Physical Design Engineer

Willdan•Schaumburg, IL

7h•$120,000 - $160,000

About The Position

The Electrical Physical Design Engineer or Designer supports power transmission and distribution, renewable energy, battery energy storage system (BESS), and data center projects throughout the United States. The ideal candidate possesses strong electrical design fundamentals and is proficient in engineering calculations and drafting. This position requires the ability to accurately interpret engineering drawings and markups, produce high-quality design deliverable, and complete assignments with minimal supervision.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or BTech degree in Electrical Technology from an accredited institution.
Five to ten years of relevant electrical physical design experience, including detailed design of medium or high voltage substations.
Demonstrate ability to independently develop accurate drawings and design deliverables from project criteria, sketches, calculations and engineering markups.
Experience coordinating substation physical design with civil., structural and protection and control disciplines.
Comprehensive knowledge of substation physical design principles, including equipment layouts, electrical clearances, grounding, conduit systems, cable routing, elevations and construction details.
Demonstrate ability to independently develop and revise accurate design drawings from engineering calculations, sketches, redlines, specifications and markups.
Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or MicroStation, including the use of CAD standards, blocks, symbols, templates, references, and drawing management tools.
Working knowledge of medium and high‑voltage substation equipment and systems ranging from 34.5 kV through 500 kV.
Ability to read and interpret one-line diagrams, schematics, equipment specifications, vendor drawings and multidisciplinary design documents.
Communicates clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with project teams, clients, and other stakeholders.
Demonstrates strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a consistent commitment to accuracy and quality.
Works independently, takes initiative, and completes assignments with minimal supervision.
Effectively prioritizes and manages multiple assignments while meeting project schedules and deadlines.
Collaborates effectively with multidisciplinary teams and responds constructively to feedback and changing project requirements.

Nice To Haves

Previously working for Consulting engineering firms preferred.

Responsibilities

Support the electrical physical design of high‑voltage substations, interconnection facilities, utility scale solar and wind projects, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and data center power infrastructure from initial design through construction.
Independently complete electrical design and drafting assignments by interpreting engineering criteria, sketches, calculations, redlines and markups.
Develop and revise electrical physical design drawings and details, including: Substation equipment, yard and control-room layouts; General arrangements, elevations, and sections; Grounding layouts and installation details; Conduit, cable-trench and cable-routing plans.
Prepare, revise and maintain Protection and Control (P&C) drawings, including: One-line and three-line diagrams; AC and DC Schematics; Wiring Documents and interconnection details; Pamel layouts; Cable and conduit schedules; Bills of materials (BOMs).
Create and maintain CAD blocks, symbols, templates, and drawing standards, including projects and client‑specific design elements.
Ensure drawings and design deliverables comply with company CAD standards, client requirements, applicable codes and project specifications.
Assemble complete drawing packages for internal reviews, client submittmits, permitting procurement and construction.
Manage drawing revisions, title blocks, revision histories, transmittals and supporting project documentation.
Prepare and assemble electronic PDF drawing sets and maintain organized project files in accordance with document-control procedures.
Participate in design and quality reviews address review comments and incorporate approved revision into project deliverables.
Coordinate design requirements and drawing interfaces with civil, structural, protection and control, SCADA, and other engineering disciplines.
Provide cross-disciplinary design and drafting support to maintain technical accuracy, drawing consistency, quality and compliance with project schedules.