Designer And Drafter (Entry-level)

Actalent; Southfield (MI); On-site; USD 65,904,000 - 80,231,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Southfield, Michigan, is seeking a Designer and Drafter to develop design and construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems. The role combines field data collection with office design using AutoCAD and related software, supporting utility projects in a collaborative engineering consulting environment.

Responsibilities include field visits, measurements, drawings, and coordination with project teams.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in a design-related discipline is required.
• Experience in a design role, ideally within utilities or related fields.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD for creating and modifying drawings.

Responsibilities

• Develop design and construction work packages for electrical systems.
• Review client-provided scope to ensure complete design solutions.
• Perform engineering calculations including structural analysis and voltage drop.
• Split time roughly 50% in the field and 50% in the office.
• Conduct field visits to observe conditions, take measurements, and photograph assets.
• Produce drawings and design documentation using AutoCAD and design software.
• Support construction with post-construction reviews to ensure standards.

Skills

Associate degree in design-related

Experience in design role

Strong attention to detail

Effective communication

Willingness to travel locally

Education

Associate degree in design-related

Engineering degree welcome

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

Job Title: Designer and DrafterJob Description

This role combines field work and office-based design to support electrical overhead and underground distribution systems for utility projects in Southeast Detroit. You will help launch a newly established office in Southfield, contributing to both on-site data collection and the creation of detailed design and construction work packages. The position offers substantial flexibility for candidates with prior design experience and provides the opportunity to grow within an engineering consulting environment that values innovation, collaboration, and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Independently develop design and construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems for electric utility customers.

• Review work provided by clients and thoroughly assess scope requirements to ensure accurate and complete design solutions.

• Perform engineering calculations, including structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying calculations, specifying conductor sags and tensions for recommended spans, and calculating voltage drop and flicker.

• Split time approximately 50% in the field and 50% in the office to support end-to-end design activities.

• Conduct field visits to assigned poles and lines in Southeast Detroit to observe existing conditions, take precise measurements, and capture detailed photographs.

• Use collected field data to produce accurate drawings and design documentation using AutoCAD and other design software.

• Provide engineering support during construction, including post-construction reviews to verify that all applicable engineering and construction standards have been met.

• Conduct root cause analysis of outages and propose mitigation measures using sound engineering principles and design practices.

• Gain experience coordinating conflicting utilities and other field engineering design requirements in complex environments.

• Assist in assessing and developing large design packages for complex cable and conduit projects in dense urban areas.

• Support the development of work permits, easements, and right-of-way (ROW) applications as part of comprehensive project packages.

• Collaborate closely with colleagues in a group-oriented environment to solve technical challenges and deliver high-quality solutions.

• Maintain accurate records of field activities, travel time, and project documentation in accordance with company standards.

Essential Skills

• At least an associate degree in a design-related discipline.

• Experience in a design role, with a preferred range of 23 years, which may be outside the utility industry.

• Proficiency with AutoCAD for creating and modifying technical drawings.

• Basic knowledge of electric utility systems and distribution design concepts.

• Ability to perform engineering-related calculations, including structural analysis, guying, conductor sag and tension, and voltage drop and flicker.

• Capability to work both independently and collaboratively while managing field and office responsibilities.

• Strong attention to detail for accurate measurement recording, documentation, and drawing production.

• Willingness and ability to travel locally, including trips of up to approximately an hour and a half to field sites.

• Effective communication skills for coordinating with project teams and interpreting client-provided information.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working directly with an electric utility or an electric utility consulting company performing electric distribution design engineering.

• Background in distribution design, including 3D design, is highly desirable.

• Experience using SolidWorks or similar design software is a plus.

• An engineering degree is welcome; candidates with such a degree may still be considered entry level and will receive appropriate training.

• Previous exposure to complex cable and conduit projects in dense urban environments is beneficial.

• Experience developing work permits, easements, and right-of-way (ROW) applications is advantageous.

• Demonstrated ability to adapt to a new office environment and contribute to establishing processes and standards.

• Interest in ongoing training, acquiring new skills, and earning relevant certifications in engineering and design.

Work Environment

The role is based in a newly established office in Southfield, Michigan, with project work focused on Southeast Detroit. You will work in a collaborative group environment that encourages knowledge sharing, entrepreneurial thinking, and agile decision-making. The position involves approximately half of your time in the office performing design work and half in the field gathering data at utility poles and lines. Field travel is typically local, with trips of up to about an hour and a half, and very rare overnight travel. Travel time counts toward your working hours, and a company vehicle may be available for field travel. The organization operates as an engineering consulting firm serving a broad range of commercial, industrial, government, and community clients, tackling meaningful projects such as pipelines, power plants, roadways, reservoirs, and security solutions. The culture emphasizes innovative, practical solutions, values the expertise of its staff, and supports career growth through training, skill development, and certification opportunities. Attire is generally appropriate for a professional office setting, with suitable clothing and footwear for field visits.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Southfield, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $28.00/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 Southfield, MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 27, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Southfield,MI.

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.