Physical Designer (Substation)
About The Position
GFT is seeking an experienced Physical Designer to support high-voltage substation projects, from 34.5 kV through 500 kV. The role may be based in one of the listed offices or, for an experienced designer, performed fully remotely anywhere in the United States. The designer develops physical designs and detailed engineering deliverables under the supervision of a lead engineer, using standard CAD tools and applying established design principles and practices. Work includes creating construction documents and drawings, performing calculations, coordinating vendor submittals, and supporting project safety, cost, quality, reliability, schedule, and budget goals. Site travel may be required for assessment and data gathering. The position is part of GFT’s power team, which works on transmission, distribution, and renewable-energy projects. The role includes collaboration with experienced team members and access to training and professional development. GFT describes the work environment as hybrid, with remote work possible for experienced designers.
Requirements
- At least 3 years of relevant substation or general electrical transmission-and-distribution design experience.
- Expertise with computer-aided drafting tools such as AutoCAD or MicroStation.
- Thorough knowledge of the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), National Electrical Code (NEC), IEEE, ANSI, and the Design Guide for Rural Substations.
- Ability to review and coordinate vendor submittals to ensure compliance with design parameters.
- Knowledge of substation phase spacing and electrical clearance requirements for live conductors, switch components, and bus supports.
- Ability to develop and review a complete set of construction documents based on project or client specifications, with little or no supervision.
- Ability to create control-enclosure layouts, cable-tray layouts and details, and conduit drawings.
- Knowledge of medium-, high-, and extra-high-voltage substation systems.
- Ability to develop and design substation duct banks.
- Ability to interpret engineering calculations and studies and apply them to design requirements.
- Ability to work to project schedules and budgets.
- Thorough knowledge of substation structures and equipment, including connectors, insulators, switches, conductors, and their interconnections.
- Knowledge of substation construction or commissioning techniques and industry standards.
- Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
- Proficiency sketching single-line diagrams, layouts, general arrangements, conduit plans, trench plans, grounding plans, and other design documents with little or no oversight.
Nice To Haves
- Associate degree strongly preferred.
- Experience in the energy industry or a consulting-services environment.
- Skill in 3D modeling.
Responsibilities
- Design and execute high-voltage substation projects in the 34.5 kV–500 kV range, emphasizing safety, cost, quality, and reliability.
- Generate designs and detailed engineering deliverables under the supervision of a lead engineer.
- Detail physical design elements, including general arrangements, elevations, grounding, and conduit drawings.
- Complete basic engineering calculations related to engineering deliverables and perform detailed calculations to establish manufacturing, construction, and installation standards and specifications.
- Follow supervisor or engineer instructions on complex design assignments requiring standard design principles and practices.
- Use standard CAD tools to create drawings and related deliverables.
- Inspect completed installations and observe operations to check conformance with design and equipment specifications and operational and safety standards.
- Oversee project production efforts to help ensure projects are completed satisfactorily, on time, and within budget.
- Prepare and review technical drawings and electrical-system specifications to ensure installations and operations conform to standards and customer requirements.
- Travel to job sites as needed to assess conditions and gather data, then document field observations sufficiently to complete project design.
- Review and coordinate vendor submittals for compliance with design parameters.
- Develop and review construction documents, including layouts, elevations, details, grounding plans, trench and conduit plans, and single-line diagrams.
- Create control-enclosure layouts, cable-tray layouts and details, conduit drawings, and substation duct-bank designs.
- Interpret engineering calculations and studies and apply them to design requirements.
- Apply project schedules to complete assigned tasks on time and within budget.
- Write routine reports and correspondence.
- Sketch single-line diagrams, layouts, general arrangements, conduit plans, trench plans, grounding plans, and other design documents with little or no oversight.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
- Wellness programs.
- Parental leave.
- Pet insurance.
- Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
- Competitive paid-time-off accrual.
- Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
- Professional development and access to internal and external training programs.
- Support for active participation in professional organizations.
- Incentive compensation for eligible positions.
- Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
