exposure to or experience with CYME, ETAP, and/or EasyPower for load flow and capacity planning analysis. Familiarity with GIS and distribution system applications, including tools such as Maximo, Smallworld, Bentley Open Utility Designer, MicroStation, and other GIS-based platforms. Knowledge of power distribution concepts, including substation design, distribution system operations, and transmission–distribution interfaces. Experience with distribution system planning tools and processes related to capacity planning, circuit analysis, and system performance evaluations. Experience evaluating engineering alternatives and preparing technical recommendations for infrastructure improvements. Understanding of electric utility practices, including reliability planning, power quality considerations, and distribution operations. EIT certification or successful completion of the FE Exam is a plus. Interest in or experience with distribution operations, DER integration, voltage optimization, infrastructure upgrades, and capital improvement projects. Comfort working with power distribution, system planning, and electric utility environments, including exposure to tools such as BOUD and other utility distribution applications. Work Environment The role is based in a modern office near a downtown area with easy access and a recently opened, attractive workspace. The power group includes approximately 40 professionals within a larger office of more than 100 people, creating a collaborative environment with planners, engineers, designers, construction professionals, and utility subject matter experts. The office houses a capacity planning team, multiple asset teams, a relocation team, and a lighting team, offering exposure to diverse technical disciplines and project types. A hybrid schedule is available after approximately 1 to 3 months, depending on individual development, allowing work from home on Mondays and Fridays. There is potential consideration for a fully remote arrangement for an experienced planning engineer who can work independently. The organization supports long-term utility infrastructure programs, including reliability improvements, storm-hardening initiatives, and grid modernization projects, providing stability and meaningful industry impact. Employees benefit from an employee ownership program, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), a 401(k) with company match, performance-based compensation growth, and comprehensive healthcare benefits, all within a collaborative and growth-oriented culture. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Raleigh, NC. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $35.00/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 Raleigh,NC. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 7, 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.