Senior Substation Physical Designer or Engineer
Nexus Engineering Group
Job Description
Job Description
Nexus Engineering Group is employee-owned, full-service, and built by the people who do the work. As a Senior Substation Physical Designer, you’ll lead the physical design that turns high-voltage substation projects into constructible reality.
You’ll lead the physical design of high-voltage substation projects — developing and directing deliverables such as general arrangement drawings, elevations and section views, grounding systems, below-grade design, conduit and cable routing, bus arrangements, and equipment placement. As a technical leader, you’ll coordinate across disciplines, support project execution, mentor developing engineers, and make sure every design package that leaves your desk is complete, accurate, and constructible.
Why NexusYou’ll own a piece of what you build. Nexus is employee-owned through our ESOP, so the value you help create comes back to you — not just outside shareholders. We give senior engineers real ownership of the work and a voice in how it’s done.
What you can expect:
- Employee ownership (ESOP) — build equity in the firm as it grows
- Ownership of high-voltage substation physical design, from general arrangement to constructible package
- A senior seat — provide technical leadership, check others’ work, and mentorship
- Full-service EPCm exposure, from concept through startup, across a diverse client base
- Career paths that grow with you — toward technical leadership, project management, or discipline leadership
- Flexible work arrangements where business needs allow
- Lead the physical design and execution of high-voltage substation projects — new stations, upgrades, expansions, and modernization efforts.
- Develop and oversee physical design deliverables: general arrangement drawings, elevations, section views, grounding layouts, below-grade design, conduit and cable routing, and equipment placement.
- Direct grounding design, bus arrangements, conduit systems, and equipment layouts for your project scopes.
- Apply advanced engineering principles, client specifications, and industry standards to produce high-quality design packages.
- Coordinate with protection & controls, civil, and structural engineers, designers, drafters, project managers, clients, and vendors for cohesive execution.
- Review and check deliverables for technical accuracy, constructability, completeness, and compliance with project requirements.
- Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to junior engineers, designers, and technical staff.
- Support project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and progress reporting, and resolve technical challenges while protecting quality, safety, and schedule.
- Foster strong client relationships through responsive communication, sound engineering judgment, and reliable project execution.
Required Qualifications
- Associate Degree in a technical discipline or equivalente technical experience.
- 6+ years of experience in substation engineering, power delivery, or electrical design.
- Advanced knowledge of substation physical design — layouts, grounding systems, conduit and cable routing, equipment placement, and constructible drawing development.
- Strong working knowledge of IEEE (including IEEE Std. 80 for grounding), ANSI, NEC, and NESC standards.
- Proficiency with AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar engineering design platforms.
- Demonstrated experience leading engineering tasks or project scopes.
- Strong communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills.
- A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel between project and substation sites as required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading physical design for utility, industrial, renewable energy, or EPC substation projects.
- Experience performing engineering reviews or formal checking of design packages.
- Familiarity with client-specific utility standards and documentation requirements.
- Experience with Substation Design Suite (SDS), Inventor, WinIGS, CDEGS, or similar engineering tools.
- Construction support and field engineering experience.
This position is performed in a combination of office and active project-site environments. This role may require:
- Frequent travel to project and substation sites, some not accessible by public transportation (a valid driver’s license is required)
- Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer workstation, with or without reasonable accommodation
- Field visits that may involve exposure to weather, energized electrical equipment, noise, and heavy equipment; required PPE must be worn on site
- The ability to walk uneven terrain and access outdoor substation yards and elevated or confined areas, with or without reasonable accommodation
The posted salary range represents the anticipated base pay for this position in accordance with applicable pay-transparency requirements and may vary based on experience, qualifications, skills, certifications, work location, and market conditions.
In addition to base pay, eligible employees may receive:
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) — an ownership stake and a share in the long-term success of Nexus
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus life and disability insurance
- 401(k) with company match and discretionary bonus opportunities
- Paid time off, holidays, and paid parental leave
- Professional development and career advancement — training, certifications, licensure support, tuition assistance, and mentorship
- Wellness benefits and a flexible schedule where business needs allow
About Nexus Engineering Group
Nexus Engineering Group, a distinguished independent full-service engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCm) firm, provides comprehensive support to clients from concept through startup. With over a decade of demonstrated engineering and design success, Nexus stands out as the firm of choice for those valuing integrity and expertise.
At Nexus, you will be part of a talented and passionate team dedicated to excellence and innovation. We foster a collaborative and engaging work environment, making it a place where you’ll enjoy contributing to impactful projects. Joining Nexus means aligning with a firm renowned for its creativity, dedication, and relentless focus on achieving client goals.
