Distribution Engineer

Actalent; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 82,656,000 - 89,544,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Short/long-term disability

HSA

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off/Leave (PTO)

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Distribution Engineer in Pittsburgh, PA, to support planning and design of electric power distribution systems. You will collect field data, perform distribution design, and collaborate with engineers and designers to strengthen grid reliability.

This entry‑level position offers hands‑on experience in a growing power and utilities sector with field and CAD/GIS design exposure, and opportunities to work on impactful projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil or Environmental) is required.
• Foundational understanding of power distribution and utility design concepts.
• Experience or familiarity with distribution engineering and distribution design.
• Ability to use CAD tools (AutoCAD, MicroStation) and GIS for design/documentation.
• Willingness to travel to project sites for field work.

Responsibilities

• Collect detailed field data (pole heights, voltages, equipment locations) to support design.
• Perform distribution design using engineering principles and standards.
• Attend client meetings to understand project requirements and present concepts.
• Assist lead engineers and designers with design, analysis, and documentation tasks.
• Utilize SPANS, CREWS, DDS, PoleForeman to model and document designs.
• Support CAD and GIS drawings, schematics, and maps for projects.
• Coordinate with team to ensure designs meet requirements and timelines.
• Travel to project sites for field data collection and validation.

Skills

Power distribution knowledge

Field data collection

CAD / CAD tools

GIS proficiency

Communication skills

Project collaboration

Travel readiness

Analytical thinking

Team mentoring support

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

SPANS

CREWS

DDS

PoleForeman

GIS software

Job description

Job Description

The Distribution Engineer supports the planning and design of electric power distribution systems by collecting and analyzing field data, performing detailed distribution design work, and collaborating closely with engineering and design teams. This role offers an excellent opportunity for an entry‑level engineering graduate to gain hands‑on experience in a growing and evolving power and utilities sector, working on impactful projects that strengthen the reliability and performance of the power grid.

Job Title: Distribution Engineer

The Distribution Engineer supports the planning and design of electric power distribution systems by collecting and analyzing field data, performing detailed distribution design work, and collaborating closely with engineering and design teams. This role offers an excellent opportunity for an entry‑level engineering graduate to gain hands‑on experience in a growing and evolving power and utilities sector, working on impactful projects that strengthen the reliability and performance of the power grid.

Job Description

The Distribution Engineer supports the planning and design of electric power distribution systems by collecting and analyzing field data, performing detailed distribution design work, and collaborating closely with engineering and design teams. This role offers an excellent opportunity for an entry‑level engineering graduate to gain hands‑on experience in a growing and evolving power and utilities sector, working on impactful projects that strengthen the reliability and performance of the power grid.

Responsibilities

• Collect detailed field data, including pole heights, voltages, equipment locations, and related site information to support accurate distribution design.
• Perform distribution design activities using engineering principles and industry standards to support power delivery and utility design projects.
• Attend client meetings to understand project requirements, present design concepts, and support effective communication between stakeholders.
• Participate in field projects to build practical knowledge of the power grid and its components, including distribution lines and associated equipment.
• Assist more lead team members (such as T2s, engineers, and designers) with various design, analysis, and documentation tasks as assigned.
• Utilize specialized software tools such as SPANS, CREWS, DDS, and PoleForeman to model, analyze, and document distribution designs.
• Support the preparation and review of CAD and GIS drawings, schematics, and maps related to distribution engineering and utility design.
• Coordinate with designers, lead engineers, and project managers to ensure that designs meet technical requirements, safety standards, and project timelines.
• Travel to project sites as needed to perform field assessments, verify design assumptions, and collect additional data, with mileage reimbursed.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of design processes by applying engineering best practices and learning new tools and methodologies used in power and utility projects.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, preferably in Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, or Environmental Engineering.
• Foundational understanding of power distribution, power delivery, and utility design concepts.
• Ability to collect and interpret field data related to poles, voltages, equipment locations, and other distribution system elements.
• Experience or familiarity with distribution engineering and distribution design principles.
• Ability to use CAD tools (such as AutoCAD and MicroStation) to support design and documentation.
• Capability to work with GIS tools and mapping systems in support of power distribution and utility projects.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills applicable to electrical design and power & utilities projects.
• Effective communication skills to participate in client meetings and collaborate with engineers, designers, and project managers.
• Willingness and ability to travel to project sites as required for field work.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Any prior experience with SPANS, CREWS, DDS, or similar distribution design software is a plus.
• Exposure to PoleForeman or comparable pole loading and design tools is beneficial.
• Previous experience in distribution design, electrical design, or utility design projects is advantageous.
• Experience working on power distribution, power delivery, or power & utilities projects is preferred.
• Familiarity with engineering design workflows that integrate CAD and GIS platforms.
• Interest in building a long‑term career in the power and utility sector, particularly in distribution engineering and design.
• Ability to learn new engineering and design software quickly and apply it effectively to project work.

Work Environment

The role operates in a hybrid work environment that combines office‑based and field‑based activities. You work alongside lead engineers, designers, and project managers, providing strong mentorship and opportunities to learn from experienced professionals. Office work focuses on computer‑based tasks such as using CAD, GIS, and specialized distribution design software to develop and refine designs. Field work involves visiting project sites to collect data, verify existing conditions, and gain hands‑on understanding of the power grid and distribution infrastructure. The environment emphasizes collaboration, professional growth, and exposure to large‑scale power and utility projects in a sector that is continuously growing and evolving.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Pittsburgh, PA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $31.25/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 Pittsburgh,PA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 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.