Senior Designer - Substation

Role

We are seeking a mid-to-senior level Substation Designer to develop detailed physical designs and deliverable drawing packages for transmission and distribution substations (12kV–500kV). The role works closely with Electrical and Protection & Control engineers and broader project teams to ensure safe, reliable, and constructible substation designs. Senior candidates may provide technical leadership and mentor junior staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed physical substation design packages and layouts for transmission and distribution substations.
• Produce and maintain drawings using AutoCAD, ETAP, Revit, or other applicable design software; review and incorporate vendor drawings and equipment information.
• Support design reviews, interdisciplinary coordination, constructability reviews, and client meetings.
• Ensure drawing packages comply with client standards, NESC requirements, utility practices, and company quality procedures.
• Perform field walkdowns and site visits to verify existing conditions; provide construction support by responding to RFIs and reviewing field modifications.
• Mentor junior designers and modelers; promote design consistency and quality; may check portions or entire completed drawings.
• Serve as a technical specialist or staff advisor on complex projects as required.
• Travel and a valid driver’s license are required.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Engineering Technology, Drafting & Design Technology, or related technical discipline (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years of substation design experience for mid-level candidates; 15+ years preferred for senior-level candidates.
• Demonstrated experience developing physical substation layouts for utility or industrial power projects.
• Working knowledge of substation equipment (transformers, circuit breakers, switchgear) and utility drafting standards.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Revit, and power study software (e.g., ETAP); Inventor or similar tools preferred.
• Familiarity with Protection & Control (P&C) systems, relay panel layouts, control building arrangements, SCADA interfaces, cable routing, and protection schematics (preferred).
• Ability to interpret engineering calculations, specifications, and design criteria.
• Strong communication, organizational, problem-solving, and mentoring skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with intelligent substation modeling tools (Inventor or similar).
• Experience supporting utility transmission substation projects from concept through construction.
• Experience coordinating physical substation design with P&C engineering teams and understanding line-to-substation interfaces.
• Knowledge of NESC, IEEE, NEC, and utility design standards.
• Previous design lead experience on complex substation projects.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $130,000 - $140,000 per year (dependent on location, education, experience, and licensure/certifications).
• Industry-leading salary compensation, leadership incentives, and bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Opportunities for professional development and training, including licensure/certification support.
• Generous PTO and paid holidays; employee share purchase opportunity.

Notes on Tools & Innovation

• The company provides access to AI Large Language Models and vibe-coding platforms and encourages responsible use of AI to enhance productivity and workflows.