Distribution Engineer

Job Title: Entry Level Distribution Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on designing and supporting overhead and underground electrical distribution systems ranging from 4kV to 138kV. You will work under the guidance of a technical lead to develop detailed design and construction work packages, perform engineering calculations, and provide field and office-based support for distribution projects. The position offers hands-on experience with utility design, permitting, and construction support, as well as exposure to industry standards, tools, and client-specific processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop design and construction work packages for overhead and underground electrical distribution systems operating from 4kV through 138kV, primarily for programmatic work such as overloaded transformers, inspection and maintenance, joint use, and inspection reports.
• Comply with safety requirements and adhere to all design and quality expectations throughout the project lifecycle.
• Travel to project sites as needed to perform field inspections, gather data, and return to the office to complete engineering design work.
• Perform engineering calculations, including structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying calculations, specification of conductor sags and tensions for recommended spans, and calculation of voltage drop and flicker.
• Develop permitting documents for various authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), ensuring accuracy and completeness of all submissions.
• Provide engineering support during construction, including responding to field inquiries and conducting post-construction reviews to verify compliance with applicable engineering and construction standards.
• Conduct root cause analysis of outages and develop mitigation solutions using sound engineering principles and distribution system design.
• Use customer GIS and work management systems, such as GE Smallworld and Bentley Expert Designer, to develop work packages for overhead (OH), underground (UG), underground residential distribution (URD), make-ready, and street lighting projects.
• Coordinate with other utilities and stakeholders to resolve conflicts and incorporate field engineering design requirements into final designs.
• Assess and develop design packages for complex cable and conduit projects in dense urban environments, including work permit development, easements, and right-of-way (ROW) applications.
• Contribute to the design of mainline vault medium-voltage switchgear, network system configurations, and distribution system protection and coordination schemes.
• Participate in training on customer engineering and construction standards and apply these standards consistently in all design work.
• Support storm response activities as needed, contributing engineering expertise to restoration and recovery efforts.
• Gain experience and contribute to work involving NESC compliance, structural pole modeling, electrical power calculations, GIS-based design, project and financial management, and adherence to client design standards.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Fundamental understanding of power distribution systems, including overhead and underground distribution from 4kV through 138kV.
• Proficiency with engineering design tools such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks.
• Experience or familiarity with GIS tools such as ArcGIS and ArcMap.
• Ability to perform basic engineering calculations, including structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying calculations, conductor sag and tension specifications, and voltage drop and flicker calculations.
• Willingness and ability to work in both office and field environments, including traveling to project sites for inspections.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established engineering, construction, and safety standards.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with technical leads, field personnel, and permitting authorities.
• Capability to interpret and apply design standards, codes, and client requirements in engineering work.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Internship experience or academic projects related to power utilities or energy.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification preferred but not required.
• Experience or familiarity with distribution design tools such as BOUD, SOCKET, or similar applications.
• Experience using CAD tools such as MicroStation and additional GIS platforms.
• Exposure to or experience with the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC).
• Experience working with or interpreting design standards for electric distribution systems.
• Interest in developing work packages for overhead, underground, underground residential distribution (URD), make-ready, and street lighting projects.
• Experience or familiarity with customer GIS and work management systems, such as GE Smallworld and Bentley Expert Designer.
• Interest in gaining experience in structural pole modeling, electrical power calculations, GIS design training, project and financial management, and client-specific design standards.
• Motivation to learn coordination of conflicting utilities and field engineering design requirements in complex urban environments.
• Interest in the design of mainline vault medium-voltage switchgear, network system design, and distribution system protection and coordination.

Work Environment

This is a full-time role with an initial in-office requirement for approximately the first six months, providing close access to training, mentorship, and collaboration with the engineering team. After this period, a hybrid work arrangement may be available, balancing office and remote work based on project needs and performance. The position involves up to approximately 10% of time spent in the field, including site visits, inspections, and coordination with field personnel, with further details discussed during the interview process. You will work with a variety of engineering and design technologies, including CAD tools, GIS platforms, distribution design tools, and client-specific systems. The environment emphasizes adherence to safety practices, engineering and construction standards, and responsiveness to client needs, including participation in storm support activities when required.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Framingham, MA.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $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)

This is a fully onsite position in Framingham,MA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 24, 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.