Distribution Designer - Entry Level

Actalent; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off/Leave

Job summary

Actalent is actively hiring for an Entry Level Distribution Designer in Raleigh, NC. The role blends field data collection with office design to create reliable electrical distribution systems for utility clients.

You will use GIS and AutoCAD to develop drawings, assist with project coordination, and support ongoing grid modernization efforts alongside a team of engineers and designers. Ideal candidates have a basic foundation in electrical distribution, familiarity with GIS/CADD tools, and the

Qualifications

• Experience with utility power distribution design.
• Strong understanding of overhead and underground distribution systems.
• Proficiency with GIS platforms (Smallworld or GWD).
• Experience using AutoCAD and other CADD software.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed distribution system designs, drawings, specs, and cost estimates.
• Develop construction drawings using GIS and CADD tools.
• Support overhead and underground distribution projects for utility clients.
• Interpret standards and requirements to produce high-quality designs.
• Assist with calculations, project evaluations, and material requisitions.
• Coordinate design activities and schedules to ensure timely completion.
• Collaborate with engineers, designers, technicians, and clients.
• Provide guidance to Designers and Technicians on assigned projects.
• Serve as project coordinator or design lead on smaller-scale projects.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable standards.

Skills

Power distribution design

GIS platforms

AutoCAD proficiency

Project coordination

Field experience

Leadership potential

Client management

Education

Bachelors or Associates in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Smallworld

GWD

AutoCAD

CADD software

Job description

Distribution Designer - Entry Level

Power Distribution Engineering | Design the Infrastructure That Powers Communities This is an exciting opportunity for a detail-oriented professional who enjoys combining technical expertise, field experience, and project coordination to deliver impactful utility infrastructure projects. You'll work alongside talented engineers, designers, and utility clients to develop innovative and reliable distribution solutions while contributing to projects that directly support grid modernization and system reliability.

Why Join Us?

• Work on critical utility infrastructure projects that impact thousands of customers
• Blend field work and office design responsibilities for a dynamic work environment
• Collaborate with experienced engineering and utility professionals
• Gain exposure to cutting-edge GIS, AutoCAD, and distribution design technologies
• Take ownership of projects and grow into leadership responsibilities
• Join a team committed to innovation, quality, and professional development

What You'll Do

As a Distribution Designer, you will be responsible for developing and coordinating electrical distribution designs from concept through construction support. Key responsibilities include:

• Prepare detailed distribution system designs, drawings, specifications, and cost estimates for engineering review and approval
• Develop accurate construction and engineering drawings using GIS and CADD platforms
• Support overhead and underground distribution projects for utility clients
• Interpret engineering standards, specifications, and utility requirements to produce high-quality designs
• Assist with engineering calculations, project evaluations, and material requisitions
• Coordinate design activities, equipment deliveries, and project schedules to ensure timely completionGather field data and perform site visits to support design development and system improvements
• Collaborate with engineers, designers, technicians, and client stakeholders throughout project execution
• Provide guidance to Designers and Technicians on assigned projects
• Serve as a project coordinator or design lead on smaller-scale projects
• Ensure designs comply with applicable utility, industry, and company standards

What We're Looking For

Required Skills & Experience

• Experience with utility power distribution design
• Strong understanding of overhead and underground electrical distribution systems
• Proficiency with GIS platforms, preferably Smallworld or GWD
• Experience using AutoCAD and other CADD software
• Utility distribution experience with an electric utility, engineering consulting firm, or related organization
• Ability to manage client interactions and support project coordination efforts
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality design deliverables
• Ability to follow established procedures, standards, and engineering practices
• Demonstrated leadership potential and strong technical problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology or similar fields
• Alternative combinations of education and relevant industry experience will be considered
• Experience working in both office and field environments
• Familiarity with electric utility design standards and construction practices
• Experience supporting multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines

Work Environment

This position offers a balanced mix of office and field responsibilities, providing the opportunity to see designs come to life in the field. Candidates should be comfortable:

• Conducting field visits to collect design data and evaluate existing infrastructure
• Working with both computer-assisted and manual design tools
• Collaborating with project teams, clients, and utility stakeholders
• Managing schedules and priorities across multiple projects
• Traveling locally as required to support project activities
• A valid driver's license and the ability to operate company or personal vehicles for business purposes are required.

Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Raleigh, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $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 fully onsite position in Raleigh,NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 16, 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.