Job Title: Electrical Engineer - Associate Distribution EngineerJob Description
This role focuses on planning, engineering, and designing electric distribution systems that deliver safe, reliable power to customers. You will support the development of overhead and underground distribution designs, determine the size, location, and timing of power delivery infrastructure, and help balance economic, environmental, social, regulatory, and reliability considerations. Working under the guidance of experienced engineers, you will gain hands-on exposure to field engineering, utility coordination, and complex urban cable and conduit projects while contributing to long-term, mission-critical energy infrastructure programs.
Responsibilities
Support the planning, engineering, and design of electric distribution systems, including overhead, underground, and residential distribution infrastructure.
Assist in determining the need, size, location, and timing of power delivery infrastructure to meet reliability, regulatory, and operational requirements.
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.
Participate in the development of design packages for complex cable and conduit projects in dense urban environments, including assessment of field conditions and design requirements.
Identify and help coordinate conflicting utilities and other field engineering design constraints during project development.
Assist with the design of mainline vaults, medium-voltage switchgear, network system configurations, and distribution system protection and coordination under the supervision of a technical lead.
Comply with all safety requirements as well as established engineering design standards and quality expectations.
Travel to project sites as needed to perform field inspections, gather design data, and then return to the office to complete engineering design work.
Perform basic engineering calculations, including structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying calculations, specification of conductor sags and tensions, and calculations of voltage drop and flicker.
Develop permitting documents and supporting materials for various authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs).
Prepare and support easement and right-of-way (ROW) applications as part of project development.
Provide engineering support during construction, answering technical questions and clarifying design details as needed.
Participate in post-construction reviews to verify that completed work meets applicable engineering and construction standards.
Assist in conducting root cause analysis of outages and develop mitigation recommendations using sound engineering principles and design practices.
Collaborate with peers and technical leads to communicate project status, explain technical findings, and follow established procedures and policies.
Apply basic engineering principles, theories, and concepts within your technical domain to develop practical solutions under supervision.
Essential Skills
Completed Bachelor of Science degree in an engineering discipline such as electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering.
0-1 years of professional engineering experience, internship, or equivalent exposure to engineering work.
Basic knowledge of engineering principles, theories, and concepts within a relevant technical domain.
Ability to solve simple, routine technical problems by following established procedures and standards.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Ability to work effectively in both office and field settings, including performing site visits and inspections as needed.
Strong written communication skills for preparing technical documents, reports, and permitting materials.
Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills to collaborate with peers, technical leads, and stakeholders.
Capacity to follow safety requirements and adhere to design and quality standards.
Willingness to work under supervision on less complex projects and assignments while developing technical capabilities.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Interest in electric power distribution systems operating from 4 kV through 138 kV.
Willingness to learn customer engineering and construction standards through on-the-job training.
Interest in gaining experience with coordination of conflicting utilities and other field engineering design requirements.
Desire to develop skills in the assessment and design of complex cable and conduit projects in dense urban environments.
Interest in learning to design mainline vaults, medium-voltage switchgear, and network system configurations.
Motivation to build knowledge in distribution system protection, coordination, and reliability-focused engineering.
Ability to work on day-to-day objectives with attention to detail and adherence to established procedures.
Enthusiasm for contributing to long-term, regulated programs involving grid modernization, transmission and distribution, substations, pipeline integrity, and compliance-driven capital projects.
Interest in growing technical depth and future leadership capabilities within utility-focused engineering programs.
Work Environment
The role is primarily office-based, with approximately 90% of the time spent in an office setting performing engineering design, analysis, documentation, and coordination. Around 10% of the time involves visiting job sites to perform field inspections, collect design data, observe existing conditions, and support construction activities. You will work with standard office software and engineering tools while collaborating closely with other engineers and project team members. The environment emphasizes safety, integrity, thoughtful planning, and sustainable workloads, providing stable, mission-driven work that supports the reliability, safety, and resilience of the energy infrastructure. The position requires a consistent commitment to the defined in-office and field work balance.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Chicago, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $29.00 - $29.00/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 Chicago,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 1, 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.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
