Distribution Designer

Actalent; Saginaw (MI); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and R

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick)

Job summary

Actalent in Saginaw, MI is seeking a Designer and Drafter for power distribution who will independently design and draft construction work packages for overhead and underground systems serving residential and commercial sites. The role emphasizes translating field data and client requirements into buildable electrical packages for new construction and reliability projects.

The position offers training provided and a hybrid work environment with field and office components.

Qualifications

• Experience/design drafting in engineering, utility, or construction settings.
• Proficiency with CAD tools such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Catia, MicroStation or Revit.
• Ability to learn Open Utilities or similarly specialized electrical distribution software.
• Experience with electrical distribution design including low voltage systems.
• Understanding of NESC requirements and applying them to design and material selection.
• Ability to perform structural/loading analysis for utility poles (Poleforman, PLA or similar).
• Ability to perform energy analyses to verify site material requirements.
• Strong communication with clients and team via email, phone, or online platforms.

Responsibilities

• Independently develop detailed design and construction work packages for overhead and underground distribution systems.
• Review client documentation; clarify requirements with the client as needed.
• Perform field work to capture measurements and conditions for design use.
• Create electrical distribution designs in Open Utilities or similar software.
• Determine power requirements, main/distribution panels, transformers, and branch circuits.

Skills

CAD tools

Electrical distribution design

Open Utilities

NESC knowledge

Pole loading analysis

Energy analysis

Client communication

Time management

Education

Engineering coursework in power distribution

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Catia

MicroStation

Revit

Job description

Job Title: Designer and Drafter – Power Distribution ** training provided **

Job Description

This role focuses on independently designing and drafting construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems for utility customers, with an emphasis on overhead distribution. You will translate field data, client requirements, and industry standards into complete, buildable electrical construction packages that support new construction and reliability projects within the utility energy sector.

Responsibilities

• Independently develop detailed design and construction work packages for overhead and underground electrical distribution systems serving residential and commercial sites.
• Review client-provided documentation and scopes of work, interpret project requirements, and clarify any missing information with the client.
• Perform field work as needed, including visiting assigned sites to capture photos, take precise measurements, and document existing conditions for use in design.
• Use field data and client requirements to create electrical distribution designs in Open Utilities or similar industry-specific design software.
• Design power distribution systems by determining power requirements, defining main distribution panels, subpanels, transformers, and branch circuits, and selecting appropriate equipment such as transformers, circuits, power lines, and utility poles.
• Develop the physical layout of electrical distribution networks and associated equipment to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation.
• Conduct energy analyses to verify that selected materials and equipment meet the electrical usage requirements of the site, whether residential or commercial.
• Prepare accurate bills of materials (BOM) and enter them into SAP or other material tracking software to support procurement and construction.
• Assist with permitting activities related to utility lines crossing roads, easements, and private property, and support coordination for tree removal or right-of-way clearing where needed.
• Compile photos, measurements, designs, BOMs, and permitting information into complete electrical construction packages ready for internal and client review.
• Incorporate feedback and perform revisions to design packages based on internal quality control review and client comments prior to final submission.
• Utilize structural analysis tools such as Poleforman, PLA, or other pole loading analysis software to assess wood pole integrity, loading, and guying requirements.
• Perform calculations for wood pole loading, guying, conductor sags and tensions, recommended spans, voltage drop, and flicker to ensure compliance with design and safety standards.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated design and drafting experience in an engineering, utility, or construction-related environment.
• Proficiency with computer-aided design (CAD) tools such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Catia, MicroStation, Revit, or similar software.
• Ability to learn and use Open Utilities or comparable industry-specific electrical distribution design software.
• Experience with or strong aptitude for electrical distribution design, including low voltage distribution systems.
• Understanding of National Electric Safety Code (NESC) requirements and their application to distribution design and material selection.
• Ability to perform structural and loading analysis for utility poles using tools such as Poleforman, PLA, or other pole loading analysis software, including guying calculations and conductor sag and tension analysis.
• Capability to conduct energy analysis to ensure materials and equipment meet site usage requirements.
• Strong customer and client communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally via email, phone, and online collaboration platforms.
• Capacity to perform effectively in fast-paced environments, managing multiple work orders and deadlines.
• Ability to think quickly and strategically when assessing project requirements and resolving design issues.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Coursework or academic focus related to the utility industry, power grid, or electrical distribution systems.
• Experience with electric utility consulting firms that specialize in distribution design or engineering services.
• Experience in interior or fiber design that supports understanding of routing, layouts, or infrastructure planning.
• Experience performing Quality Control (QC) or Quality Assurance (QA) reviews on engineering or design deliverables.
• Experience training new employees or contributing to onboarding processes in a technical environment.
• Experience writing or contributing to process standards, procedures, or best practices for design and engineering workflows.
• Interest in professional development, including preparation for engineering exams such as the FE and progression toward professional licensure.

Work Environment

The work environment offers a blend of office, remote, and field-based activities, providing flexibility based on where you live and how you prefer to work.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $27.00/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 Saginaw,MI. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 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.