Distribution Engineering I (Charlotte)

Job Title: Distribution Engineer I (Charlotte) Job Description
This role focuses on designing and supporting overhead and underground electrical distribution systems from 4kV through 138kV, with a strong emphasis on programmatic work such as overloaded transformers, inspection and maintenance, joint use, and inspection reports. You will work under the guidance of a technical lead to develop detailed design and construction work packages, perform engineering calculations, and support field activities. The position offers structured training in customer engineering and construction standards and provides broad exposure to distribution design tools, GIS systems, and industry standards, creating a strong foundation for a career in power distribution engineering.
Responsibilities
- Develop design and construction work packages for overhead and underground electrical distribution systems operating from 4kV through 138kV, including programmatic work such as overloaded transformers, inspection and maintenance, joint use, and inspection reports.
- Ensure all designs comply with safety requirements as well as client design and quality expectations.
- Travel to project sites as needed to perform field inspections, collect data, and return to the office to complete detailed engineering design work.
- Perform engineering calculations, including structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying calculations, conductor sag and tension specifications for recommended spans, and voltage drop and flicker calculations.
- Prepare and develop permitting documents for various authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs).
- Provide engineering support during construction, including answering technical questions, clarifying design details, and assisting with field issues as they arise.
- Conduct post-construction reviews to verify that all applicable engineering and construction standards have been met.
- Perform root cause analysis of outages and develop mitigation solutions using sound engineering principles and design practices.
- Develop work packages for overhead (OH), underground (UG), underground residential distribution (URD), make-ready, and street lighting projects using customer GIS and work management systems such as GE Smallworld and Bentley Expert Designer.
- Coordinate with other utilities and stakeholders to resolve conflicts and address field engineering design requirements, particularly in dense urban environments.
- Assess and develop design packages for complex cable and conduit projects, including work permits, easements, and right-of-way (ROW) applications.
- Participate in the design of mainline vault medium-voltage switchgear, network system design, and distribution system protection and coordination.
- Engage in training and development activities to gain experience in NESC, structural pole modeling, electrical power calculations, GIS design tools, project and financial management, and client-specific design standards.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
- Fundamental understanding of electrical power distribution systems and related engineering principles.
- Ability to perform engineering calculations such as structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying, conductor sag and tension, and voltage drop and flicker.
- Proficiency or strong aptitude in using design and drafting tools such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks.
- Familiarity with GIS tools such as ArcGIS and ArcMap.
- Interest in and ability to develop design work packages for overhead and underground distribution, including URD, make-ready, and street lighting projects.
- Comfort working in both office and field environments, including performing site visits and inspections as needed.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to meeting safety, design, and quality standards.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills for preparing design documents, permits, and technical reports.
- Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification preferred but not required.
- Internship experience or academic projects related to power utilities or energy preferred.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience or exposure to customer GIS and work management systems such as GE Smallworld and Bentley Expert Designer.
- Experience with distribution design tools such as BOUD, SOCKET, or similar platforms.
- Experience using CAD tools such as MicroStation in addition to other drafting software.
- Familiarity with the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC).
- Experience working with or applying client or industry design standards.
- Interest in learning structural pole modeling and advanced electrical power calculations.
- Interest in gaining experience with GIS design training, project management, and financial management related to engineering projects.
- Willingness to learn and apply customer-specific engineering and construction standards through structured training.
- Desire to build expertise in mainline vault medium-voltage switchgear design, network system design, and distribution protection and coordination.
Work Environment
This is a full-time role based in an office environment in Charlotte. The position requires working fully on-site for the first six months to support training, collaboration, and integration with the engineering team, with the potential for a hybrid work arrangement after this initial period. Approximately up to 10% of your time will involve field work, including site visits, inspections, and coordination with field personnel, with additional field opportunities discussed during the interview. You will work with modern engineering tools and systems, including CAD platforms, GIS applications, and distribution design software, while adhering to established engineering and construction standards. The role may include participation in client storm support activities, contributing to system reliability and restoration efforts. Dress expectations align with a professional office setting, with appropriate attire and safety gear required when visiting field sites.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Charlotte, NC.
Pay and Benefits
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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Charlotte,NC.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 13, 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 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 [email protected] 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.