Distribution Design Engineering I

Actalent; Hastings (MI); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent seeks an entry-level Distribution Design Engineer I to plan, engineer, and design electric distribution systems for safe and reliable power delivery to residential and commercial customers.

You will work under guidance to determine infrastructure needs, perform field engineering, and use AutoCAD or MicroStation to create drawings, with opportunities for advancement within a large power engineering organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field with emphasis on electrical, mechanical, civil, or environmental disciplines.
• 1–3 years of relevant experience considered with an associate degree.
• Experience with electric utility design projects and field engineering is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, engineer, and design electric distribution systems for residential and commercial customers.
• Determine need, size, location, and timing of infrastructure considering multiple constraints.
• Develop work packages for overhead and underground distribution systems.
• Perform field engineering to gather requirements, verify conditions, and identify site constraints.
• Use CAD tools to create and update distribution drawings and documentation.
• Support post-construction reviews to ensure designs meet requirements and identify improvements.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external clients to resolve design issues.

Skills

CAD tools

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Field work

Education

B.S. in Engineering

Related technical Associate degree

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Job description

Distribution Design Engineer I **** Training provided ****

Job Description

This entry-level Power Distribution Design Engineer I role focuses on planning, engineering, and designing electric distribution systems that support safe, reliable, and efficient power delivery. You will help determine the need, size, location, and timing of power delivery infrastructure while balancing economic, environmental, social, regulatory, and reliability requirements. Working under the guidance of experienced engineers, you will contribute to work packages for overhead and underground residential distribution, perform field engineering, support design calculations, and participate in post-construction reviews. This position offers strong growth potential within a large, established power engineering organization with significant project backlog and opportunities for advancement.

Responsibilities

• Plan, engineer, and design electric distribution systems that support reliable power delivery to residential and commercial customers.
• Determine the need, size, location, and timing of power delivery infrastructure developments while considering economic, environmental, social, regulatory, and reliability constraints.
• Develop work packages for overhead distribution, underground residential distribution, and underground cable and conduit systems.
• Perform field engineering to gather project requirements, verify existing conditions, and identify conflicting utilities or site constraints.
• Conduct engineering and design calculations using established procedures, standards, and applicable codes.
• Use CAD and other design tools, such as AutoCAD and MicroStation or equivalent programs, to create and update distribution design drawings and documentation.
• Support post-construction reviews to confirm that designs meet project requirements and to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with internal project teams and external utility clients to clarify requirements, resolve design issues, and ensure alignment with project goals.
• Follow established engineering procedures, policies, and standards, including relevant codes such as the National Electric Safety Code (NESC) where applicable.
• Assist with power distribution and power delivery design tasks involving voltage, transformers, and related distribution equipment.
• Communicate clearly with peers, team members, and client representatives to explain technical facts, basic analyses, and design processes.
• Perform simple, routine technical problem-solving within a defined scope, escalating more complex issues to experienced engineers as needed.
• Support administrative tasks and customer follow-up activities related to design packages, field inspections, and project documentation.
• Participate in a mix of field inspections and office or remote design work, ensuring that project schedules and quality expectations are met.
• Demonstrate professional communication, dress, and demeanor in all client-facing and team interactions.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Environmental preferred)
• Associate’s degree in a related technical field with 1–3 years of relevant experience will be considered.
• 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 and MicroStation or similar design software.
• Foundational knowledge of electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering principles as they relate to power distribution and power delivery.
• Ability to apply basic engineering theories, concepts, and principles within a narrow technical domain to develop design solutions.
• Comfort working in both field and office (or remote) settings, including performing site visits and field inspections.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds and walk up to 2 miles on unpaved surfaces during fieldwork.
• Reliable personal transportation suitable for traveling to field locations and client sites.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills suitable for client-facing interactions.
• Ability to work effectively in teams and collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and locations.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn under the supervision of more experienced engineers.
• Must live within a 40 min radius of Hastings, MI

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Interest