Sign up to access all features of our service.
  • Job search
  • Favorites
  • Create a CV
    New
  • Salaries
  • Subscriptions

Substation Physical Designer or Engineer

Nexus Engineering Group

Job Description

Job Description

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 projects — and grow from production support toward independent design.

You’ll produce the general arrangement layouts, elevation and section views, grounding, conduit routing, and equipment placement that bring substations to life — from new builds to upgrades and expansions. Working alongside a collaborative team of engineers and designers, you’ll take on more ownership as you develop, building toward independent design of substation physical packages.

Why Nexus

You’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 invest in our engineers and give them room to grow into greater ownership of the work.

What you can expect:

  • Employee ownership (ESOP) — build equity in the firm as it grows
  • Real ownership that grows with you — from production support toward independent design
  • Mentorship from senior engineers and designers on a collaborative team
  • 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
What You’ll Do
  • Develop and revise physical layouts, elevation and section views, below-grade drawings, and supporting documentation in CAD, with growing independence as you develop.
  • Lay out grounding systems (IEEE Std 80), conduit and cable routing, bus arrangements, and equipment placement.
  • Build and maintain cable/conduit lists, nameplates, and client-specific documentation.
  • Assist the project lead in developing physical documentation, applying technical design standards.
  • Apply internal and external processes, procedures, and design standards (IEEE, ANSI, NEC, NESC).
  • Coordinate with drafters, designers, other disciplines, clients, and vendors to deliver complete, constructible packages.
What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

  • Associate Degree in a technical discipline or equivalente technical experience.
  • 2+ years of experience in substation, power delivery, or electrical design.
  • Proficiency with CAD (AutoCAD and/or MicroStation).
  • Familiarity with substation physical design — layouts, grounding (IEEE Std 80), conduit and cable routing, and equipment placement.
  • Working knowledge of IEEE, ANSI, NEC, and NESC standards.
  • Ability to travel to project and substation sites, some of which are not accessible by public transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Inventor or Substation Design Suite (SDS) experience.
  • Grounding or photometric analysis software (WinIGS, CDEGS, AGi32, Visual Lighting, or equivalent).
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification, with progress toward Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.
Work Environment & Physical Demands

This role combines office-based design work with periodic visits to substation and construction sites. This role may require:

  • Periodic travel to substation and construction sites
  • Appropriate PPE on site, including arc-rated clothing
  • The ability to access outdoor substation yards and walk uneven terrain, with or without reasonable accommodation

The posted salary range reflects the anticipated base pay range for this position. An individual’s base salary will be determined within this range based on relevant factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, certifications, work location, internal equity, and market conditions. The range is provided in accordance with applicable pay-transparency requirements.

In addition to base pay, employees 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 us.fitly.work . 

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 us.fitly.work.

Vacancy posted 2 days ago
Similar jobs that could be interesting for youBased on the Substation Physical Designer or Engineer in Oak Brook, IL vacancy
  •  ...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... 
    Suggested
    Work at office
    Local area
    Flexible hours

    Nexus Engineering Group

    Oak Brook, IL
    23 days ago
  • $85.68k - $130.9k

     ...hybrid work schedule with a mix of work spent in office and working remote from home. As a Substation Physical Designer, you will be working in a project team environment with engineers and other designers involved in high and extra high voltage substation design.... 
    Suggested
    Hourly pay
    Work at office
    Local area
    Remote work
    Work from home
    Flexible hours

    Sargent Lundy

    Warrenville, IL
    1 day ago
  • $63.48k - $99.08k

     ...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... 
    Suggested
    Hourly pay
    Work at office
    Local area
    Remote work
    Relocation package
    Flexible hours
    3 days per week

    Sargent & Lundy

    Chicago, IL
    1 day ago
  • $103k - $108k

     ...Substation Designer - Kiewit Power Delivery Engineering Location: Itasca, IL, US Position Overview: We are seeking a motivated Substation Designer/Drafter...  ...Responsibilities: Prepare and revise substation physical design drawings, including general arrangements,... 
    Suggested
    Full time
    Weekend work

    Kiewit

    Itasca, IL
    3 days ago
  • $48.1k - $86.95k

     ...challenge? We are looking for a skilled and experienced Substation Physical Designer to work out of our Chicago office or remotely. In this...  .... Collaborate with other disciplines (eg. Civil Engineers) as necessary to complete assigned work. Assist the project... 
    Suggested
    Work at office
    Local area
    Immediate start
    Remote work

    Leidos

    Chicago, IL
    2 days ago
  • $94.25k - $143.99k

     ...will require in-office work 3 days per week at the Sargent & 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 extra high voltage substation design. Responsibilities... 
    Hourly pay
    For contractors
    Work at office
    Local area
    Flexible hours
    3 days per week

