Design Engineer (Entry-level)

Actalent is seeking a Design Engineer to develop detailed design and construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems ranging from 4kV to 138kV. This role combines office-based engineering design with field inspections and provides an excellent opportunity for early-career engineers to receive training and build a long-term career in the power distribution industry.

About the role

This position is based in Carmel, Indiana, in an office environment established to support major power grid modernization and infrastructure projects. The role is initially a Contract to Hire position, with the expectation of transitioning to direct employment after 9–12 months. Candidates are expected to work in the Carmel office four days per week during the first 9–12 months, with potential for reduced onsite expectations (three days per week) after gaining experience. The team supports projects across Indiana, and field visits to local sites may be required, with mileage reimbursed.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive design and construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground distribution systems operating from 4kV through 138kV, primarily supporting programmatic work such as overloaded transformers, inspection and maintenance, joint use, and inspection reports.
• Ensure all designs comply with safety requirements as well as established design and quality standards.
• Travel to project sites as needed to perform field inspections, collect data, and return to the office to complete detailed 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 for voltage drop and flicker.
• Develop permitting documents and supporting materials required by various Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs).
• Provide engineering support during construction, responding to questions, clarifying design intent, and assisting project teams as needed.
• Conduct post-construction reviews to verify that all applicable engineering and construction standards have been met and that installed work matches design specifications.
• Perform root cause analysis of outages using engineering principles and develop mitigation strategies and design solutions to improve reliability.
• Collaborate with internal teams and clients, representing the engineering function professionally in meetings and discussions.
• Contribute to a fast-paced project environment by managing assigned work effectively, meeting deadlines, and supporting team goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering (Engineering Technology degrees are not accepted).
• Ability and desire to lead a team of engineers and take ownership of complex design work.
• Strong capability to interact directly with clients and represent the business and oneself in a professional manner.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple concurrent projects.
• Fundamental understanding of power distribution and electrical distribution concepts.
• Ability to perform engineering calculations related to structural analysis, conductor sag and tension, guying, voltage drop, and flicker.
• Willingness and ability to travel to field sites for inspections as required.
• Proficiency in engineering design tools and willingness to work with GIS and other utility-related technologies.

Qualifications

• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification is preferred.
• Prior experience in power distribution or electrical utility design is a plus.
• Experience or familiarity with GIS tools used in utility or power distribution projects is beneficial.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Interest in building a long-term career in power delivery and electrical distribution.
• Motivation to grow into leadership responsibilities within an engineering team.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $29.81/hr.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may include the following for eligible employees:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance
• 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)

Schedule

This is a first-shift position, Monday through Friday. The standard work schedule requires four days per week in the Carmel office during the first 9–12 months, with potential for reduced onsite expectations (three days per week) after transitioning to direct employment.