Actalent

Job Title: Distribution Design Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on delivering high-quality electrical distribution design for utility projects in the Houston area. The Distribution Design Engineer develops and refines overhead and underground distribution designs, supports power delivery initiatives, and collaborates closely with engineering and project teams to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient distribution systems.

About The Company

Our client is a well-established, employee-owned engineering, architecture, and construction firm that delivers innovative solutions across the power and utilities sector. They partner with clients to design and execute complex infrastructure projects, with a strong focus on reliability, safety, and long-term service.

Their teams are known for technical expertise, collaboration, and a commitment to high-quality project delivery. The organization offers a dynamic environment where professionals can work on impactful projects, develop their skills, and contribute to critical infrastructure that supports communities nationwide.

Responsibilities

• Develop and produce detailed electrical distribution designs using Distribution Design Studio (DDS) and related design tools.
• Perform overhead to underground (OH to UG) conversion designs, ensuring compliance with applicable standards and best practices.
• Create, review, and update design drawings and documentation using AutoCAD and PLS-CADD.
• Support utility power delivery projects by preparing distribution layouts, construction packages, and associated design deliverables.
• Apply sound engineering principles to distribution engineering tasks, including routing, clearances, and equipment placement.
• Coordinate with internal engineering, design, and project teams to clarify requirements and resolve design issues.
• Utilize Maximo or similar systems to track, manage, and update work orders and design-related data.
• Ensure that all designs meet safety, reliability, and regulatory requirements for power distribution systems.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of design standards, templates, and workflows within the distribution design team.
• Provide design support and technical input throughout the project lifecycle, from initial concept through final documentation.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2 years of distribution design experience utilizing Distribution Design Studio (DDS).
• Minimum of 2 years of general design experience in electrical or power distribution projects.
• Proficiency with DDS and Distribution Design Studio for utility distribution design.
• Experience with overhead to underground (OH to UG) conversion design.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD for creating and modifying distribution design drawings.
• Understanding of electrical distribution design principles and distribution engineering practices.
• Experience supporting power distribution and power delivery projects.
• Ability to interpret engineering standards, design criteria, and construction requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in design documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience using PLS-CADD for line and structure modeling in distribution projects.
• Familiarity with Maximo or similar asset and work management systems.
• Bg in distribution engineering or power delivery environments.
• Exposure to utility or consulting engineering settings supporting distribution projects.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple design tasks and deadlines in a project environment.

Work Environment

This position is primarily office-based, with standard hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The role follows a 9/80 schedule, providing every other Friday off, which supports work-life balance. The position involves minimal travel, allowing most work to be performed on-site or in the office. The environment centers on the use of design and engineering tools such as Distribution Design Studio (DDS), AutoCAD, PLS-CADD, and Maximo, and supports a collaborative, project-focused culture. The role also offers an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) and up to 30 work-from-home days per year, providing both stability and flexibility in how and where work is performed.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $33.00/hr.

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 fully onsite position in Houston,TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.