    Sargent & Lundy

    Chicago, IL
    2 days ago
  •  ...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 Prepare and review design documentation... 
    Work at office
    Shift work
    Day shift

    Beneficial Talent Source

    Chicago, IL
    4 days ago
  • $98.61k - $167.64k

    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 time
    Contract work
    Work experience placement
    Work at office
    Remote work
    Work from home
    Flexible hours

    ICF

    Chicago, IL
    4 days ago
  • $87.1k - $157.45k

     ...and Values guide the way we do business.Your greatest work is ahead!We’re seeking a Substation Physical Engineer to take a key role in delivering high‑impact substation physical design projects. You’ll work on utility systems ranging from 12 kV to 500 kV, contributing... 
    Full time
    Internship
    Work at office
    Local area
    Remote work
    Flexible hours

    Leidos

    Chicago, IL
    4 days ago
  • $121.3k - $182.1k

     ...chance to grow professionally at one of the world’s top design firms while building our clean energy future.Your...  ...OpportunityStantec is seeking Intermediate and Senior Civil/Structural Engineers to support our Substation Physical Electrical Teams. This position is ideal for an... 
    Full time
    Temporary work
    Part time
    Casual work
    Work at office
    Local area
    Remote work
    Flexible hours

    Stantec

    Chicago, IL
    1 day ago
  • $70k - $115k

     ...K&A Engineering Consulting – is a privately held company, providing...  ...consulting, engineering and design, program/project management,...  ...industrial clients. Specializing in substation, transmission, distribution,...  .... Role Expectations Prepare physical layout drawings for... 
    Temporary work
    Work at office
    Flexible hours

    K&A Engineering Consulting

    Oak Brook, IL
    1 day ago
  • $68.33k - $104.39k

     ...home. Responsibilities Collaborate with engineers and a senior designer to produce a high and or extra high voltage substation design. Using SDS to prepare a 3D Model...  ...8 years preparing 3D substation models and physical design experience. Proficient with working... 
    Hourly pay
    Work at office
    Local area
    Remote work
    Work from home
    Flexible hours

    Grid Group

    Chicago, IL
    2 days ago
  •  ...Leidos is seeking a Lead Substation Physical Engineer to drive high‑impact substation design projects for grid modernization. You will work on 12 kV to 500 kV systems, applying expertise in electrical design, grounding, and layouts to deliver safe, reliable facilities.... 

    Jobleads-US

    Chicago, IL
    1 day ago
  •  ...Job Description Job Description Substation Electrical Engineering Manager Area : Fully Remote Shift : 1st Shift Job Summary :...  ...inspire a multi-disciplinary team delivering substation physical designs for utilities and EPC partners Provide strategic... 
    Remote work
    Shift work
    Day shift

    Beneficial Talent Source

    Chicago, IL
    a month ago
  •  ...Job Description PDS 8 / Power Delivery Substation This position is not eligible for...  .... Mesa seeks a mid-level Substation Physical Engineer located near Pensacola, FL that is looking...  ...of transmission substation physical design experience in the electric utility industry... 
    Night shift

    Mesa Associates, Inc.

    Chicago, IL
    2 days ago
  • $107.9k - $195.05k

     ...guide the way we do business. Your greatest work is ahead! We’re seeking a Lead Substation Physical Engineer to take a key role in delivering high‑impact substation physical design projects. You’ll work on utility systems ranging from 12 kV to 500 kV, contributing... 
    Internship
    Local area
    Flexible hours

    Jobleads-US

    Chicago, IL
    1 day ago
  • $122.5k - $145k

     ...better world.We are seeking a Senior Substation Designer with technical experience in the design...  ...including: single‐line diagrams, substation physical layouts, conduit and cable plans and...  ...a fully coordinated design.Work with engineers and incorporate feedback into design... 
    For contractors
    Work at office
    Remote work
    Flexible hours

    Arup

    Chicago, IL
    4 days ago
  • $110.6k - $145.2k

     ...facilities and data centers. As a Senior Substation Designer, you will play a key role in delivering Protection & Control (P&C) and Physical Design packages for electrical utility,...  ...substation projects. Working closely with engineers, project managers, clients, and... 
    Full time
    For contractors
    Remote work

    Jacobs

    Chicago, IL
    3 days ago
  •  ...Description PDS 12 / Power Delivery Substation This position is not eligible for recruiting...  ...inclusive meaningful career in power engineering design at Mesa Associates, Inc. Mesa is...  ...for a position in Power Substation Physical Design. The successful candidate shall... 
    Work at office
    Remote work
    Work from home
    Visa sponsorship
    Work visa

    Mesa Associates, Inc.

