Lead Substation Physical Designer

GAI Consultants • Lisle, IL

12d • Hybrid

About The Position

GAI Consultants is seeking a Lead Designer for Substation Physical Design that will perform physical design related tasks, technical guidance/training/mentoring of CAD/design staff, and perform design reviews as required. The successful candidate will work on various substation engineering projects including detailed design for high voltage substation projects from 12kV through 500kV. Thrive in GAI’s corporate culture that empowers employee advancement with support for career and professional development and engages with staff to build mutual trust and respect and consideration for diverse perspectives, people, experiences, and ideas. We value work-life balance and offer flexibility – this position can be performed in a hybrid or fully remote capacity.

Requirements

• 10+ Years of Experience
• Associate Degree from an accredited Technical School or equivalent experience.
• Driver’s License
• Advanced level of skills.
• Strives to become proficient in aspects of the software.
• Seeks to advance his or her knowledge of project design development.
• Stays current on software updates and advises based on technical changes.
• Promotes and instructs others on advanced techniques and new methods.
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience utilizing 3D CAD software is preferred (Inventor, P4I, etc.)

Responsibilities

• Manage, design, and perform design checks related to technical activities including, but not limited to, the following: Development of and/or revisions to existing drawings for one-lines, physical arrangements, grounding, conduit, lighting, lightning protection, and rigid bus analysis with the ability to produce the associated drawings utilizing client specific CAD software.
• Create physical layouts and substation designs that integrate with protection and control drawings.
• Creation of project criteria.
• Development of design specifications including the overall bill of materials.
• Design and sizing of auxiliary systems including AC/DC load centers as well as batteries and chargers.
• Design and sizing of conduit and high voltage conductor.
• Ordering long-lead item materials.
• Perform QA/QC reviews on drawing packages for adherence to client standards.
• Document QAQC reviews, maintain record documents, and communicate information to the team.
• Participating and/or developing trainings associated with substation physical design.
• Provides leadership, coaching, onboarding, and/or mentoring to a subordinate group when required. May act as a lead or first-level supervisor.
• Traveling to other offices and meeting with clients as required and attending project-specific meetings on a regular basis.
• Managing tasks on multiple projects in accordance with GAI’s high standards of project management.
• Managing and assisting with the development of the scope of services and cost estimates for Substation and P&C projects.
• Ability to manage competing priorities using sound engineering and financial judgment to determine optimal solutions.
• Must be flexible to handle shifting deadlines and scope changes.
• Must have resource management skills and the ability to identify project barriers and mitigate them without schedule impacts.
• Must be able to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously and be able to work effectively under the pressure of deadlines and unexpected developments.
• Ability to work extended hours or after hours when required.
• Proficient in the use of AutoCAD and/or Microstation.
• Performs and guides others on deliverables with focus on adherence to CAD standards, software utilization and data management procedures; and ability to independently perform analyses.
• Maintains an overall ‘Big Picture” approach to the ongoing development, maintenance and adherence to CAD Standards and data management procedures and makes recommendations to supervisors.
• Responsible for task management and adherence to deadlines and scope.
• Focuses a significant effort to mentoring lower-level CAD Operators.
• Provides solutions to unique problems. cites insufficiencies and supplies recommendations.
• Given general instructions and works independently with minimal supervision.
• Receives general review of project work.
• Facilitates interaction among staff.
• Able to effectively coach and mentor lower-level CAD Staff.
• Interacts closely and effectively with Project Team.
• Interacts and advises at regular project meetings.

Benefits

• Competitive salary - GAI is committed to paying market-based salaries
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, company paid Long Term Disability, and Short-Term Disability (benefits start within 30 days of hire)
• New paid Maternity/Paternity/Adoption program
• Generous Paid Time Off and 7 paid holidays 
• 401k company match
• Tuition Reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees