Sr. Substation Designer

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Substation Designer to support the physical layout and design of medium to high voltage substation projects (15kV-500kV). This position is ideal for a highly skilled and proactive designer who enjoys both independent design work and team collaboration. You’ll take the lead on design efforts from concept through construction and play a key role in mentoring junior designers.

Responsibilities

• Create complete physical design packages for new substations and retrofit projects, including:
  • Substation general arrangements and equipment layouts
  • Elevations and section views
  • Grounding and lightning protection plans
  • Conduit, cable trench, and raceway plans
  • Foundation layouts and steel structure detailing
  • Control building layouts, cable tray, lighting, and grounding
  • Substation site plans and detailed bill of materials
• Coordinate with engineers and drafters to ensure designs meet project requirements and industry standards.
• Interpret one-line and three-line diagrams to develop complete physical drawings.
• Apply applicable codes and standards (IEEE, NESC, NEC, client-specific guidelines) to all design work.
• Incorporate vendor equipment drawings and specifications into design packages.
• Design Support & Collaboration:
  • Collaborate with electrical and civil engineers, protection & control teams, and project managers to meet project milestones.
  • Attend project kickoff meetings, design reviews, and client interface discussions.
  • Provide field support and perform site visits to verify design accuracy and resolve issues during construction.
  • Conduct quality checks and peer reviews of design work for accuracy and consistency.
• Leadership & Mentorship:
  • Mentor and support junior designers and drafters.
  • Provide design oversight on multiple projects and manage design deliverables.
  • Support proposal efforts with design estimates, scopes of work, and schedule input.

Requirements

• 5+ years of substation physical design experience (preferably in utility or EPC environments).
• Associate degree in Drafting, Engineering Technology, or related field; equivalent work experience considered.

Skills

• Proficient in AutoCAD, with strong drafting and layout skills.
• Understanding of substation equipment (transformers, breakers, switches, buswork, etc.).
• Familiarity with industry codes and standards including IEEE, NESC, NEC, ANSI, and client-specific requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings including one-line diagrams and schematics.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • 8-10+ years of substation physical design experience.
  • Proficiency with MicroStation, AutoCAD Electrical, or Substation Design Suite (SDS).
  • Experience with Civil 3D, Inventor, or Revit for 3D modeling and visualization.
  • Experience supporting physical design for control buildings (indoor panel layout, AC/DC load centers, cable tray, etc.).
  • Familiarity with power system calculations like grounding studies, conductor sizing, or voltage drop analysis is a plus.

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements

• Ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations; ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of 10-50 pounds.
• Good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand, and finger dexterity, including the ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment, and read application/form information.
• Frequently required to sit, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear.