Job Title:
Distribution Engineer Job Description This role focuses on designing and delivering distribution engineering solutions that connect new homes and commercial facilities to the energy grid and upgrade existing distribution connections. The position combines field inspections, engineering design, electrical analysis, and bill of materials development to create complete work packages for utility construction crews. The role starts as a contract position with the potential to transition to a direct hire and offers significant opportunities for professional growth within a large, nationally recognized power delivery organization. Responsibilities Perform field inspections at assigned sites to gather detailed notes, photographs, measurements, and sketches that will serve as the foundation for engineering design work. Conduct site visits independently, ensuring accurate documentation of existing conditions to support the development of complete and constructible design packages. Develop engineering and design packages for construction crews, including layout, configuration, and specifications for power distribution projects. Create and update electrical drawings based on field information, using CAD tools and design software such as AutoCAD and MicroStation or similar programs. Perform electrical analysis to determine appropriate materials and configurations, including structural analysis of poles, guying requirements, cable pulling, electric demand, transformer sizing, voltage drop and flicker, and coordination of protective devices. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering, or an Associate's degree with relevant utility-related experience. For candidates with a Bachelor's degree: 0-2 years of prior relevant experience in design engineering for electric utilities or utility consulting. For candidates with an Associate's degree: 1-3 years of relevant experience working directly with an electric utility or an electric utility consulting company, performing design engineering. Experience using CAD tools for engineering design, such as AutoCAD or MicroStation, or comparable design software. Foundational knowledge of power distribution and power delivery concepts, including electrical design principles. Ability to perform and interpret engineering calculations related to pole structural analysis, guying, cable pulling, electric demand, transformer sizing, voltage drop, flicker, and coordination of protective devices. Comfort working in both field and office settings, including independent field work and remote design work. Additional Skills & Qualifications Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, or Civil) is preferred. Worked in utility or power industry, particularly in power distribution or power delivery, is preferred. Experience with the National Electric Safety Code (NESC) and applying NESC codes in distribution design is a plus. Familiarity with SAP for material selection and Bill of Materials creation is highly beneficial. Experience with PoleForeman or similar pole analysis tools is an advantage. Experience with MicroStation or other advanced design programs beyond basic CAD is desirable. Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certification is considered a plus. Work Environment This role supports multiple territories in Michigan, with openings in and around communities. Candidates must live in or near one of these areas to effectively perform field work. The work environment is a blend of field and remote office work. A typical week includes approximately 10-20% field inspections and 60-80% engineering and development of design packages, with around 10% dedicated to administrative tasks, planning, and customer follow-up. Field work involves traveling to sites, walking on unpaved surfaces, taking measurements, photographs, and notes, and may be scheduled flexibly around other project demands and weather conditions. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of West Branch, MI. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $29.00 - $29.00/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 hybrid position in West Branch,MI.
Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 24, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. 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.