    Chicago, IL
    a month ago
  • $90k - $150k

     ...LLC is a bold leader in the consulting, engineering, and construction services industry,...  ...Recognized as #70 in the ENR Top 500 Design Firms, ranked in every region Recognized...  ...wind, solar, BESS, and high-voltage substations, transmission, and distribution infrastructure... 

    Atwell, LLC

    Chicago, IL
    4 days ago
  •  ...Description Job Description Nexus Engineering Group is employee-owned, full-...  ...the people who do the work. As a Substation Engineer, you’ll help design, analyze, and deliver electrical substation...  ...contributing across disciplines — physical design, protection and control,... 
    For contractors
    Internship
    Work at office
    Remote work
    Flexible hours

    Nexus Engineering Group

    Oak Brook, IL
    23 days ago
  •  ...Description Job Description Nexus Engineering Group is employee-owned,...  ...do the work. As a Senior Substation Engineer – Protection &...  ...protection, control, and wiring design that brings high-voltage...  ...processes. Work Environment & Physical Demands This position is... 
    Work at office
    Local area
    Flexible hours

    Nexus Engineering Group

    Oak Brook, IL
    23 days ago
  •  ...receive an alert: Electrical Project Engineer - EHV Substation (765kV) Date: Oct 3, 2026 Location...  ...up to 765kV in engineering detailed design and Engineering, Procurement and...  ...voltage substation designs. Develop physical design deliverables including yard layout... 
    Work experience placement
    For subcontractor
    Work at office
    Local area
    Flexible hours

    Black & Veatch

    Chicago, IL
    1 day ago
  •  ...infrastructure and our expertise in engineering, procurement, consulting and...  ...part of work that matters—designing, creating, and building the...  ...following areas: Substations Renewables Integration...  ...designs. Develop physical design deliverables including... 
    Full time
    Part time
    Work experience placement
    For subcontractor
    Work at office
    Local area
    Relocation
    Visa sponsorship
    Flexible hours

    Black & Veatch Family of Companies

    Chicago, IL
    1 day ago
  •  ...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... 
    For contractors

    Solvenow Inc.

    Chicago, IL
    20 hours ago
  • $80k - $180k

     ...include planning and systems studies, design and engineering, maintenance and testing, program...  ...found at Primary Function: The Substation Engineer performs engineering work with...  ...substation engineering design including both physical and protection & control practices.... 
    Permanent employment
    Temporary work
    Work experience placement
    Work at office
    Local area
    Immediate start
    Visa sponsorship
    Night shift

    Dashiell

    Chicago, IL
    1 day ago
  • $120k - $215k

     ...spanning planning and system studies, engineering and design, maintenance and testing, program...  ...Primary Function The Supervising Substation Engineer has complete responsibility...  ...and written communication skills. Physical Requirements Ability to sit for extended... 
    Permanent employment
    Temporary work
    Work experience placement
    Work at office
    Local area
    Immediate start
    Visa sponsorship

    Dashiell

    Chicago, IL
    20 hours ago
  • $114.93k - $201.08k

     ...infrastructure and our expertise in engineering, procurement, consulting and...  ...services in the following areas: Substations Renewables Integration HVDC...  .... Perform QA/QC of substation design packages, including physical design, protective relaying/control... 
    Full time
    Part time
    Work experience placement
    Work at office
    Local area
    Relocation
    Visa sponsorship
    Flexible hours

    Black & Veatch Family of Companies

    Chicago, IL
    2 days ago
  • $114.93k - $201.08k

     ...infrastructure and our expertise in engineering, procurement, consulting and...  ...part of work that matters-designing, creating, and building the...  ...the following areas: Substations Renewables Integration...  ...designs. Develop physical design deliverables including... 
    Full time
    Part time
    Work experience placement
    For subcontractor
    Work at office
    Local area
    Relocation
    Visa sponsorship
    Flexible hours

    Black & Veatch Family of Companies

    Chicago, IL
    2 days ago
  • $107.9k - $195.05k

     ...We are looking for a Senior / Lead Substation Protection & Controls Engineer to join our team. As a Lead Substation...  ...Engineer, you’ll own complex P&C designs across 12-500 kV systems, applying...  ...control panels, wiring diagrams, and physical layouts that support efficient... 
    Full time
    Local area
    Remote work
    Flexible hours

    Leidos

    Chicago, IL
    1 day ago

Do you want to receive more vacancies?

Subscribe and receive similar vacancies to Substation Physical Designer or Engineer. Be the first to apply!