Designer

Job Title: Designer Job Description This role combines field work and office-based design to support electrical overhead and underground distribution systems for utility projects in Michigan. You will help launch a newly established office in Southfield, contributing to both on-site data collection and the creation of detailed design and construction work packages. The position offers substantial flexibility for candidates with prior design experience and provides the opportunity to grow within an engineering consulting environment that values innovation, collaboration, and professional development. Responsibilities

- Independently develop design and construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems for electric utility customers.
- Review work provided by clients and thoroughly assess scope requirements to ensure accurate and complete design solutions.
- Perform engineering calculations, including structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying calculations, specifying conductor sags and tensions for recommended spans, and calculating voltage drop and flicker.
- Split time in the field and in the office to support end-to-end design activities.
- Conduct field visits to assigned poles and lines in Southeast Detroit to observe existing conditions, take precise measurements, and capture detailed photographs.
- Use collected field data to produce accurate drawings and design documentation using AutoCAD and other design software.
- Provide engineering support during construction, including post-construction reviews to verify that all applicable engineering and construction standards have been met.
- Conduct root cause analysis of outages and propose mitigation measures using sound engineering principles and design practices.
- Gain experience coordinating conflicting utilities and other field engineering design requirements in complex environments.
- Assist in assessing and developing large design packages for complex cable and conduit projects in dense urban areas.
- Support the development of work permits, easements, and right-of-way (ROW) applications as part of comprehensive project packages.
- Collaborate closely with colleagues in a group-oriented environment to solve technical challenges and deliver high-quality solutions.
- Maintain accurate records of field activities, travel time, and project documentation in accordance with company standards.

Essential Skills

- Bachelors or an Associates degree in a design-related discipline.
- Experience in a design role, with a preferred range of 23 years, which may be outside the utility industry.
- Proficiency with AutoCAD for creating and modifying technical drawings.
- Basic knowledge of electric utility systems and distribution design concepts.
- Ability to perform engineering-related calculations, including structural analysis, guying, conductor sag and tension, and voltage drop and flicker.
- Capability to work both independently and collaboratively while managing field and office responsibilities.
- Strong attention to detail for accurate measurement recording, documentation, and drawing production.
- Willingness and ability to travel locally, including trips of up to approximately an hour and a half to field sites.
- Effective communication skills for coordinating with project teams and interpreting client-provided information.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

- Experience working directly with an electric utility or an electric utility consulting company performing electric distribution design engineering.
- Distribution design, including 3D design, is highly desirable.
- Experience using SolidWorks or similar design software is a plus.
- An engineering degree is welcome; candidates with such a degree may still be considered entry level and will receive appropriate training.
- Previous exposure to complex cable and conduit projects in dense urban environments is beneficial.
- Experience developing work permits, easements, and right-of-way (ROW) applications is advantageous.
- Demonstrated ability to adapt to a new office environment and contribute to establishing processes and standards.
- Interest in ongoing training, acquiring new skills, and earning relevant certifications in engineering and design.

Work Environment The role is based in a newly established office in Southfield, Michigan, with project work focused on Southeast Detroit. You will work in a collaborative group environment that encourages knowledge sharing, entrepreneurial thinking, and agile decision-making. Field travel is within the state of Michigan with very rare overnight travel. Travel time counts toward your working hours, and a company vehicle may be available for field travel.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Southfield, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $28.00/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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Southfield, MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 27, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Southfield,MI. 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.