Senior Substation Physical Designer

About the role

As a Senior Substation Physical Designer, you’ll lead the physical design that turns high-voltage substation projects into constructible reality. You’ll develop and direct deliverables such as general arrangement drawings, elevations and section views, grounding systems, below-grade design, conduit and cable routing, bus arrangements, and equipment placement. As a technical leader, you’ll coordinate across disciplines, support project execution, mentor developing engineers, and ensure every design package that leaves your desk is complete, accurate, and constructible.

Why Nexus

• Employee ownership (ESOP) — build equity in the firm as it grows
• Ownership of high-voltage substation physical design, from general arrangement to constructible package
• A senior seat — provide technical leadership, check others’ work, and offer mentorship
• Full-service EPCm exposure, from concept through startup, across a diverse client base
• Career paths that grow with you — toward technical leadership, project management, or discipline leadership
• Flexible work arrangements where business needs allow

Responsibilities

• Lead the physical design and execution of high-voltage substation projects — new stations, upgrades, expansions, and modernization efforts
• Develop and oversee physical design deliverables: general arrangement drawings, elevations, section views, grounding layouts, below-grade design, conduit and cable routing, and equipment placement
• Direct grounding design, bus arrangements, conduit systems, and equipment layouts for your project scopes
• Apply advanced engineering principles, client specifications, and industry standards to produce high-quality design packages
• Coordinate with protection & controls, civil, and structural engineers, designers, drafters, project managers, clients, and vendors for cohesive execution
• Review and check deliverables for technical accuracy, constructability, completeness, and compliance with project requirements
• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to junior engineers, designers, and technical staff
• Support project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and progress reporting, and resolve technical challenges while protecting quality, safety, and schedule
• Foster strong client relationships through responsive communication, sound engineering judgment, and reliable project execution

Requirements

• Associate Degree in a technical discipline or equivalent technical experience
• 6+ years of experience in substation engineering, power delivery, or electrical design
• Advanced knowledge of substation physical design — layouts, grounding systems, conduit and cable routing, equipment placement, and constructible drawing development
• Strong working knowledge of IEEE (including IEEE Std. 80 for grounding), ANSI, NEC, and NESC standards
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar engineering design platforms
• Demonstrated experience leading engineering tasks or project scopes
• Strong communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel between project and substation sites as required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading physical design for utility, industrial, renewable energy, or EPC substation projects
• Experience performing engineering reviews or formal checking of design packages
• Familiarity with client-specific utility standards and documentation requirements
• Experience with Substation Design Suite (SDS), Inventor, WinIGS, CDEGS, or similar engineering tools
• Construction support and field engineering experience

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This position is performed in a combination of office and active project-site environments. This role may require:

• Frequent travel to project and substation sites, some not accessible by public transportation (a valid driver’s license is required)
• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer workstation, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Field visits that may involve exposure to weather, energized electrical equipment, noise, and heavy equipment; required PPE must be worn on site
• The ability to walk uneven terrain and access outdoor substation yards and elevated or confined areas, with or without reasonable accommodation

About Nexus Engineering Group

Nexus Engineering Group, a distinguished independent full-service engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCm) firm, provides comprehensive support to clients from concept through startup. With over a decade of demonstrated engineering and design success, Nexus stands out as the firm of choice for those valuing integrity and expertise. At Nexus, you will be part of a talented and passionate team dedicated to excellence and innovation. We foster a collaborative and engaging work environment, making it a place where you’ll enjoy contributing to impactful projects.

Pay

The posted salary range represents the anticipated base pay for this position in accordance with applicable pay-transparency requirements and may vary based on experience, qualifications, skills, certifications, work location, and market conditions.

Benefits

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) — an ownership stake and a share in the long-term success of Nexus
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus life and disability insurance
• 401(k) with company match and discretionary bonus opportunities
• Paid time off, holidays, and paid parental leave
• Professional development and career advancement — training, certifications, licensure support, tuition assistance, and mentorship
• Wellness benefits and a flexible schedule where business needs allow