Design Engineer

Job Description

Job DescriptionJob Title: Design EngineerJob Description

This Design Engineer role focuses on developing detailed design and construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems ranging from 4kV to 138kV. You will support programmatic work such as overloaded transformers, inspection and maintenance activities, joint use projects, and inspection reports, while ensuring all designs meet safety, quality, and regulatory requirements. This position offers structured training, long-term career stability, and the opportunity to grow within a nationally recognized engineering organization working in a highly stable and expanding power delivery industry.

Responsibilities

• Develop complete design and construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems operating from 4kV through 138kV, with a strong focus on programmatic work such as overloaded transformers, inspection and maintenance programs, joint use projects, and inspection reports.
• Ensure all design work complies with safety requirements and meets established design and quality expectations.
• Travel to project sites as needed to perform field inspections, gather data, and then 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), ensuring completeness and compliance with local requirements.
• Provide engineering support during construction, responding to field questions and clarifications to ensure projects follow the approved design.
• Conduct post-construction reviews to verify that all applicable engineering and construction standards and specifications have been met.
• Perform root cause analysis of outages and develop mitigation solutions using sound engineering principles and distribution design practices.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders, including clients and field personnel, to resolve design issues and support successful project delivery.
• Demonstrate the ability and desire to lead a team of engineers over time, contributing to complex design efforts and mentoring less experienced team members.
• Represent the business and yourself professionally in client-facing situations, building trust and maintaining strong working relationships.
• Work effectively in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and quality in all deliverables.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering (Engineering Technology degrees are not acceptable).
• Fundamental knowledge of power distribution or electrical distribution systems, including an interest in utility distribution design.
• Ability and desire to lead a team of engineers and contribute to complex design projects as experience grows.
• Strong capability to interact directly with clients and represent the organization and yourself professionally.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple tasks and priorities.
• Proficiency or strong aptitude in performing engineering calculations such as structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying calculations, conductor sag and tension specifications, and voltage drop and flicker calculations.
• Willingness and ability to travel to field sites as needed to perform inspections and gather design data.
• Comfort working with distribution design tools and systems, including GIS or similar platforms, with the ability to learn new technologies quickly.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to meeting safety, design, and quality standards.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for coordinating with teams, preparing documentation, and supporting permitting and construction activities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification is a strong plus.
• Any prior experience in power distribution or electrical distribution design is highly desirable, even at an entry level.
• Experience working with GIS or mapping tools in a utility or engineering context.
• Interest in developing a long-term career in power delivery, grid modernization, and infrastructure projects.
• Motivation to grow within a large engineering organization while contributing to a smaller, collaborative office environment.
• Openness to training and professional development in an industry that offers long-term stability, longevity, and advancement opportunities.

Work Environment

This position is based in an office environment with a cubicle setup in a newly established office created specifically to support major power distribution project work. You will be expected to work in the Carmel office four days per week during the first 9–12 months. After you transition to direct employment with the organization, you will typically work onsite in Carmel three days per week, with the potential for additional flexibility after gaining a couple of years of experience. The team supports projects across the state of Indiana, and you will occasionally visit field sites as needed, with mileage reimbursed. Most projects are located within a defined utility service territory. The culture combines the resources and stability of a larger engineering firm with the close-knit feel of a small, growing office built from the ground up. You will collaborate with a distributed team while enjoying local support and mentorship. The dress code is generally casual in the office; however, you should be prepared to dress appropriately for client-facing meetings or field visits as required. The standard work schedule is first shift, Monday through Friday, providing a predictable workweek while supporting a steady pipeline of power delivery projects.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Blue Ash, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $29.81 - $29.81/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 Blue Ash,OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 20, 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 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.