Launch your career in the utility industry with a hands-on design role supporting power distribution projects that keep communities running. This position focuses on drafting and light design work for overhead and underground electrical distribution systems serving residential, commercial, and industrial sites. You'll work closely with field teams to update drawings using proprietary CAD tools while learning utility design from the ground up in a fast-paced, production-focused environment.
What you'll be doing
Draft and update power distribution drawings using field-collected data
Prepare job packages including material lists, labor estimates, and construction drawings
Apply utility standards, codes, and safety practices to real-world projects
Support safe, cost-effective, and reliable electrical distribution designs
Collaborate with engineers, construction teams, and clients to meet project timelines
What they're looking for
Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical preferred; Mechanical or related considered)
Strong interest in building a long-term career in the utility industry
Detail-oriented, fast, and accurate with a strong “can-do” attitude
Details
Pay: Up to $26.00/hr
Location: Cincinnati, OH (on-site to start)
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (some flex time)
Type: 6-month contract-to-hire
Growth: Learn a high-demand industry from the ground floor with strong advancement potential
This is an excellent opportunity for an entry-level engineer ready to gain real utility experience, develop in-demand skills, and grow with a team experiencing steady expansion.
$26 hourly 25d ago
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Distribution Designer (Athens)
Actalent
The Plains, OH
Job Title: Distribution DesignerJob Description We are seeking a dedicated Distribution Designer to join our team based in Athens. This role requires daily reporting to the Athens office and involves inspecting overhead and underground electrical distribution equipment, compiling field data, preparing minor work orders, and maintaining equipment reports. This position focuses on measuring and mapping Low Voltage Distribution systems, identifying and recording electrical equipment on poles, and performing technical services for the operation, inspection, and maintenance of electrical distribution systems.
Responsibilities
+ Conduct visual inspections of overhead and underground electrical distribution equipment.
+ Compile field data, prepare minor work orders, and maintain detailed reports.
+ Measure and map out Low Voltage Distribution (LVD) systems.
+ Identify and record electrical equipment on poles.
+ Perform system inventories, audits, joint use management, permitting, pad-mount inspections, ground-line pole inspections, metering and apparatus services, lighting audits, and more.
+ Utilize laptops, tablets, GPS, and other electronic devices for field data collection.
+ Develop a working knowledge of National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), electric utility construction standards, and communication facilities.
+ Operate equipment like height sticks and range finders to take accurate measurements.
+ Perform pole inspections and maintenance on pad-mount equipment.
+ Achieve weekly billable goals as defined by project guidelines.
Essential Skills
+ Basic computer proficiency (e.g., Excel).
+ Experience with field data collection and utility locating.
+ Comfortable with heavy field work.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
+ High School Diploma preferred.
+ Open to candidates with Associate Technology Degrees if work experience aligns with the job requirements.
+ Candidates with experience in manual labor, construction, utility locating, landscaping, manufacturing, or warehouse/cold storage are preferred.
+ Age 21+ preferred for company vehicle driving requirements; 20+ may be acceptable.
Work Environment
The role involves reporting to the Athens office with the potential for flexible hours once trained. There is an opportunity to work from home for two days a week, depending on training completion and discretion. The position offers a less physically demanding alternative to typical field roles, focusing on visual inspections and data collection in an outdoor setting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of The Plains, OH.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $22.00/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 The Plains,OH.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jan 29, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
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 due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com (%20actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com) for other accommodation options.