Equal Opportunity Employer & Reasonable Accommodation
Nexus Engineering Group, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Nexus Engineering Group is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process. If you require an accommodation to participate in any part of the recruitment process, please contact us at View email address on ziprecruiter.com .
Sponsorship & Work Authorization
Nexus Engineering Group does not provide employment visa sponsorship of any kind, including CPT, OPT, or employment-based visas. Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States and must be able to maintain that authorization throughout employment without any action, filing, or sponsorship by the company. This requirement applies both at the time of hire and on a continuing basis for the duration of employment.
Third‑Party Agency Notice
Nexus Engineering Group does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from external recruiters or agencies. We only engage approved third‑party partners under a written agreement initiated by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Any resumes submitted without prior authorization or a current agreement will not be eligible for placement fees and will be considered the property of Nexus Engineering Group.
We may use AI tools to help our recruitment team review and organize applications. These tools support — but never replace — human judgment, and final hiring decisions are made by people. If you’d like to know more about how your data is handled, contact us at View email address on ziprecruiter.com.
$85.68k - $130.9k
...Substation Physical Designer This position allows for a hybrid work schedule with a mix of work spent in office and working remote from home... ..., you will be working in a project team environment with engineers and other designers involved in high and extra high voltage...SeniorHourly payWork at officeLocal areaRemote workWork from homeFlexible hours- ...Nexus Engineering Group is employee-owned, full-service, and growing our Substation Department. As a Substation Physical Designer, you’ll develop the physical design of high-voltage substation... ...independent design Mentorship from senior engineers and designers on a...SuggestedWork at officeLocal areaFlexible hours
$70k - $100k
...Nexus Engineering Group is employee-owned, full-service, and growing our Substation Department. As a Substation Physical Designer, you’ll develop the physical design of high-voltage substation... ...independent design Mentorship from senior engineers and designers on a...SuggestedWork at officeLocal areaFlexible hours- Nexus Engineering Group seeks a Substation Physical Designer to develop the physical design for high-voltage substations. You’ll create general arrangement layouts, elevations, grounding, conduit routing, and equipment placement, growing toward independent design on projects...Suggested
- Nexus Engineering Group is seeking a Substation Physical Designer to develop the physical design of high-voltage substations, from general arrangements to equipment placement, grounding, and conduit routing. You'll grow from production support toward independent design...Suggested
- Nexus Engineering Group seeks a Substation Physical Designer to develop the physical layouts, elevations, grounding, conduit routing, and equipment placement for high-voltage substations, from new builds to upgrades, with growing independence as you gain experience. You...
$122.5k - $145k
...shape a better world.We are seeking a Senior Substation Designer with technical experience in the... ...including: single‐line diagrams, substation physical layouts, conduit and cable plans and... ...a fully coordinated design.Work with engineers and incorporate feedback into design...SeniorFor contractorsWork at officeRemote workFlexible hours- Sargent & Lundy is seeking an experienced structural designer for a hybrid position in Warrenville, Illinois. You will develop both AIS and GIS substation electrical physical layout drawings in 2D and 3D, participate in detailed design phases, and support project teams....SeniorRemote job
- DescriptionThe Senior Substation Engineer will lead the preparation of design deliverables for new and modified high-voltage (13kV to 765kV) electrical power substation... ...design packages, including—but not limited to—physical arrangement above and below grade, protective...SeniorWork at office
$63.48k - $99.08k
...will give you the opportunity to: Collaborate with engineers and designers in high and extra high voltage substation design in order to prepare the following:... ...experience. A minimum of 8 years of substation physical design experience. Proficient with AutoCAD and/or...Hourly payWork at officeLocal areaRemote workRelocation packageFlexible hours3 days per week$94.25k - $143.99k
...Substation Physical Project DesignerThis position is based on a hybrid work schedule and will require in-... ...Lundy office. As a Substation Physical Project Designer, you will be working in a project team environment with engineers and other designers involved in high and...Hourly payFor contractorsWork at officeLocal area3 days per week$74.75k - $115.12k
...a mix of work spent in office and working remote from home. Responsibilities As a Senior 3D Substation Physical Designer, you will be working in a project team environment with engineers preparing a high and or extra high voltage substation design package with minimum...SeniorHourly payWork at officeLocal areaRemote workWork from homeFlexible hours- Sargent Lundy is seeking a Substation Physical Project Designer to join their team in Warrenville, Illinois. This role involves working in a project team and preparing substation drawings, conducting field walkdowns, and providing technical guidance. Ideal candidates will...Senior
