Designer

Job Title:

Distribution Designer (Electric Utility) Are you passionate about designing infrastructure that truly matters? Join our team as a Distribution Designer and play a hands‑on role in delivering safe, reliable, and cost‑effective electric power systems that serve communities every day. This role offers a strong balance of office‑based design and field exposure, along with clear growth opportunities within the utility power industry. Working alongside experienced engineers, project managers, and experienced designers, you'll support electric utility distribution projects from early concept through final design and construction. It's an excellent opportunity for a designer who enjoys problem‑solving, collaborating across teams, and seeing their work built in the field. What You'll Do Design & Engineering Support Support overhead and underground electric distribution projects from initial concept through issued‑for‑construction design. Design primary, secondary, and service distribution systems for new installations, upgrades, and reliability improvements. Lay out overhead and underground systems, including reconductoring, pole replacements, and underground duct banks. Identify and resolve potential utility conflicts to ensure constructible, cost‑effective designs. Field & Data Collection Perform field surveys to collect accurate measurements, sketches, notes, and photos. Translate real‑world field conditions into practical, buildable designs. Technical Design & Documentation Prepare detailed construction drawings and layouts using AutoCAD in accordance with utility and client standards. Use industry tools such as AUD and SpidaCalc to evaluate clearances, loading, and pole class requirements. Develop detailed bills of materials, including material quantities, labor units, and construction requirements. Coordination & Compliance Coordinate with right‑of‑way teams, municipalities, and permitting agencies to support project approvals. Ensure all designs meet applicable utility standards, safety requirements, and regulatory guidelines. Collaborate closely with engineers, project managers, field staff, and lead designers to resolve technical issues and refine designs. What You Bring Required Experience & Skills 1-4 years of experience in electric utility distribution design. Experience designing overhead and/or underground electric distribution systems. Proficiency with AUD. Hands‑on experience with primary, secondary, and service lines. Field survey experience and familiarity with real‑world utility environments. Ability to prepare accurate bills of materials and construction documentation. Working knowledge of permitting, right‑of‑way coordination, and utility clearances. Valid driver's license with a clean driving record. Preferred Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent. Experience working with Mid‑Atlantic utility clients and standards. Familiarity with SpidaCalc and GIS applications for utility design and mapping. Experience supporting multidisciplinary design teams. Interest in long‑term career growth into lead design, engineering, or project management roles.

Why This Role Stands Out Meaningful Work :

Design infrastructure critical to grid reliability and community safety.

Career Growth :

Clear development path with mentorship from lead designers and engineers.

Variety :

A mix of office design and field work—no two projects are the same.

Collaboration :

Work closely with cross‑functional teams from concept to construction.

Stability :

Long‑term utility projects that provide consistent and impactful work. Work Environment This role offers a blend of remote and potential field work. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Arlington, VA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $31.25 - $40.87/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 hybrid position in Arlington,VA.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 19, 2026. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through: Hiring diverse talent Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes Ensuring growth opportunities for our people Actalent is an equal opportunity employer. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day. Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.