Distribution Designer

Job Title: Distribution Designer Job Description
The Distribution Designer prepares practical solutions to a wide range of technical problems by applying standard engineering practices and principles. In this role, you develop engineering plans, designs, specifications, standards, cost estimates, evaluations, and studies, and may assist with higher-complexity work of the same nature. You also support data and records management, conduct research, provide project support, and work directly with customers. Project guidelines may require interpretation and adaptation, offering an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on utility design experience while contributing to impactful, community-focused infrastructure projects in a high-growth environment.
Responsibilities
- Perform field visits in assigned territories within Washington to collect site data and verify existing conditions for distribution and street lighting projects.
- Support Project Managers with street light coordination, including design, execution, and ongoing maintenance activities.
- Perform AutoCAD drafting for electric street lighting and distribution projects, using standard engineering practices and company design standards.
- Analyze work orders, construction packages, and related documentation to ensure completeness, accuracy, and constructability.
- Interpret permits, utility standards, and design requirements to develop compliant and efficient distribution and lighting designs.
- Assist with preparing cost estimates and performing basic project analysis using established tools and processes.
- Route and delegate workload to appropriate Project Managers or team members to maintain balanced and efficient project execution.
- Ensure accuracy and timely completion of high-volume design deliverables in a production-driven environment.
- Maintain consistent communication with internal teams and stakeholders to coordinate design activities and resolve issues.
- Prepare and maintain engineering plans, designs, specifications, standards, and evaluations for power distribution and related infrastructure projects.
- Support data and records management by organizing and updating project files, drawings, and documentation.
- Conduct research as needed to support design decisions, standards interpretation, and project planning.
- Work directly with customers, when required, to clarify requirements, address concerns, and support project delivery.
- Contribute to public improvement projects, including roadway and sidewalk improvements, power pole relocations, right-of-way expansions, and utility system upgrades.
Essential Skills
- Associate degree in Engineering Technology, CAD Design, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- Baseline AutoCAD proficiency with approximately 23 years of CAD experience at an intermediate level; familiarity with Map 3D 2021 or similar platforms.
- Understanding of cost estimates and the ability to review them; familiarity with cost estimating tools such as WinEst Pro Plus or similar software.
- Foundational engineering knowledge in civil, electrical, or a related discipline.
- Experience working within utilities such as electric, gas, water/sewer, or overhead/underground systems.
- Ability to read and interpret construction documents, drawings, and permits accurately.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with project managers, internal teams, and external stakeholders.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to manage multiple projects and high-volume deliverables.
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, high-volume, production-driven environment.
- Ability to operate an issued motor vehicle and possess a valid Washington drivers license with a clean driving record.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with utility system design for electric, gas, or piping networks.
- Experience supporting Public Utility Districts (PUDs) or similar utility organizations.
- Exposure to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) or infrastructure design projects.
- Experience in public improvement projects such as roadway and sidewalk improvements, power pole relocations, right-of-way expansions, and water, gas, or electric system upgrades.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply utility standards and design requirements.
- Prior experience in distribution design, power distribution, or related electrical design work.
- Background in design/drafting or electrical drafting and designing.
Work Environment
This position operates in a hybrid work model that combines office-based design work with field visits. Approximately 80% of the role focuses on design and drafting activities, while about 20% involves fielding and site visits within Washington. You will operate an issued motor vehicle and must maintain a valid Washington drivers license with a clean driving record. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The environment is high-volume and production-driven, requiring consistent throughput of accurate design deliverables. You will work with tools such as AutoCAD (including Map 3D 2021) and cost estimating software, and collaborate closely with project managers and internal teams on public improvement and utility infrastructure projects.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Bellevue, WA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $40.00/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 hybrid position in Bellevue,WA.
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.