Substation Design Engineer

Substation Designer

Hybrid Schedule | Power Delivery Projects
Help Design the Infrastructure That Powers Communities

Are you looking for an opportunity to grow your career in power delivery while working on meaningful, high-impact projects?
We're seeking a Substation Designer who enjoys solving technical challenges, collaborating with engineers, and developing detailed designs that move projects from concept to construction. Whether you're building on early experience in substation design or looking to take the next step in your career, this role offers exposure to a wide variety of transmission and distribution projects while providing opportunities for professional growth and technical development.
You'll work alongside experienced engineers, designers, and technical professionals to develop construction-ready designs for critical power infrastructure projects that help keep businesses, communities, and industries connected.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Work on impactful transmission and distribution substation projects that support critical electrical infrastructure.
• Gain exposure to a wide range of voltage levels, equipment types, and substation configurations.
• Collaborate closely with experienced engineers, designers, and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Build both your technical and project experience while working on projects from design through construction support.
• Flexible hybrid work environment that supports collaboration and work-life balance.
• Strong opportunities for career advancement and continued technical development.
• Exposure to advanced design technologies including AutoCAD, MicroStation, Bentley Substation, Revit, and BIM workflows.
• Join a team that values initiative, learning, problem-solving, and professional growth.

What You'll Do

• Develop detailed physical design packages for transmission and distribution substations.
• Prepare construction-ready drawings including:
  • General arrangements
  • Equipment layouts and elevations
  • Grounding plans
  • Lightning protection plans
  • Conduit and raceway layouts
  • Cable tray layouts
  • Bills of materials
• Support engineering calculations including:
  • Ground grid design
  • Bus and conductor sizing
  • Cable sizing and routing
  • AC/DC auxiliary system sizing
• Coordinate closely with protection & control, civil, structural, and electrical teams to deliver complete project designs.
• Review design calculations and project documentation for accuracy and compliance.
• Participate in site visits to gather field information and verify existing conditions.
• Support construction and commissioning activities by addressing design questions and resolving field issues.
• Work with clients, contractors, and internal project teams to ensure successful project delivery.
• Maintain accurate design documentation and support project revisions throughout the design process.

What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications

• Associate degree, technical school degree, or AutoCAD/MicroStation certification in a related field.
• At least 1 year of experience developing substation layouts and designs from engineering inputs.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD.
• Experience using Microsoft Office products.
• Experience supporting transmission and distribution substation projects.
• Understanding of drafting, electrical design, and power delivery systems.
• Strong communication, organizational, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively within a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 2-8 years of substation physical design experience.
• Experience working on substations ranging from distribution through high-voltage transmission systems.
• EIT certification or interest in pursuing PE licensure.
• Utility or EPC project experience.
• Experience with AIS and GIS substations.
• Familiarity with IEEE, NESC, NEC, and utility-specific standards.
• Experience with MicroStation, Bentley Substation, Revit, or other 3D/BIM design tools.
• Knowledge of:
  • Grounding systems
  • Lightning protection systems
  • Conduit and cable routing
  • Equipment clearances
  • AC/DC power and control systems

Who Will Be Successful in This Role?

This opportunity is ideal for someone who:

• Takes ownership of their work and enjoys solving technical challenges.
• Wants to continue developing their expertise in substation design and power delivery.
• Enjoys learning from experienced professionals while contributing meaningful project work.
• Thrives in a collaborative team environment.
• Is motivated to build a long-term engineering or design career within the power industry.
• Enjoys seeing designs move from concept through construction and energization.

Build Your Future in Power Delivery

This is more than a drafting or design role-it's an opportunity to become an integral part of projects that power communities, support economic growth, and strengthen critical infrastructure. If you're looking for a career path that offers challenging work, professional growth, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact, we'd love to connect with you.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Raleigh, NC.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $60.00/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)
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Raleigh,NC.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 25, 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 click.appcast.io 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.