- GFT is seeking an Associate Physical Designer (Substation) to work on high-voltage projects across multiple US offices or remotely nationwide... ...the physical design of substations up to 500kV, with senior engineers mentoring the team. The position offers a hybrid work model...Remote job
- Sargent & Lundy in Chicago offers a hybrid Substation Physical Project Designer role, requiring in-office work 3 days per week. You will join a project team of engineers and designers delivering high and extra high voltage substation design and related drawings. Responsibilities...Work at office3 days per week
$80k - $110k
...Do GFT is searching for an Associate Physical Designer (Substation) to work in either Chicago, IL, St. Louis... ...for quality and excellence. Our senior team members, regarded as industry experts... ...and leading the next generation of Engineers and Designers. You will receive a...Full timeWork at officeRemote work- Overview Substation Physical Designer - Utilities Division Responsibilities Lead the design of complex projects, ensuring compliance with industry... .... Some college education preferred; focus in electrical engineering, design, or related field is advantageous. Detail-...Work at office
$134.3k - $169.2k
Chicago, IllinoisPower - Substation /Full Time /HybridThe Senior Substation Electrical Engineer is an integral resource to our Power Substation leadership (and supporting... ...projects. You will lead protective system designs, physical layout designs, and calculations, as well as...SeniorFull timeContract workTemporary workSummer work- ...Overview Senior Structural Engineer - Substation Solvenow Inc. • Chicago, IL, United States Responsibilities... ...Overseeing rigid bus analysis and the design of electrical substation steel... ...Knowledge in substation electrical physical design principles. Excellent written...SeniorFor contractors
$74.75k - $115.12k
A prominent engineering firm in Chicago is seeking a Senior 3D Substation Physical Designer. This hybrid role involves creating detailed 3D models for high voltage substations using AutoCAD, Inventor, and other software. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience...Senior- ...Job Description Job Description Substation Physical Designer Area: Chicago, IL Shift: 1st Shift Job Summary: Lead the design process on complex substation projects to ensure all design solutions meet client needs, quality standards, and project goals...Work at officeShift workDay shift
- ...systems, our industry-recognized engineers and scientists have been at... ...mark on our energy future.Substation Senior Structural EngineerHDR... ...experience with the structural design components of high voltage electrical... ...standard software. Support physical substation layout designs,...SeniorWork at office
- GAI Consultants is seeking a Lead Designer for Substation Physical Design to lead high‑level electrical substation projects from 12kV to 500kV. The role includes technical guidance, training, and mentoring CAD staff, with responsibility for design reviews and QA/QC of...Remote job
- GAI Consultants is seeking a Lead Designer for Substation Physical Design that will perform physical design related tasks, technical guidance/training... ...successful candidate will work on various substation engineering projects including detailed design for high voltage...Temporary workWork at officeRemote workFlexible hours
$30 - $50 per hour
Atwell, LLC is seeking an experienced Electrical Designer, Substation to support design and execution of substation projects in Chicago. This role covers Physical Design and Protection & Controls (P&C) for utility, renewable interconnection, and power delivery projects....Hourly payFlexible hours- ...Senior Project Engineering Manager - SubstationTogether, we own our company, our... ...Opportunity As the Senior Substation Project Engineering Manager... ...projects across our portfolio of design services and EPC... ...case basis.Work Environment/Physical DemandsHybrid or flexible work...SeniorContract workHome officeFlexible hours
$149.2k - $308.46k
...infrastructure and our expertise in engineering, procurement, consulting and... ...0‑based digital and virtual substations from pilot to production,... ...grid modernization outcomes.Design and standardize secure,... ...necessary.Work Environment/Physical DemandsThis position would require...SeniorFull timePart timeWork experience placementWork at officeLocal areaRelocationVisa sponsorshipFlexible hours$81.5k - $138.55k
Title: Substation Physical Engineer - REMOTELocation: Remote USReady to make a difference? ICF is seeking a Substation Physical Engineer, to work primarily on the design of projects on distribution substations at voltages from 12kV to 69kV with the goal of providing excellent...Full timeContract workWork experience placementWork at officeRemote workWork from homeFlexible hours$64.82k - $93.2k
Sargent Lundy is seeking a detailed wiring designer for high voltage substation projects. This hybrid position allows flexibility with three days in the office and two remote. The ideal candidate will have 6+ years of experience, an Associate's degree in drafting, and...SeniorWork at officeRemote work$85.68k - $130.9k
Sargent Lundy in Warrenville, Illinois is hiring for a structural design engineer position that allows for a hybrid work schedule. This role involves developing 2D and 3D layout drawings for electrical substations and requires significant experience in structural design. The...Senior
Do you want to receive more vacancies?
Subscribe and receive similar vacancies to Senior Substation Physical Designer or Engineer. Be the first to apply!


