Substation Physical Designer Consultant – SPDC

Substation Physical Designer Consultant

Birmingham, AL

Hybrid role (Onsite/Hybrid as required)

Compensation: $70 per hour

Assignment Duration:
February 2026 – February 2029

PPE

Required:

Yes

Our client is seeking a Substation Physical Designer Consultant to join their Substation Engineering department in Birmingham, AL. This consultant will play a critical role in designing, analyzing, and reviewing substation grounding and lightning protection systems for both transmission and distribution environments. The position is responsible for delivering technical studies, developing and maintaining design standards, conducting quality assurance reviews, and providing technical guidance to less experienced staff.

The role requires strong collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering and project teams, interfacing with vendors and manufacturers, and presenting technical findings to leadership and stakeholders. A strong focus on safety, quality, and standardization is essential. The assignment runs from February 2026 to February 2029, and appropriate PPE is required.

• Design and analyze substation grounding systems, direct stroke shielding, and overhead ground wire sizing
• Develop and optimize grounding and lightning protection studies for substations
• Perform ground grid integrity testing and investigate lightning events
• Create and maintain general physical standards, drawings, and design details
• Conduct Quality Assurance reviews and provide technical training and developmental feedback to less experienced engineers and designers
• Support engineering design criteria and standardization efforts
• Provide technical guidance on grounding materials and design practices
• Coordinate with construction, field services, project management, maintenance, transmission planning, and protection & control teams
• Interface with vendors and manufacturers to resolve equipment and material issues
• Present technical study results to leadership and internal/external stakeholders
• Lead with a strong “Safety First” mindset and promote safe engineering practices

• 4-year Engineering Technology degree, or 2-year technical degree with 10+ years of related experience, or 20+ years of directly related experience
• Experience in substation grounding and lightning protection system design and analysis
• Ability to develop and review technical studies, design standards, and engineering support documents
• Strong communication, organizational, and time-management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with Quality Assurance reviews and technical training
• Proven ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and interface with vendors and manufacturers
• Commitment to safety and promoting safe engineering practices