Distribution Design Engineer

Actalent; Minnesota; Remote; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Distribution Design Engineer to lead utility distribution design efforts, providing QA/QC and technical guidance for a project team. The role involves detailed AutoCAD-based design, GIS Smallworld data interpretation, and production of complete permit-ready packages from concept through construction.

The engineer will coordinate across departments, manage multiple projects, and ensure safety standards and regulatory compliance are met while delivering accurate, timely

Qualifications

• Background in electrical engineering; power distribution knowledge preferred.
• Experience designing utility distribution projects and reviewing design deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Provide QA/QC review of distributed design work for accuracy and compliance.
• Manage workload distribution and offer technical guidance to project teams.
• Perform detailed electrical distribution design using AutoCAD and GIS Smallworld.
• Create full design packages including drafting, calculations, permits, and cost estimates.
• Support field activities such as survey, inspection, and testing of power systems.
• Coordinate construction across departments to meet schedules and stakeholders’ needs.
• Ensure adherence to safety rules, standards, and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Electrical engineering

QA/QC

Project coordination

Team guidance

Safety compliance

Communication

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

AutoCAD

GIS Smallworld

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Distribution Design Engineer

Job Description

The Distribution Design Engineer provides technical leadership and quality assurance for utility distribution design projects, ensuring safe, compliant, and cost-effective solutions. This role oversees workload management and technical guidance for a project team, performs detailed design work using AutoCAD and GIS tools, and supports multiple projects from concept through permitting and construction. The engineer contributes directly to high levels of customer satisfaction by delivering accurate designs, thorough documentation, and timely project completion.

Responsibilities

• Provide QA/QC review of design work produced by the team to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable standards and regulations.
• Manage workload distribution across the team and offer technical guidance to support successful project delivery.
• Perform detailed design for a variety of utility customers using AutoCAD, including both overhead and underground electric distribution projects.
• Complete full design packages for utility distribution projects, including drafting, engineering calculations, easement validation, design and construction cost estimating, and development of permit packages.
• Support or perform field-related activities such as survey, inspection, testing, and documentation of power distribution systems, compressors, and related facilities.
• Review and interpret GIS Smallworld data to identify, resolve, or avoid conflicts and ensure accurate network representation.
• Coordinate projects for construction across multiple departments to support timely construction and meet customer, crew, and stakeholder needs within negotiated time frames.
• Learn, apply, and incorporate company safety rules and policies, company design standards, and governing authority regulations into all daily work and design activities.
• Ensure all designs meet applicable company safety standards, distribution construction standards, and governing authority regulations.
• Process civil permit files and ensure all required documentation is accurate, complete, and submitted in a timely manner.
• Interpret and decipher electronic pole diagrams to support accurate design and construction planning.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously to ensure on-time, successful completion and contribute to achieving department and organizational goals.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to address design issues, clarify requirements, and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.

Essential Skills

• Background in electrical engineering with experience in power, electrical construction, or closely related fields.
• Experience in distribution design or working as a distribution design engineer on utility electric projects.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD for utility or electrical distribution design applications.
• Familiarity with GIS tools, including the ability to review and interpret GIS Smallworld data.
• Ability to perform and review engineering calculations, including those related to power distribution design.
• Experience with drafting, design documentation, and preparation of construction and permit packages.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and capability to perform QA/QC on design deliverables.
• Ability to interpret electronic pole diagrams and apply them to distribution design.
• Understanding of safety practices, company design standards, and governing authority regulations related to electric distribution.
• Strong coordination and communication skills for working across multiple departments and with various stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with GIS Smallworld and AutoCAD is highly desirable.
• Civil design and permitting experience is a plus, particularly related to utility or infrastructure projects.
• Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certification is a strong advantage and may support increased billable value.
• Experience with overhead and underground utility electric projects.
• Experience processing civil permit files and working with permitting authorities.
• Prior involvement in survey, inspection, testing, and documentation for power distribution or related facilities.
• Ability to quickly learn and apply internal safety rules, design standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Motivation to contribute to large-scale utility projects with a broad impact nationwide.

Work Environment

This role operates primarily in a remote work environment and requires resi