Entry Level Design Engineer

ACTalent; Raleigh (NC); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Entry Level Design Engineer in Raleigh, NC to design and upgrade electric power distribution infrastructure across North Carolina. You will perform engineering calculations, develop designs for upgrades, and support reliability and storm-hardening initiatives in a collaborative office environment.

The role requires an engineering degree (Bachelor’s or Associate) and strong CAD drafting skills.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree (Bachelor's or Associate) required.
• EIT designation is a plus.
• Experience with distribution design in a utility environment preferred.
• Ability to work with clients and stakeholders in a professional setting.
• CAD drafting experience supports engineering design work.

Responsibilities

• Perform engineering calculations and design power distribution upgrades and storm hardening projects.
• Design solutions including cable replacement, underground conversion, and reconductoring.
• Conduct structural analysis of poles and evaluate loading and clearances.
• Analyze guying and provide safe, compliant designs for distribution systems.
• Perform cable pulling calculations and determine sizes and methods.
• Evaluate demand, fault currents, and protective device coordination.

Skills

Entry level

Client-facing

Engineering principles

Communication skills

CAD drafting

Distribution design

Education

Engineering degree

EIT

Tools

BOUD

Maximo

Smallworld

Bentley Open Utility Designer

MicroStation

Job description

Job Description

This role focuses on designing and upgrading electric power distribution infrastructure across North Carolina, supporting major reliability and storm hardening initiatives. The Distribution Designer performs detailed engineering calculations and creates designs for projects such as replacing deteriorating cable, converting overhead lines to underground, reconductoring existing distribution lines, and replacing aging poles. This is a long-term opportunity to contribute to large-scale improvements in power distribution reliability across the southeastern United States while working in a collaborative and modern office environment.

Job Title: Entry Level Design Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on designing and upgrading electric power distribution infrastructure across North Carolina, supporting major reliability and storm hardening initiatives. The Distribution Designer performs detailed engineering calculations and creates designs for projects such as replacing deteriorating cable, converting overhead lines to underground, reconductoring existing distribution lines, and replacing aging poles. This is a long-term opportunity to contribute to large-scale improvements in power distribution reliability across the southeastern United States while working in a collaborative and modern office environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform engineering calculations and design work for power distribution infrastructure upgrades and storm hardening projects across North Carolina.
• Design solutions to replace deteriorating cable, convert overhead lines to underground systems, reconductor existing distribution lines, and replace aging poles.
• Conduct structural analysis of poles, including evaluation of loading, clearances, and support requirements.
• Analyze and design guying for poles and related structures to ensure stability and compliance with utility standards.
• Perform cable pulling calculations and designs to determine appropriate cable sizes, tensions, and installation methods.
• Evaluate electric demand, fault currents, and protective device coordination to ensure safe and reliable distribution system performance.
• Use distribution design software tools such as BOUD, Maximo, Smallworld, Bentley Open Utility Designer, and MicroStation to develop and document designs.
• Research engineering and design issues, evaluate alternatives, and develop sound recommendations for project solutions.
• Prepare and present design recommendations and technical information in a clear and professional manner.
• Communicate frequently with customers, developers, and internal stakeholders to gather requirements, discuss design options, and address project-related questions.
• Collaborate with asset teams, relocation teams, and lighting teams to support coordinated distribution projects.
• Follow applicable utility standards, design guidelines, and general construction practices when developing distribution designs.
• Maintain accurate project documentation and records in utility and project management systems.
• Support a long-term program aimed at improving the reliability and resilience of power distribution across the southeastern United States.
• Contribute positively to a professional office environment, working effectively with an engaged team and supporting group objectives.

Essential Skills

• Open to entry level engineers.
• Previous professional work experience, preferably in a client-facing capacity.
• Understanding of basic engineering theories and principles relevant to electric power distribution.
• Ability to research engineering and design issues, evaluate alternatives, and make sound technical recommendations.
• Experience preparing and presenting engineering recommendations in a clear and organized manner.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate frequently with customers.
• Hands-on experience with distribution design in an electric utility environment.
• CAD drafting experience in support of engineering and distribution design work.
• Working knowledge of primary and secondary electric distribution systems and related utility standards.
• Ability to use design software packages for utility distribution projects, including tools such as BOUD, Maximo, Smallworld, Bentley Open Utility Designer, and MicroStation.
• General construction knowledge and aptitude related to power distribution infrastructure.
• Experience interacting with customers and developers on distribution projects.
• Current or recent experience performing distribution design on the Duke Energy system (2+ years preferred).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Engineering degree (Bachelors or Associates) in a relevant discipline.
• Bachelors degree in Engineering is strongly preferred.
• EIT designation or successful completion of the Engineering Fundamentals Exam is a plus.
• Experience with BOUD, Maximo, Smallworld, Bentley Open Utility Designer, and MicroStation in a utility design environment.
• Experience working within large, multi-office organizations and collaborating across teams.
• Ability to thrive in a client-focused environment and build positive working relationships.
• Interest in long-term career growth within power distribution design and engineering.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality in technical work products.

Work Environment

This position is based in a modern office near downtown Raleigh with easy access and convenient surroundings. The power group consists of approximately 40 professionals within an office of more than 100 people, offering a collaborative and supportive atmosphere. The Raleigh office includes multiple asset teams, a relocation team, and a lighting team, providing exposure to a variety of distribution-related projects. The team operates in a positive environment with engaged leadership and a newly built, attractive office space. The role uses industry-standard utility design tools and systems, including BOUD, Maximo, Smallworld, Bentley Open Utility Designer, and MicroStation. The position follows a hybrid schedule: after an initial development period of about 1 to 3 months, team members may work from home on Mondays and Fridays, with in-office work on other days. Benefits available upon direct hire may include an employee stock ownership program, retirement savings with matching contributions, performance-based raises, and comprehensive healthcare coverage, supporting long-term stability and professional growth.

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 $25.00 - $30.00/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)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 27, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Raleigh,NC.

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.