Graduate Physical Engineer (Utility Substations)

Atwell, LLC • Lakewood, CO

3h

About The Position

The Graduate Physical Engineer - Utility Substations supports the engineering design and analysis of physical systems for utility substation and switching station projects. Working under the guidance of experienced engineers, the role assists with general arrangements, equipment layouts, elevations, grounding systems, conduit systems, lightning protection, illumination, equipment specifications, engineering calculations, and related construction documentation. The employee is expected to demonstrate proficiency in the essential functions of the job.

The position involves preparing and revising drawings, calculations, specifications, reports, and other design documentation; supporting equipment selection and vendor submittal reviews; applying client and utility standards and relevant codes; coordinating assigned work with project teams; and supporting project research, estimates, site visits, field verification, construction support, and troubleshooting as assigned. Work takes place in a professional environment, with location and reporting expectations determined by business needs. Some field work and travel may be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
• 0–2 years of relevant utility substation, power delivery, electrical, civil, structural, mechanical, or related engineering experience.
• Basic understanding of utility substation physical engineering principles, equipment arrangements, grounding systems, conduit systems, and related design documentation.
• Ability to apply foundational engineering principles, standard techniques, procedures, codes, and design criteria to assigned physical substation tasks under experienced engineers' guidance.
• Novice knowledge of general arrangements, site plans, elevations, equipment layouts, grounding and conduit plans, lightning protection, illumination, bills of material, and equipment specifications.
• Familiarity with engineering calculations used in physical substation design, including bus and conductor sizing, grounding, conduit fill, cable sizing, voltage drop, lightning protection, and illumination.
• Ability to prepare and revise drawings, calculations, reports, specifications, and technical documentation from sketches, redlines, markups, vendor information, and technical direction.
• Ability to perform self-checks, accept technical feedback, incorporate review comments, and take responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of assigned work.
• Ability to identify unclear information, technical questions, drawing conflicts, and coordination concerns, and seek guidance appropriately.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage assigned tasks and communicate workload or schedule concerns proactively.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineers, designers, CAD technicians, project managers, clients, contractors, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Commitment to continuous learning, professional development, company quality and safety standards, and advancement toward engineering licensure.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the USA.

Nice To Haves

• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification may be preferred by discipline.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with AutoCAD, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Bluebeam, Mathcad, Visual Lighting, or related engineering software.
• Internship, co-op, academic project, or field experience involving utility substations, power systems, engineering design, or construction documentation.

Responsibilities

• Support detailed physical engineering design of utility substations, including arrangements, site plans, layouts, elevations, grounding and conduit plans, lightning protection and illumination layouts, bills of material, equipment specifications, and construction documents.
• Assist with engineering calculations for physical substation design, including ampacity, bus loading and structural requirements, grounding, conduit fill, cable sizing, voltage drop, lightning protection, and illumination.
• Prepare and revise engineering drawings, calculations, specifications, reports, and design documentation using project data, sketches, redlines, vendor information, and technical direction.
• Support equipment selection and specification development, and assist with reviewing vendor drawings and submittals for conformance with project requirements.
• Apply client requirements, utility and company standards, codes, and industry standards to assigned work under guidance.
• Self-check assigned calculations, drawings, and documentation, and incorporate review comments and redlines into project deliverables.
• Coordinate assigned work with engineers, designers, CAD technicians, project managers, and other disciplines.
• Assist with project research, technical documentation, cost estimates, budget information, proposals, and other project reports.
• Support site visits, field verification, construction support, and troubleshooting as assigned while following safety and quality requirements.
• Communicate assignment status, technical questions, workload concerns, and schedule impacts to the project engineer or supervisor.
• Perform other job-related responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off
• Paid parental leave
• Flexible work schedules available for some positions
• Tenure awards with travel vouchers
• Competitive compensation packages
• Annual bonuses, spot bonuses, and peer recognition awards
• 401(k) match of 1:1 up to 4% of compensation
• Tuition assistance
• Student loan repayment
• Paid licensing and certification fees and renewals
• Financial rewards for obtaining licensure
• Employee referrals
• Annual wellness reimbursement
• Dependent care match
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Family planning and IVF benefits
• Pet insurance
• Health savings account and flexible spending account options
• Employer-paid long-term disability, short-term disability, and life insurance
• Supplemental accident, hospitalization, and critical illness benefits
• Member Assistance Program with counseling, legal benefits, financial consultations, and work/life referral services

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level