Lead Substation Physical Designer

GAI Consultants is seeking a Lead Designer for Substation Physical Design that will perform physical design related tasks, provide technical guidance and training to CAD/design staff, and conduct design reviews as required. The successful candidate will work on a range of substation engineering projects, including detailed design for high‑voltage substation projects from 12 kV through 500 kV. The role can be performed in a hybrid or fully remote capacity.

• Manage, design, and perform design checks related to technical activities, including:
  • Develop and revise drawings for one‑lines, physical arrangements, grounding, conduit, lighting, lightning protection, and rigid bus analysis, producing associated drawings using client‑specific CAD software.
  • Create physical layouts and substation designs that integrate with protection and control drawings.
  • Develop project criteria and design specifications, including the overall bill of materials.
  • Design and size auxiliary systems such as AC/DC load centers, batteries, and chargers.>
  • Design and size conduit and high‑voltage conductors.
  • Order long‑lead item materials.
  • Perform QA/QC reviews of drawing packages for adherence to client standards.
  • Document QA/QC reviews, maintain record documents, and communicate information to the team.
• Participate in or develop training sessions related to substation physical design.
• Provide leadership, coaching, onboarding, and mentoring to a subordinate group when required.
• Act as a lead or first‑level supervisor as needed.
• Travel to other offices, meet with clients, and attend project‑specific meetings on a regular basis.
• Manage tasks on multiple projects in accordance with GAI’s high standards of project management.
• Assist in developing the scope of services and cost estimates for substation and P&C projects.
• Manage competing priorities using sound engineering and financial judgment to determine optimal solutions.
• Handle shifting deadlines, scope changes, and multiple projects simultaneously, working effectively under pressure.
• Work extended hours or after hours when required.
• Proficient in AutoCAD and/or Microstation; use of 3D CAD software (Inventor, P4I, etc.) is preferred.

• Work indoors in professional office settings.
• Sit for extended periods while performing computer‑based tasks.
• Use hands and fingers frequently for typing, writing, and handling office equipment.
• Have visual acuity to read printed materials, digital screens, and detailed documents.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, or reaching within the office environment; ability to move between workstations and attend in‑person meetings.
• Lift and carry office materials or equipment weighing up to 10–20 pounds.
• Have adequate hearing to participate in conversations, phone calls, and virtual meetings.
• Travel for meetings, training, or business purposes as needed.

• Advanced level of skills, constantly improving knowledge of software tools and steering others toward advanced techniques and new methods.

• 10+ years of experience in substation physical design and CAD drafting.

• Associate Degree from an accredited technical school or equivalent experience.

• Valid driver’s license.

• Perform and guide deliverables with a focus on CAD standards, software utilization, and data management procedures; conduct independent analyses.
• Maintain a ‘big picture’ approach to CAD standards and data management, providing recommendations to supervisors.

• Ensure task management and adherence to deadlines and scope.

• Mentor lower‑level CAD operators, solve unique problems, and provide recommendations for process improvements.
• Work independently with minimal supervision and receive general review of project work.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills; facilitate interaction among staff, coach lower‑level CAD staff, and engage closely with the project team.

• Market‑based, competitive compensation.
• Performance‑driven recognition and development bonuses.

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Company‑paid short‑term and long‑term disability.
• Company‑paid life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources.

• Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays.
• Additional floating holiday for personal use.
• Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.

• 401(k) with company match.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Support and rewards for professional development and certifications.