Job Title: Entry-Level Design Technician
Job Description
This is an amazing opportunity for an entry-level candidate wanting to break into the power utilities industry! The Design Tech plays a key role in developing detailed design and construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems ranging from 4kV to 138kV. This position focuses primarily on programmatic work such as overloaded transformers, inspection and maintenance, joint use, and inspection reports. The role combines office-based engineering design with field inspections and offers strong training, career growth, and long-term stability in the power distribution industry.
Responsibilities
Develop comprehensive design and construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems operating from 4kV through 138kV, with a focus on programmatic work including overloaded transformers, inspection and maintenance, joint use, and inspection reports.
Ensure all work complies with safety requirements as well as established design and quality standards.
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 such as structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying calculations, specifying conductor sags and tensions for recommended spans, and calculating voltage drop and flicker.
Develop permitting documents for various Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), ensuring accuracy and compliance with local requirements.
Provide engineering support during construction, including responding to questions from field personnel and reviewing construction activities for alignment with design intent.
Conduct post-construction reviews to confirm that all applicable engineering and construction standards have been met.
Perform root cause analysis of outages and develop mitigation strategies using sound engineering principles and design best practices.
Collaborate with internal teams and clients, representing the business professionally in meetings and discussions.
Contribute to a fast-paced project environment, managing priorities and timelines while maintaining high-quality deliverables.
Demonstrate the desire and ability to lead a team of engineers and contribute to complex design efforts as experience grows.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Engineering Technology (mechanical, electrical, civil, or related discipline).
Foundational knowledge of power distribution and electrical distribution systems.
Ability to develop design and construction work packages for distribution systems.
Ability to perform engineering calculations, including structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying calculations, conductor sag and tension specifications, and voltage drop and flicker calculations.
Strong desire and ability to lead a team of engineers and contribute to complicated designs.
Ability to interact directly with clients and represent oneself and the business in a professional manner.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple projects and deadlines.
Proficiency or familiarity with engineering and design tools commonly used in utility and power distribution work, including GIS-based tools.
Solid analytical and problem-solving skills, especially for root cause analysis of outages and mitigation design.
Willingness and ability to travel to field sites as needed for inspections and project support.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification is preferred.
Any prior experience in power distribution or electrical distribution design is a plus.
Experience or familiarity with utility engineering environments and standards.
Comfort working with GIS and other technical tools used in power distribution design.
Strong communication skills for collaborating with engineering teams and clients.
Interest in long-term career growth within the power delivery and infrastructure modernization industry.
Motivation to learn and develop in an industry that offers stability, longevity, and competitive career opportunities.
Work Environment
This role is based in an office environment with a cubicle setup, supporting power project work across the state of Ohio. The position is located in the Blue Ash office, where employees are expected to work onsite four days per week during the first 9-12 months. After direct hire, onsite expectations shift to three days per week, with potential for additional flexibility after gaining a couple of years of experience. The team operates within a larger engineering organization but maintains a small-office feel, building the local presence from the ground up. Field visits to project sites are required as needed, and mileage for travel is reimbursed. Most projects are within a defined service territory, and the team supports work across Ohio. The culture emphasizes job stability, growth opportunities, and professional development in a highly stable power delivery industry. The standard schedule is first shift, Monday through Friday.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cincinnati, OH.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $24.04 - $24.04/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 Cincinnati,OH.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 19, 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.
