Substation Physical Designer

Substation Physical Designer I, II, or III

At Ampirical, we're shaping the future of the power grid with precision, innovation, and purpose. We focus on quality, forward-thinking solutions, and empowering our team to grow and thrive. We don't just build projects—we build careers. If you're looking for a place where your contributions matter and your professional development is supported every step of the way, we'd love to meet you.

This onsite position in our Duluth, GA office supports Ampirical's Substation – Physical team and the development of physical design packages for substations ranging from 12kV to 500kV. We are considering candidates at the Designer I, Designer II, and Designer III levels, with priority given to Designer II and Designer III candidates. Prior substation or utility experience is valuable, but it is not required to be considered. Candidates with transferable design experience in mechanical, steel/industrial, utility, substation, or other related technical environments are encouraged to apply. Experience working in both 2D and 3D design environments is preferred, particularly 3D design/modeling experience. Candidates with strong 2D design experience will also be considered.

Occasional field visits and site walkdowns are required, with limited overnight travel possible.

What You'll Do

• Develop and interpret substation layouts and physical design drawings
• Support the creation of Issued for Review (IFR), Issued for Approval (IFA), and Issued for Construction (IFC) design packages
• Interpret single-line and three-line diagrams to develop physical layouts
• Produce general arrangements, elevations, section views, foundation layouts, grounding layouts, conduit layouts, and bills of material
• Apply electrical, working, road, maintenance, and construction clearance requirements to substation designs
• Apply knowledge of grounding, shielding, and lighting principles
• Consider the constructability of transmission lines, transformers, circuit breakers, disconnect switches, and other substation equipment
• Use AutoCAD and related engineering/design software
• Apply or develop skills using 3D CAD/modeling tools such as Inventor, SolidWorks, CATIA, P4A, or similar platforms
• Review and incorporate vendor drawings and equipment information into design deliverables
• Follow governing codes and standards including NESC, NEC, and IEEE
• Support project schedules, budgets, quality-control processes, and client-specific design standards
• Participate in field support, pre-scoping activities, site visits, and documentation as needed
• Collaborate with clients, vendors, engineers, and other members of the project team

The scope and independence of the work increases with level. Designer I performs lower-complexity work with significant guidance, Designer II handles intermediate-complexity work with moderate oversight, and Designer III handles medium-complexity work with low oversight and provides peer checking of lower-level work.

What You Bring

Education

• Designer I: Associate Degree in Drafting, CAD, Engineering Design Technology, or a related technical field OR Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or a related technical field. Either degree path is acceptable. 0+ years of experience required
• Designer II: Associate Degree in Drafting, CAD, Engineering Design Technology, or a related technical field OR Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or a related technical field. 2+ years of relevant technical design experience. In lieu of degree: 2+ additional years of relevant experience may substitute for the degree
• Designer III: Associate Degree in Drafting, CAD, Engineering Design Technology, or a related technical field OR Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or a related technical field. 4+ years of relevant technical design experience. In lieu of degree: 2+ additional years of relevant experience may substitute for the degree

Experience

• Designer I: Entry-level; no prior professional experience required. Foundational understanding of CAD, drafting, engineering design, or related technical design principles. Prior substation or utility experience is not required. Exposure to utility, substation, mechanical, steel/industrial, or similar technical design environments is beneficial. Ability and willingness to develop substation-specific technical skills under close supervision. Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Exposure to or experience with 2D design preferred; 3D design/modeling experience is a plus
• Designer II: 2+ years of relevant technical design experience. Experience in substation physical design or utilities is beneficial but not required. Transferable experience in mechanical, steel/industrial, or related technical design environments will also be considered. Experience working in 2D design environments. 3D design/modeling experience preferred. Ability to create and interpret technical layouts and contribute to design packages. Basic to intermediate knowledge of substation configurations, layouts, clearances, grounding, shielding, and lighting, or the ability to develop this knowledge. Ability to provide peer checks for lower-level designers as appropriate
• Designer III: 4+ years of relevant technical design experience. Experience in substation physical design or utilities is beneficial but not required. Strong transferable design experience in mechanical, steel/industrial, or related technical environments may also qualify. Strong experience working in 2D design environments. 3D design/modeling experience preferred. Ability to work with greater independence and apply technical standards. Intermediate knowledge of substation configurations, layouts, clearances, grounding, shielding, and lighting, or the ability to apply transferable technical design knowledge. Ability to peer check lower-level work, support QC activities, develop simple scopes of work, and provide technical presentations

Skills

• AutoCAD 2D and/or 3D
• Experience with transferable 3D CAD/modeling tools such as SolidWorks, Inventor, CATIA, P4A, or similar software
• P4A experience is a plus, but not required
• Inventor experience is a plus, but not required
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Bluebeam Revu
• Understanding of NESC, NEC, and IEEE standards appropriate to position level
• Strong attention to detail and ability to produce accurate design documentation
• Strong communication, organization, collaboration, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills
• OSHA 10 or equivalent site safety training preferred, or willingness to obtain prior to field assignments

Ampirical is an Equal Opportunity Employer, meaning we do not discriminate based on the following characteristics in our hiring and employment practices: Age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, religion or religious attire, marital status, pregnancy (child birth or related medical conditions), citizenship status or amnesty, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, sickle-cell trait, status as a tobacco user or non-user, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.