Designer And Drafter

Job Title: Designer and Drafter Electrical Distribution Job Description This role focuses on independently designing and drafting complete construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems for utility projects, with an emphasis on overhead distribution. You will combine field data, industry design software, and applicable codes to create accurate, buildable electrical distribution designs that support reliability and new construction for residential and commercial sites. The position offers meaningful exposure to the utility energy sector and the opportunity to grow into a key technical and client-facing contributor. Responsibilities

- Independently develop detailed design and construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems, with the majority of work focused on overhead distribution.
- Review project information and requirements provided by the utility client and accurately interpret scopes of work for each assigned site.
- Conduct field work as needed, including visiting assigned sites to capture photos, take measurements, and document existing conditions for use in design.
- Translate field data into complete electrical distribution designs using Open Utilities and other industry-specific design software.
- Design power distribution systems that may include determining power requirements, defining main distribution panels and subpanels, selecting transformers and branch circuits, and specifying equipment such as transformers, circuits, power lines, and utility poles.
- Lay out the physical arrangement of distribution equipment, poles, conductors, and related components to ensure safe, reliable, and constructible designs.
- Perform energy analysis to confirm that selected materials and equipment meet the electrical usage requirements of the site, whether residential or commercial.
- Create and maintain a detailed bill of materials (BOM) and accurately enter material data into SAP or similar material tracking software.
- Assist with permitting activities related to utility lines crossing roads, easements, and private property, and support requests for tree removal or trimming along new line routes.
- Compile photos, measurements, design drawings, BOM, and permit documentation into a complete electrical construction package for internal review and client approval.
- Incorporate feedback and perform design revisions as needed to finalize electrical distribution design packages used by construction crews in the field.
- Use tools such as Poleforman, PLA, or other pole loading analysis software to perform structural analysis of wood poles, including evaluating pole integrity and strength to determine replacement needs.
- Conduct calculations for wood pole loading, guying requirements, conductor sags and tensions, recommended spans, and voltage drop and flicker to ensure safe and reliable operation.
- Apply National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) requirements when developing designs and selecting materials to ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Collaborate closely with a designated quality control approver to review designs, address any issues, and finalize packages prior to submission to the end client.
- Communicate frequently with client representatives via email, phone, and online collaboration tools to clarify requirements, discuss design options, and provide project updates.
- Support multiple territories for fielding and design work, including areas such as Lansing/Owosso and Monroe/Dundee, as well as Grand Rapids, Big Rapids, and Ludington, depending on assignment.
- Work effectively in fast-paced project environments, managing multiple work orders while maintaining accuracy, safety, and quality.
- Contribute to continuous improvement by supporting quality control and quality assurance efforts and, where applicable, helping refine process standards and training materials.

Essential Skills

- Design and drafting experience in an engineering or utility-related environment, or an associate degree with a major focused in design or computer-aided design (CAD).
- Proficiency with design and CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Catia, MicroStation, Revit, or similar tools, with the ability to transition to Open Utilities for distribution design.
- Ability to design low-voltage electrical distribution systems, including overhead and underground configurations.
- Understanding of electrical distribution design concepts, including power requirements, panel and transformer selection, and equipment layout.
- Knowledge of or experience working with National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) standards and their application in distribution design.
- Capability to perform structural and loading analysis for utility poles using tools such as Poleforman, PLA, or other pole loading analysis software, including guying calculations and conductor sag and tension.
- Experience creating bills of materials and entering data into SAP or similar material tracking software.
- Strong ability to perform in fast-paced environments while maintaining attention to detail and quality.
- Effective customer and client communication skills, including clear, professional interaction via email, phone, and online collaboration platforms.
- Capacity to think both quickly and strategically when solving design and field-related challenges.
- Relevant experience working directly with an electric utility, electric utility consulting firm, or in roles focused on electric distribution design or engineering.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

- Coursework or academic focus directly related to the utility industry, power grid, or electrical distribution systems.
- Internships or co-op experience with major utility companies or utility-related organizations, such as regional electric utilities in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, or similar markets.
- Experience with interior or fiber design in the context of utility or distribution projects.
- Background in quality control or quality assurance (QA/QC) for engineering or construction documentation.
- Experience assisting with training new employees in technical processes or software tools.
- Involvement in writing or improving process standards and procedures for design and drafting work.
- Interest in professional development within the engineering field, including preparation for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and eventual pursuit of a Professional Engineer (PE) license.
- Willingness to support utility projects across multiple states in the Midwest, gaining broader industry exposure and experience.
- Comfort working with collaborative, multi-office teams in a consulting engineering environment.

Work Environment The work environment offers a flexible mix of office, home, and field settings. Team members based in Michigan can choose to work from home, a local office, and in the field as needed, allowing them to decide what arrangement works best. Field work occurs at utility distribution sites within designated territories, with a preference for candidates living within approximately a 60-mile radius of key locations such as Lansing/Owosso, Monroe/Dundee, Grand Rapids, Big Rapids, and Ludington. Consultants located out of state in regions such as Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and western Pennsylvania are asked to spend their first one to two weeks in a Michigan office for initial training; after that, they may work 100% remotely while supporting utility projects. Work is closely tied to the utility energy division of a growing civil consulting engineering organization that has multiple offices across Michigan and the Midwest and service agreements with several major utility companies. The division is expanding rapidly, creating opportunities to grow into lead roles that interface directly with clients and oversee awarded work. Daily tasks involve using industry-standard design and CAD tools, Open Utilities, SAP or similar material tracking systems, and pole loading analysis software, in addition to regular communication via email, phone, and online collaboration platforms. The culture emphasizes professional growth, including support for engineering staff pursuing FE and PE credentials, exposure to a variety of utility, construction, site development, and infrastructure projects, and a strong focus on work-life balance and long-term career development.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Grand Rapids, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $27.00/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 Grand Rapids, MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Grand Rapids,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
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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
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