Entry level engineering h1.location_city

Job Title: Distribution Engineer I (Durham)
Job Description

This entry-level Distribution Engineer I role focuses on developing detailed design and construction work packages for overhead and underground electrical distribution systems. Working under the guidance of a technical lead, you will support projects involving overloaded transformers, inspection and maintenance programs, joint use, and street lighting. You will split your time between office-based engineering design and occasional field work, gaining hands-on experience with customer GIS and WMS systems, utility coordination, permitting, and distribution system protection and coordination.

Responsibilities

• Develop design and construction work packages for overhead and underground electrical distribution systems operating from 4 kV through 138 kV, primarily for programmatic work such as overloaded transformers, inspection and maintenance, joint use, and inspection reports.
• Create work packages for overhead (OH), underground (UG), underground residential distribution (URD), make-ready, and street light projects using customer GIS and work management systems such as GE Smallworld and Bentley Expert Designer.
• Comply with all safety requirements as well as design and quality standards throughout the design and construction process.
• Travel to project sites as needed to perform field inspections, collect design data, and then return to the office to complete engineering design work.
• Perform engineering calculations, including structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying calculations, specification of conductor sags and tensions for recommended spans, and calculations of voltage drop and flicker.
• Develop permitting documents and supporting materials for various authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs).
• Provide engineering support during construction, answering technical questions and clarifying design intent for construction teams.
• Conduct post-construction reviews to verify that all applicable engineering and construction standards have been met.
• Assist with root cause analysis of outages and develop mitigation recommendations using sound engineering principles and design practices.
• Support the assessment and development of design packages for complex cable and conduit projects in dense urban environments.
• Contribute to work permit development, easement applications, and right-of-way (ROW) documentation.
• Assist in the design of mainline vault medium-voltage switchgear, network system design, and distribution system protection and coordination.
• Coordinate with other utilities and stakeholders to resolve conflicts and ensure safe, efficient field designs.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in an engineering discipline such as electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering.
• 0–1 years of experience in engineering or a related technical field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to learn and use GIS and work management systems such as GE Smallworld and Bentley Expert Designer.
• Strong written communication skills for preparing technical documents, reports, and permitting materials.
• Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills for collaborating with technical leads, field personnel, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to perform and document basic engineering calculations related to structural loading, guying, conductor sag and tension, voltage drop, and flicker.
• Willingness and ability to work in both office and field environments, including travel to project sites as needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Interest in distribution engineering, including overhead and underground systems, street lighting, and make-ready projects.
• Interest in learning customer-specific engineering and construction standards.
• Ability to interpret and apply engineering standards, construction specifications, and utility design guidelines.
• Interest in developing skills related to coordination of conflicting utilities and field engineering design requirements.
• Ability to support work permit development, easement and right-of-way applications, and documentation for complex urban projects.
• Interest in gaining experience with network system design, medium-voltage switchgear in mainline vaults, and distribution system protection and coordination.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to support root cause analysis of outages and design mitigations.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple design tasks, site visits, and documentation requirements under the supervision of a technical lead.

Work Environment

You will work primarily in an office environment, performing engineering design, calculations, and documentation using standard office software and customer GIS and work management systems. The role includes occasional field work, where you will visit project sites to perform inspections, gather data, and coordinate with field personnel and other utilities. The position operates within established safety, design, and quality standards, and you will collaborate closely with technical leads and project teams in a professional, engineering-focused setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Durham, NC.

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 Durham,NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 27, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.