Substation Designer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Substation Designer Job Description

The Substation Physical Designer is responsible for developing detailed 2D and 3D design drawings for electrical transmission and distribution substations while supporting organizational design standards, engineering criteria, and standardization initiatives. This role produces engineering design packages, material specifications, and construction documentation with a strong focus on safety, quality, schedule adherence, constructability, and cost-effectiveness. The Designer collaborates closely with engineers, project managers, construction teams, field personnel, manufacturers, and vendors to support the successful delivery of substation projects ranging from upgrades and expansions to new greenfield installations. This position requires a strong understanding of substation equipment, physical design principles, utility industry standards, and drafting/modeling software. Periodic field visits and coordination with construction and operations personnel are required throughout project execution.

• Develop and maintain detailed 2D engineering drawings and 3D models for transmission and distribution electrical substations.
• Create and modify physical substation design packages from engineering one-line and three-line diagrams.
• Design substation layouts, foundation layouts, grounding layouts, conduit and cable trench layouts, control house and switch house layouts, bus structures, and electrical bus configurations.
• Ensure all designs comply with established engineering standards, utility requirements, and applicable industry codes.
• Utilize AutoCAD, Autodesk Map 3D, or similar design software to produce accurate engineering deliverables.
• Develop intelligent 3D models to support design reviews, construction planning, and clash detection.
• Maintain drawing revisions, updates, and documentation throughout project life cycles.
• Develop material lists and bills of material associated with substation projects.
• Specify and requisition stock materials, non-stock materials, shop-fabricated assemblies, and vendor-supplied equipment.
• Coordinate with procurement, suppliers, and manufacturers to resolve equipment and material-related issues.
• Review vendor drawings and equipment documentation for compliance with project requirements.
• Collaborate with engineers, construction personnel, project managers, maintenance organizations, operations groups, and field service teams.
• Support project schedules and engineering milestones through timely completion of design deliverables.
• Participate in design reviews and interdisciplinary coordination meetings.
• Prepare and transmit drawing packages, specifications, and supporting project documentation through established document management systems.
• Provide technical design support during all phases of project execution.
• Conduct occasional site walks and field investigations to verify existing conditions.
• Participate in pre-construction meetings, construction progress reviews, field issue resolution efforts, and post-construction inspections.
• Support construction teams by addressing design questions, document revisions, and field changes.
• Promote a culture of safety in all design and field activities.
• Ensure designs comply with National Electric Safety Code (NESC), National Electrical Code (NEC), OSHA regulations, company engineering standards, and industry best practices.
• Incorporate safe work practices and constructability considerations into all design packages.

• Proficiency in substation design, AutoCAD, and substation engineering.
• Knowledge of power delivery, engineering, physical design, substation equipment, electrical engineering, and power distribution.
• Experience with Inventor and Autodesk Map 3D.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking abilities.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to build productive relationships across engineering, construction, operations, and business teams.
• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to quality and service.
• Ability to mentor and train junior designers and technical personnel.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to visualize complex equipment arrangements and spatial configurations.

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline; OR
• Associate Degree in Engineering Technology, Drafting, Design Technology, or related field with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience; OR
• High School Diploma or GED with a minimum of eight (8) years of directly related utility, substation, or engineering design experience.
• Experience supporting transmission and/or distribution substation projects.
• Knowledge of electrical substation equipment and installation practices.
• Understanding of utility transmission and distribution system operations.
• Working knowledge of electrical power system fundamentals.
• Experience creating physical substation drawings from one-line and three-line diagrams.
• Experience creating and maintaining 3D substation models.
• Familiarity with document management systems and engineering workflow tools.
• Experience with estimating software and project controls systems.
• Experience with Primavera P6 or equivalent scheduling and progress reporting software.
• Experience supporting substation construction, commissioning, maintenance, or field operations.

This position offers a hybrid, remote, or office-based work environment depending on business needs. Regular use of engineering design and modeling software is required. Occasional fieldwork at substations, construction sites, and utility facilities is involved, with the ability to travel approximately 25%, including occasional overnight travel. Reliable internet access is necessary when working remotely.

This is a Contract position based out of Birmingham, AL.

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $50.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Birmingham,AL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.