Distribution Engineer III

Actalent; Knoxville (TN); Remote; USD 48,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Distribution Engineer to design overhead and underground electric distribution facilities (4kV–69kV). The role involves creating sketches, cost estimates, BOMs, and DDS-based designs, while coordinating with clients and field teams.

Candidates should have 5+ years in distribution design, CAD proficiency (AutoCAD/Microstation), and familiarity with DDS. This full-time remote-position-based opportunity offers field collaboration when needed.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of experience in electric utility distribution system design in consulting or utility environments.
• AAS in drafting/CAD or related engineering technology, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Design overhead and/or underground distribution facilities.
• Prepare design sketches, drawings, cost estimates, bills of material, and other documents for construction.
• Apply standards, guidelines, specifications, practices, procedures, and industry standards in the design of electric distribution facilities.
• Perform distribution system design calculations.
• Prepare and oversee construction design documents, including plan and profiles, structure loadings, design details, trench and conduit drawings, and equipment specifications.
• Communicate with clients and engineers on system requirements and identify Right of Way for proposed equipment.
• Acquire field data as necessary and work with field surveying to prepare designs.

Skills

Electrical design

Electric utility systems

Power delivery

Power engineering

Distribution calculations

Education

AAS in drafting/CAD engineering tech

Tools

DDS

Microstation

AutoCAD

Job description

Distribution Engineer

Job Description

This position involves providing distribution design for overhead and/or underground electric distribution systems ranging from 4kV to 69kV. The role includes designing activities, conducting quality reviews, monitoring and maintaining project schedules, reporting changes affecting schedules and budgets, identifying risks, and presenting opportunities to improve the design and construction of distribution projects.

Responsibilities

• Design overhead and/or underground distribution facilities.
• Prepare design sketches, drawings, cost estimates, bills of material, and any other required documents for construction.
• Apply standards, guidelines, specifications, practices, procedures, and industry standards in preparing the design of electric distribution facilities.
• Perform distribution system design calculations.
• Prepare and oversee preparation of design documents for construction, including plan and profiles, structure loadings, design details, trench and conduit drawings, and equipment specifications.
• Communicate with clients and engineers on system requirements and identify Right of Way for proposed equipment.
• Acquire field data as necessary and work with field surveying to prepare appropriate designs.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in electrical design and electric utility systems.
• Experience in power delivery and power design.
• Strong skills in electrical engineering and power engineering.
• Expertise in distribution design software (DDS).
• Experience in using Microstation or AutoCAD.
• Ability to perform distribution engineering calculations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Five or more years of experience in the design of electric utility distribution systems in consulting or utility environment.
• Associate degree in applied science (AAS) in drafting and computer-aided (CAD) design or in civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering technology, or equivalent experience and/or education.

Work Environment

The work environment involves using advanced design software such as JETS, Microstation or AutoCAD and distribution design software (DDS). The role may require field visits to acquire necessary data, collaborating with surveying teams, and communicating effectively with clients and engineers. Dress code and shift details are determined by project requirements.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Knoxville, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $50.00/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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Knoxville, TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

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.