Substation Designer

Job Title:

Substation Designer (VDDS Engineering Technician
6)

Job Description

This substation designer role functions as a lead engineering technician within a Virtual Design & Data Solutions (VDDS) team. The position focuses on developing complex substation design concepts by applying fundamental engineering principles, established design practices, and advanced modeling tools. You will create and modify detailed design deliverables, ensure adherence to engineering standards and codes, and provide technical guidance to other engineering professionals.

The role combines hands-on design production, quality oversight, project coordination, and mentoring responsibilities in support of both air-insulated (AIS) and gas-insulated (GIS) substation projects.

Responsibilities

+ Apply basic engineering principles and established design practices to develop moderately complex to complex substation design concepts and deliverables.

+ Modify and create detailed design drawings, models, and documentation for physical substation design, including both AIS and/or GIS configurations.

+ Perform design calculations, prepare detailed material quantities and estimates, and maintain accurate design records.

+ Utilize advanced applications and modeling tools, including CADD and 3D design software such as Auto Desk Inventor and SDS, to produce high-quality engineering deliverables.

+ Review project requirements to determine the correct format, content, and level of detail for all required design deliverables.

+ Ensure all drawings, models, and documents comply with applicable engineering standards, codes, departmental guides, and internal policies and procedures.

+ Promote quality within the project or group by reviewing design inputs for consistency and accuracy and by supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

+ Maintain drawing control and historical records using appropriate document control systems and methods established by the project.

+ Exercise sound judgment in interpreting design inputs and making decisions related to design deliverables and technical solutions.

+ Handle difficult technical assignments within the designated area of expertise and provide technical guidance and support to other engineering professionals and technicians.

+ Review the design deliverables prepared by others to ensure technical accuracy, adherence to standards, and consistency across the project.

+ Define and manage work assignments, help maintain design schedules, and support planning activities to meet project milestones.

+ Support project coordination by working closely with other design groups to exchange information necessary for design development and integration.

+ Assist with field activities as needed, which may include collecting site data, supporting installation, or participating in plant start-up activities related to control systems or specialized design areas.

+ Communicate project design requirements, progress updates, and schedule information to internal stakeholders as needed.

+ Assist in identifying key client interests and drivers, and help communicate these to the project team to ensure design solutions align with client expectations.

+ Contribute to the development and communication of design standards, best practices, and process improvements within the discipline or department.

+ Identify training and development needs for less experienced personnel and support their professional growth through mentoring and guidance.

+ Provide day-to-day technical leadership to less experienced engineering technicians, including instruction, delegation of tasks, and constructive feedback.

+ Support performance management activities by contributing input on performance, recognizing strong contributions, and encouraging self-development within the team.

+ Assist with resource management by monitoring staffing levels and available skill sets for projects and by helping identify resource allocation needs.

+ Demonstrate strong customer focus by understanding client requirements, responding to feedback, and contributing to solutions that enhance client satisfaction.

+ Continuously improve personal accuracy, efficiency, and technical capability, and actively support change management efforts within the team.

Essential Skills

+ Associate degree in drafting or an engineering design related technology preferred; a bachelors degree in an engineering design related technology is also preferred.

+ Typically a minimum of 8 years of related work experience in engineering design,…