Distribution Designer

Job Title: Distribution Designer

Job Description

We are seeking a motivated Distribution Designer with at least two years of electric utility distribution design experience to support a variety of electric utility programs. This role initially focuses on Make Ready and Joint-Use projects that support broadband and fiber deployment initiatives, with additional opportunities to contribute to broader distribution design programs such as system reliability improvements, grid modernization efforts, utility asset management initiatives, distribution line upgrades, customer-driven service projects, and infrastructure expansion programs. This position offers an excellent opportunity to deepen technical expertise while progressing toward a future leadership role, helping shape processes, mentoring junior designers, and ultimately building and leading a growing distribution design team.

Responsibilities

• Design overhead and underground electric distribution facilities in accordance with utility standards and established construction practices.
• Support Make Ready and Joint-Use programs for fiber and telecommunications attachment projects.
• Utilize ArcFM, Maximo, and Pole Foreman/SPIDAcalc to create, update, and maintain distribution designs and associated documentation.
• Perform pole loading analysis and attachment evaluations to develop complete make-ready construction packages.
• Support distribution line upgrade projects, including reconductoring, capacity improvements, new customer connections, and feeder enhancements.
• Contribute to grid modernization initiatives, including distribution automation, smart grid technologies, automated recloser programs, and system reliability improvements.
• Assist with utility asset management programs, including pole replacement initiatives and aging infrastructure replacement efforts.
• Support grid hardening and resiliency projects, including overhead-to-underground conversions, system upgrades, and storm-hardening initiatives.
• Prepare detailed construction packages, material estimates, and work orders in alignment with utility standards.
• Coordinate effectively with project managers, field personnel, utility stakeholders, and construction teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Maintain quality, schedule, and productivity expectations across multiple concurrent projects while helping establish scalable design processes to support future team growth.
• Progress into a lead distribution designer capacity by mentoring and training junior designers.
• Help establish distribution design standards and best practices to ensure consistency and efficiency.
• Participate in hiring and team development efforts to build a high-performing distribution design group.
• Play a key role in building and expanding a strong, collaborative distribution design team.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of electric utility distribution design experience.
• Associate's degree required.
• Experience supporting Make Ready, Joint-Use, or electric utility distribution design projects.
• Proficiency with Maximo or similar utility asset management systems.
• Experience using Pole Foreman or SPIDAcalc for pole loading analysis and structural evaluations.
• Experience using ArcFM for electric distribution design and documentation.
• Solid knowledge of overhead and underground electric distribution design concepts and practices.
• Ability to prepare accurate work orders, construction packages, and material estimates.
• Strong communication skills for effective collaboration with project teams and stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated interest in growing into a leadership role and mentoring others.
• Engineering degree is not required.

Work Environment

This is an office-based position with standard daytime hours, typically from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The role offers a 9/80 work schedule, providing every other Friday off, and involves very minimal travel. The workload is consistent, and the environment supports long-term career growth with strong benefits available upon conversion to a direct role. You will work with industry-standard tools and technologies such as ArcFM, Maximo, Pole Foreman, and SPIDAcalc in a professional setting focused on power distribution and utility design.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $31.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Houston,TX.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 17, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.