Physical Designer (Substation)

About the role

GFT is searching for an Associate Physical Designer (Substation) to work in one of the following offices: Chicago, IL; St. Louis, MO; Pittsburgh, PA; Phoenix, AZ; Marlton, NJ; Charlotte, NC; or Roanoke, VA. An experienced Physical Designer may also work remotely anywhere in the United States (fully remote). Joining the power team at GFT means engaging in cutting-edge projects that drive the future of energy infrastructure, with solutions spanning power transmission, distribution, and renewable energy. The team leverages advanced technologies and creative problem-solving to meet today’s diverse energy needs while enhancing system reliability, sustainability, and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute high-voltage substation projects in the 34.5 kV – 500 kV range with an emphasis on safety, cost, quality, and reliability.
• Generate designs and detailed engineering deliverables under the supervision of a lead engineer.
• Detail physical aspects of the engineering design, including general arrangement, elevation, grounding, and conduit drawings.
• Complete basic engineering calculations related to engineering deliverables.
• Follow specific instructions from supervisors or engineers to perform complex design assignments applying standard design principles and practices.
• Use standard CAD tools to create drawings and related deliverables.
• Perform detailed calculations to establish manufacturing, construction, and installation standards and specifications.
• Inspect completed installations and operations to ensure conformance to design and equipment specifications and compliance with operational and safety standards.
• Oversee project production efforts to ensure projects are completed satisfactorily, on time, and within budget.
• Prepare and study technical drawings and specifications of electrical systems to ensure installation and operations conform to standards and customer requirements.
• Travel to job sites for job assessment and data gathering as needed, returning to the office with sufficient field notes to complete project design.

Requirements

• 2+ years of relevant substation or general electrical T&D designing experience.
• Expertise in the use of computer-aided drafting tools such as AutoCAD or MicroStation.
• Thorough knowledge of codes including the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), National Electrical Code (NEC), Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and the Design Guide for Rural Substations.
• Ability to review and coordinate vendor submittals to ensure compliance with design parameters.
• Knowledge of substation phase spacing and electrical clearance requirements for live conductors, switch components, and bus supports.
• Ability to develop and review a complete set of construction documents (layouts, elevations, details, grounding plans and details, trench and conduit plans and details, single line diagrams, etc.) based on project/client specifications with little or no supervision.
• Ability to create control enclosure layout, cable tray layout and details, and conduit drawings.
• Knowledge of substation voltages including MV, HV, and EHV.
• Ability to develop and design substation duct banks.
• Ability to interpret engineering calculations and studies and apply them to design requirements.
• Ability to apply project schedules to complete tasks in a timely manner and within project budget.
• Thorough knowledge of substation structures and equipment including connectors, insulators, switches, and all types of conductors and their interconnections.
• Knowledge of substation construction and/or commissioning techniques and industry standards.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Proficiency to sketch single line diagrams, layouts, general arrangements, conduit plans, trench plans, grounding plans, and other design documents with little or no oversight.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the energy industry or a consulting services environment.
• Skilled in 3D modeling.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $80,000 – $110,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Benefits

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support for active participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.