About this opportunity
Actalent lists this Designer Make Ready opportunity in southfield, Michigan. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Job Title: Designer (Make Ready Designer) *** Training provided ***
nJob Description
nThe Make Ready Designer will work from a newly established office in Southfield, Michigan, supporting electric utility distribution projects across Southeast Detroit. This role combines field-based data collection with office-based design work to independently develop designs and construction work packages for overhead and underground electrical distribution systems with a Make Ready focus. The position offers significant flexibility for candidates with prior design experience and provides the opportunity to work on meaningful, technically challenging projects within an engineering consulting environment.
nResponsibilities
nnnIndependently develop detailed design and construction work packages for electrical overhead and underground Make Ready systems for power distribution
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nnReview project information and scopes provided by the client and accurately assess design and engineering requirements.
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nnPerform engineering calculations, including structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying calculations, conductor sag and tension specifications for recommended spans, and voltage drop and flicker calculations.
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nnProvide engineering support during construction, including post-construction reviews to verify that all applicable engineering and construction standards have been met.
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nnConduct root cause analysis of outages and develop mitigation strategies using sound engineering principles and design practices.
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nnSplit time approximately 80% in the field and 20% in the office, ensuring accurate data collection and high-quality design output.
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nnAble to drive to the Southfield, MI location, park your car and get into a company truck to perform any driving required to get to the work site for field data collection.
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nnAble to work a 8-10 hour work day.
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nnPerform field work by traveling to assigned poles and lines to observe conditions first-hand, record measurements, and capture photographs for use in office-based design work.
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nnCoordinate with other utilities and stakeholders to resolve conflicts and meet field engineering design requirements in dense urban environments.
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nnAssist in assessing and developing large design packages for complex cable and conduit projects, including work permit development, easements, and right-of-way (ROW) applications.
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nnUtilize AutoCAD and other design software to produce precise drawings and documentation that meet client and industry standards.
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nnMaintain accurate records of field observations, measurements, and design decisions to support project documentation and future reference.
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nnCollaborate with colleagues in a group-oriented environment to share knowledge, review designs, and contribute to continuous improvement of processes and standards.
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n nEssential Skills
nnnAt least an associate degree in a discipline related to design, engineering, or a closely aligned technical field.
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nnExperience in a design role, ideally 2–3 years, which may be outside the utility industry but involves technical or 3D design work.
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nnProficiency with AutoCAD for creating and modifying detailed design drawings.
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nnBasic knowledge of electric utility systems and distribution concepts.
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nnAbility to perform engineering-related calculations such as structural analysis for wood pole loading, guying calculations, conductor sag and tension, and voltage drop and flicker.
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nnCapability to work independently on design packages while adhering to engineering and construction standards.
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nnWillingness and ability to perform regular field work, including travel of up to approximately 1.5 hours from the office.
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nnStrong attention to detail in both field data collection and office-based design work.
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nnEffective communication skills to interpret client requirements and document findings and design decisions clearly.
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n nAdditional Skills & Qualifications
nnnExperience working directly with an electric utility or an electric utility consulting company performing electric distribution design engineering.
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nnBackground in distribution design, including experience with overhead and underground systems.
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nnFamiliarity with 3D design tools or similar design software such as SolidWorks or comparable platforms.
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nnAn engineering degree in a relevant field is welcomed, particularly for candidates interested in an engineering track.
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nnExperience coordinating multiple utilities and managing complex design requirements in dense urban environments.
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nnExposure to developing large cable and conduit design packages, including work permits, easements, and right-of-way applications.
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nnInterest in gaining new skills and certifications through training and professional development opportunities.
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nnAbility to thrive in a collaborative, entrepreneurial, and agile consulting environment, contributing to innovative solutions for commercial, industrial, government, and community clients.
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n nWork Environment
nThis role is based in a newly established office located on West Twelve Mile Road in Southfield, Michigan, within an engineering consulting setting. The position is primarily office-based but requires approximately 80% time in the field across Southeast Detroit, visiting poles and lines to gather measurements and photographs. Approximately 20% of the time spent in the Southfield, MI office producing make ready designs on a computer. The work day begins at 7am, drive to the site needed for Fielding is paid for and this will also happen in a company truck. Driving to the needed site will not be done in the employees vehicle. The work environment emphasizes group collaboration, where professionals tackle interesting and meaningful projects for a broad range of commercial, industrial, government, and community clients. The culture values a collaborative spirit, entrepreneurial mindset, and agile structure, recognizing that staff expertise is a core asset. Employees are supported through training, opportunities to develop new skills and certifications, and performance-based rewards, creating an engaging and growth-oriented workplace.
nJob Type & Location
nThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Southfield, MI.
nPay and Benefits
nThe pay range for this position is $23.00 - $28.00/hr.
nIndividual 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.
nEligibility 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)
nWorkplace Type
nThis is a fully onsite position in Southfield,MI.
nApplication Deadline
nThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 2026.
nAbout Actalent
nActalent 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.
nThe 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.
nIf 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 for other accommodation options.
nSan 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.
nMassachusetts 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.
nUse 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.
Worksite address
southfield, MI, 48076, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.