Substation Designer

Actalent is seeking a Substation Physical Designer to develop detailed 2D and 3D design drawings for electrical transmission and distribution substations. This role supports organizational design standards, engineering criteria, and standardization initiatives while producing engineering design packages, material specifications, and construction documentation. The Designer collaborates with engineers, project managers, construction teams, field personnel, manufacturers, and vendors to deliver substation projects ranging from upgrades to new greenfield installations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed 2D engineering drawings and 3D models for transmission and distribution electrical substations.
• Create and modify physical substation design packages from engineering one-line and three-line diagrams.
• Design substation layouts, foundation layouts, grounding layouts, conduit and cable trench layouts, control house and switch house layouts, bus structures, and electrical bus configurations.
• Ensure all designs comply with established engineering standards, utility requirements, and applicable industry codes (NESC, NEC, OSHA).
• Utilize AutoCAD, Autodesk Map 3D, or similar design software to produce accurate engineering deliverables.
• Develop intelligent 3D models to support design reviews, construction planning, and clash detection.
• Maintain drawing revisions, updates, and documentation throughout project life cycles.
• Develop material lists and bills of material associated with substation projects.
• Specify and requisition stock materials, non-stock materials, shop-fabricated assemblies, and vendor-supplied equipment.
• Coordinate with procurement, suppliers, and manufacturers to resolve equipment and material-related issues.
• Review vendor drawings and equipment documentation for compliance with project requirements.
• Collaborate with engineers, construction personnel, project managers, maintenance organizations, operations groups, and field service teams.
• Support project schedules and engineering milestones through timely completion of design deliverables.
• Participate in design reviews, interdisciplinary coordination meetings, pre-construction meetings, and construction progress reviews.
• Prepare and transmit drawing packages, specifications, and supporting project documentation through established document management systems.
• Provide technical design support during all phases of project execution.
• Conduct occasional site walks and field investigations to verify existing conditions.
• Participate in field issue resolution efforts and post-construction inspections.
• Support construction teams by addressing design questions, document revisions, and field changes.
• Promote a culture of safety in all design and field activities.
• Incorporate safe work practices and constructability considerations into all design packages.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline; OR
• Associate Degree in Engineering Technology, Drafting, Design Technology, or related field with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience; OR
• High School Diploma or GED with a minimum of eight (8) years of directly related utility, substation, or engineering design experience.
• Experience supporting transmission and/or distribution substation projects.
• Knowledge of electrical substation equipment and installation practices.
• Understanding of utility transmission and distribution system operations.
• Working knowledge of electrical power system fundamentals.
• Experience creating physical substation drawings from one-line and three-line diagrams.
• Experience creating and maintaining 3D substation models.
• Familiarity with document management systems and engineering workflow tools.
• Experience with estimating software, project controls systems, and Primavera P6 or equivalent scheduling software.
• Experience supporting substation construction, commissioning, maintenance, or field operations.

Skills

• Proficiency in substation design, AutoCAD, and substation engineering.
• Experience with Inventor and Autodesk Map 3D.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking abilities.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to build productive relationships across engineering, construction, operations, and business teams.
• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to quality and service.
• Ability to mentor and train junior designers and technical personnel.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to visualize complex equipment arrangements and spatial configurations.

Work Environment

This position offers a hybrid, remote, or office-based work environment depending on business needs. Regular use of engineering design and modeling software is required. Occasional fieldwork at substations, construction sites, and utility facilities is involved, with the ability to travel approximately 25%, including occasional overnight travel. Reliable internet access is necessary when working remotely.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $50.00 per hour.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Plan (Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available)
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation, or Sick Leave)

Schedule

This is a Contract position based in Birmingham, AL, with a fully onsite work requirement.