Design Technician

Actalent; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Life Insurance

Disability

HSA

PTO

Job summary

Actalent in Saint Paul, MN is seeking a Design Technician to join a collaborative team delivering utility design projects from concept to completion. You will create designs and drawings with AutoCAD, perform fieldwork, and coordinate with engineers, designers, and project managers on multiple projects.

This role blends office and field responsibilities (70% office/remote, 30% field). The ideal candidate has AutoCAD proficiency, strong math and measurement skills, and the ability to manage

Qualifications

• Proficiency with AutoCAD and design drafting.
• Strong math, measurement, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to complete math and measurement assessments.
• Excellent organizational and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Create utility designs and construction drawings using AutoCAD.
• Perform engineering calculations and validate easement requirements.
• Develop cost estimates for design and construction activities.
• Prepare permit packages and supporting documentation.
• Conduct field surveys and inspections of overhead and underground utility facilities.
• Test, document, and assess power distribution systems and compressors.
• Coordinate with multiple departments to support project execution.
• Apply safety standards and regulatory guidelines to all work.
• Review GIS Smallworld data to identify updates, conflicts, and design impacts.

Skills

AutoCAD

Mathematics

Measurement skills

Organizational skills

Prioritization

Education

Associate's degree in Design, Drafting, Engineering, or related technical field

Tools

GIS Smallworld

CAD software

Job description

Help Build the Infrastructure That Powers Communities

Are you ready to put your AutoCAD and design skills to work on projects that make a real impact? We're looking for a Design Technician who thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys solving challenges that help deliver reliable utility services to communities across the country.

This role offers a unique blend of technical design, fieldwork, and project coordination, giving you exposure to every stage of the utility design process. You'll work alongside experienced professionals, leverage industry-leading technology, and contribute to projects that support critical infrastructure.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Meaningful Work – Contribute to projects that support essential utility and energy infrastructure.
• Work-Life Flexibility – Enjoy a hybrid work environment with a balance of office, remote, and field-based responsibilities.
• Career Growth & Development – Gain hands‑on experience, learn industry best practices, and expand your technical expertise through ongoing training and mentorship.
• Collaborative Culture – Partner with engineers, designers, project managers, and utility professionals in a team-oriented environment where your ideas and contributions are valued.
• Safety First Mindset – Be part of an organization that prioritizes employee safety, quality, and professional excellence.

What You'll Do

As a Design Technician, you'll support a variety of utility customers and projects by creating and managing designs, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring projects move efficiently from concept to completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Create utility designs and construction drawings using AutoCAD.
• Perform engineering calculations and validate easement requirements.
• Develop cost estimates for design and construction activities.
• Prepare permit packages and supporting documentation.
• Conduct field surveys and inspections of overhead and underground utility facilities.
• Test, document, and assess power distribution systems and compressors.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and quality standards.
• Review GIS Smallworld data to identify updates, conflicts, and design impacts.
• Coordinate with multiple departments to support successful project execution.
• Apply safety standards, design requirements, and regulatory guidelines to all work.
• Process permit documentation and interpret electronic pole diagrams.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Proficiency with AutoCAD.
• Strong mathematical, measurement, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to successfully complete math and measurement assessments.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CAD design in a utility, engineering, or related environment.
• Experience with GIS Smallworld.
• Associate's degree in Design, Drafting, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Knowledge of utility design, permitting, or construction processes.

Work Environment

This position offers a dynamic balance between office and field responsibilities:

• 70% Office / Remote Work
• 30% Field Work

You’ll have the opportunity to collaborate remotely while also gaining valuable hands‑on experience in the field, allowing you to see your designs come to life.

Take the Next Step

If you’re passionate about design, technology, and building infrastructure that matters, we’d love to hear from you. Join a team where your skills are valued, your growth is supported, and your work truly makes a difference.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Paul, MN.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $23.00/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 Saint Paul,MN.
• Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 5, 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 [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.