Design Engineer

Actalent; Lima (OH); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Power Systems Design Engineer to lead the design and analysis of industrial power distribution systems. You will perform studies, develop control schematics, and prepare detailed drawings while collaborating with clients, suppliers, and internal teams.

The role emphasizes project leadership, on-site client interaction, and the potential to grow into a formal managerial capacity within a hybrid Lima, OH work model.

Qualifications

• BSEE required; MSEE preferred.
• PE license preferred; FE/EIT path acceptable if not licensed.
• Experience with industrial power distribution design and studies.
• Knowledge of NFPA 70 and protective device coordination.

Responsibilities

• Design medium- and low-voltage power distribution systems for industrial facilities.
• Perform short circuit, arc flash, and protection coordination studies.
• Provide control system design for protective relays and programming.
• Prepare single-line diagrams and control schematics.
• Lead projects from concept through implementation and client coordination.
• Mentor engineers and potentially move into management.

Skills

Power distribution design

Industrial facilities experience

Short circuit analysis

Arc flash analysis

Protective device coordination

AutoCAD diagrams

SKM ETAP proficiency

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE)

Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE) (preferred)

Tools

SKM

ETAP

AutoCAD

Job description

Job Title: Power Systems Design EngineerJob Description

This role focuses on the design and analysis of industrial power distribution systems, combining deep technical expertise with project leadership and occasional team management. You will lead and execute power system designs and studies that improve the productivity, cost efficiency, and safety of industrial operations, while collaborating closely with clients, suppliers, and internal engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Design medium- and low-voltage power distribution systems for both new construction and retrofit installations in industrial facilities.
• Complete power system studies, including short circuit analysis, arc flash analysis, protective device coordination, grounding studies, power quality evaluations, and energy savings projects.
• Provide control system design for power distribution systems, including specifying protective relays and developing protective device programming.
• Document electrical systems by preparing single-line diagrams, creating electrical control schematics, and compiling equipment ratings and settings.
• Support new construction and retrofit electrical system design projects from concept through implementation.
• Collaborate with equipment suppliers to develop project cost estimates and assist in proposal preparation.
• Perform project planning, coordination, and supervision to ensure technical quality, schedule adherence, and budget compliance.
• Work with clients on-site to determine optimal system requirements, design constraints, and project objectives.
• Provide testing and data collection support for new project development, including troubleshooting power system failures and supporting new system designs.
• Contribute to or lead a team of engineers, providing guidance and oversight as needed, with the option to grow into a formal managerial capacity.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in the design of power distribution systems for industrial facilities, with 510 years preferred.
• Completion of a 4-year accredited Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE); a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE) is a plus.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred; if not currently licensed, Engineer-in-Training/Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) with a clear path toward PE licensure is required.
• Strong knowledge of industrial power distribution design, including medium-voltage and low-voltage systems.
• Experience with power studies such as short circuit analysis, arc flash studies, and protective device coordination.
• Proficiency with SKM power system modeling software for developing time-current coordination curves (TCCs) and analyzing arc flash incident energy.
• Experience with ETAP or similar power system analysis tools.
• Ability to specify and apply protective devices, including fuses, circuit breakers, and protective relays.
• Extensive knowledge of NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code) as it relates to power system design.
• Ability to read and create single-line and three-line diagrams using AutoCAD.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for direct interaction with customers and preparation of technical documents.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Microsoft Windows.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• MSEE degree is a plus and may support more advanced technical and leadership responsibilities.
• PE licensure is highly valued and can enhance opportunities for project leadership and client-facing responsibilities.
• Experience in specifying medium-voltage and low-voltage switchgear, transformers, and related power distribution components.
• Working knowledge of power system control systems, with Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) relay experience preferred.
• Ability to develop programming for SEL relays is a strong plus.
• Experience with protective device settings and coordination in industrial environments.
• Experience using AutoCAD Electrical or similar tools for detailed electrical design.
• Demonstrated project management abilities, including planning, coordination, and supervision of engineering work.
• Knowledge of industrial safety practices related to electrical power systems.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills for diagnosing and resolving power system issues.
• Clear technical writing ability for proposals, reports, and other project documentation.
• Interest in or experience with leading and mentoring other engineers, or willingness to develop into a managerial role.
• Passion for technology and innovation in power systems engineering.

Work Environment

This position offers a hybrid work schedule with a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration. The role requires residence within approximately three hours of Lima to support regular site visits, typically 23 times per month, to industrial client facilities. You will work primarily in an office and home office environment using tools such such as SKM, ETAP, AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, and standard engineering software, with periodic visits to industrial sites for field data collection, client meetings, and system troubleshooting. The organization offers full-time employment with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a matching 401(k) program for high-performing team members. The culture emphasizes technical excellence, client-focused service, and opportunities to grow into leadership or management roles while maintaining flexibility through a hybrid work model.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lima, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $180000.00/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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lima, OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 29, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Lima,OH.

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 [e-mail] 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.