Distribution Designer

Job Title: Distribution Designer / Design Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on the design and delivery of overhead and underground electrical utility distribution projects in a growing Calgary-based team. You will serve as an Experienced technical resource responsible for engineering design, project execution, permitting, technical analysis, and quality assurance while mentoring a team of junior designers and engineers. You will develop construction-ready designs, uphold technical excellence, and ensure projects are completed safely, accurately, and on schedule. The position is primarily oriented toward internal project delivery with limited customer-facing responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of overhead and underground electrical distribution projects from concept through construction-ready deliverables.
• Review survey information and field data to develop accurate and constructible engineering designs.
• Prepare and review engineering drawings, engineering calculations, and detailed design documentation for distribution systems.
• Perform distribution engineering analyses, including voltage drop calculations, pole line analysis, pulling tension calculations, and other technical assessments.
• Develop Issued for Review (IFR) and Issued for Construction (IFC) design packages that meet utility and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate permitting activities, municipal approvals, crossing agreements, environmental approvals, and utility-specific requirements to support project execution.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, deliverables, and resource planning to ensure projects are delivered on time and within scope.
• Provide technical oversight, mentorship, and day-to-day guidance to a team of approximately 35 designers and junior engineers.
• Conduct quality reviews of designs and documentation to ensure compliance with client standards, utility requirements, CSA standards, and AEUC regulations.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance project execution, design quality, and team efficiency.
• Coordinate closely with project managers, engineers, and design teams to align project objectives and ensure successful delivery.
• Perform site assessments and technical evaluations for overhead and underground distribution projects as required.
• Prepare scopes of work, cost estimates, feasibility studies, and technical reports to support project planning and decision-making.
• Ensure all work aligns with organizational health and safety practices and supports a strong safety culture.
  
  

Essential Skills

• 35 years of experience as an Electrical Designer, Distribution Designer, Distribution Engineer, or in a related utility design role, or status as a 4th-year EIT with direct utility distribution design experience.
• Diploma or Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience designing underground electrical distribution systems.
• Proficiency using AutoCAD for utility design.
• Proficiency using MicroStation for utility design.
• Working knowledge of CSA standards relevant to electrical distribution.
• Working knowledge of the Canadian Electrical Utility Code.
• Experience performing voltage drop calculations and other distribution engineering analyses.
• Experience preparing Issued for Review (IFR) and Issued for Construction (IFC) design packages.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently while maintaining quality and schedule.
• Experience mentoring, leading, or supervising technical staff in an engineering or design environment.
• Valid Class 5 Driver's License to support site visits and field assessments.
  
  

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of Alberta utility distribution standards and construction practices.
• Experience working with ENMAX distribution standards.
• Experience working with FortisAlberta distribution standards.
• Eligibility or registration with APEGA or ASET.
• Experience performing pole line analysis using appropriate engineering tools and methods.
• Experience with permitting and municipal approval processes for utility projects.
• Experience preparing cost estimates and feasibility studies for distribution projects.
• Experience with PLS-CADD or similar software for line design is considered an asset.
• Experience in distribution engineering and electrical distribution design, particularly for underground utilities and power distribution systems.
• Demonstrated team leadership skills, including the ability to provide technical oversight and mentorship to junior designers and engineers.
  
  

Work Environment

The role is based in a southeast Calgary office within a relaxed and collaborative team environment that encourages open communication and knowledge sharing. The position follows an onsite onboarding period for the first three months, working Monday to Friday in the office to support training, integration, and mentorship. After the initial probation period, the role transitions to a hybrid model with work-from-home options on Tuesdays and Thursdays, providing a balance of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. Start times are flexible between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., allowing you to align your workday with personal preferences while meeting project needs. The team regularly participates in monthly team-building and social activities to strengthen collaboration and culture. For permanent or direct employees, the total rewards package includes a 3% RRSP contribution, three weeks of vacation annually, five paid time-off days per year, and an annual performance bonus based on both company and individual performance, reflecting a strong commitment to employee growth and recognition.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Calgary, AB.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $60.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Calgary, AB.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Calgary,AB.

À propos d'Actalent

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.

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.