Substation Designer

Substation Designer (Physical Designer)

The Substation Designer (Physical Designer) is responsible for the physical design of transmission and distribution substations. This role produces detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and material requirements for substation projects, with a strong focus on safety, quality, schedule adherence, and cost effectiveness. The designer collaborates closely with other disciplines and project stakeholders to ensure that substation designs meet technical standards, operational needs, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Make safety the highest priority by consistently applying a "Safety First" mindset and leading by example in all design and project activities.
• Develop and produce physical substation design drawings, specifications, and material lists based on single-line diagrams and project requirements.
• Provide input on the development and refinement of control and physical estimating practices, guidelines, and training materials to improve design and estimating processes.
• Apply substation engineering expertise to support and perform quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) reviews of deliverables prepared by peers and contract vendors.
• Coordinate and communicate effectively with other design disciplines involved in substation scopes and conceptual designs to ensure alignment and integration of all design elements.
• Utilize document management and estimating systems to support project planning, documentation, and cost estimation, following established procedures and standards.
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously by setting priorities and using effective time management and organizational skills to achieve project team goals and meet deadlines.
• Participate in and support company activities and initiatives related to substation engineering, safety, process improvement, and customer service.
• Ensure that all designs adhere to applicable codes, standards, and safe operating practices, including relevant electrical and safety regulations.
• Communicate technical issues clearly and simply to team members, stakeholders, and customers, providing timely updates and seeking feedback when appropriate.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology (preferred)
• Proficiency in using AutoCAD 2D design software, supported by training, experience, or certification.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office products, including common tools for documentation, analysis, and communication.
• Relevant experience in transmission and/or distribution substation operations for an electric power utility company (preferred but strongly beneficial).
• Experience in substation engineering, field services, switchboard wiring, power delivery, substation maintenance, or substation construction (preferred).
• Ability to create and interpret substation physical design drawings, particularly from single-line diagrams (preferred).
• Strong understanding of substation equipment and its application in physical design (preferred).
• Strong understanding of the National Electric Safety Code (NESC), National Electric Code (NEC), and OSHA safe operating practices (preferred).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to explain technical issues in a clear and straightforward manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment and build productive relationships at all levels.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently as a self-starter.
• Effective time management and organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.
• Customer-focused mindset with a willingness to meet customer needs and actively solicit feedback.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with document management and estimating systems such as Transmission Estimating and Management System (TEAMS), STOMP, MAXIMO, and SCST Vault (preferred).
• Good understanding of utility electric grid operations and how substation design supports system reliability and performance (preferred).
• Knowledge of basic electrical power system theory and its application to substation design (preferred).
• Experience in substation physical design, substation engineering, electrical design, and power delivery projects.
• Ability to contribute to the development of best practices, guidelines, and training materials for substation control and physical design.
• Ability to support QA/QC processes for internal and external design deliverables, ensuring compliance with standards and project requirements.

Work Environment

This position is based at a substation design and engineering facility located in Forest Park, Georgia. The work schedule typically consists of either five 8-hour days per week or a Flex-9 schedule, providing some flexibility in working hours. The role primarily involves office-based work using AutoCAD 2D design software, Microsoft Office, and various document management and estimating systems. The environment supports collaboration with other engineering and design disciplines,…