Sr. Physical Designer (Substation)

GFT • Kansas City, FL

5d • $85,000 - $125,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

GFT is seeking an experienced Sr. Physical Substation Designer to design high-voltage substation projects ranging from 34.5 kV to 500 kV. The role is listed as hybrid in Charlotte, NC; Roanoke, VA; Marlton, NJ; Pittsburgh, PA; St. Louis, MO; Chicago, IL; or Phoenix, AZ, with remote work possible for the right candidate. The designer works under the supervision of a lead engineer and contributes to safe, cost-effective, high-quality, and reliable project delivery. The position includes preparing detailed engineering and construction deliverables, performing calculations, coordinating vendor submittals, and supporting project production. Travel to job sites may be needed for assessment and data gathering. GFT describes its power team as working on transmission, distribution, and renewable energy projects and offers a collaborative environment with training and professional development.

Requirements

• At least 7 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 NESC, NEC, IEEE, ANSI, and the Design Guide for Rural Substations.
• 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.
• Knowledge of substation medium-, high-, and extra-high-voltage systems.
• Thorough knowledge of substation structures and equipment, including connectors, insulators, switches, conductors, and their interconnections.
• Knowledge of substation construction and/or commissioning techniques and industry standards.
• Ability to interpret engineering calculations and studies and apply them to design requirements.
• Ability to manage tasks according to project schedules and budgets.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Proficiency in sketching single-line diagrams, layouts, general arrangements, conduit plans, trench plans, grounding plans, and other design documents with little or no oversight.
• Associate degree strongly preferred.

Nice To Haves

• 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 deliverables and detailed calculations for 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 for conformance with design and equipment specifications and operational and safety standards.
• Oversee project production to help ensure projects are completed satisfactorily, on time, and within budget.
• Prepare and review technical drawings and electrical-system specifications to ensure installation and operations meet standards and customer requirements.
• Travel to job sites as needed for assessment and data gathering, and return with sufficient field notes 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 tasks on time and within budget.
• Prepare routine reports and correspondence, and sketch design documents with little or no oversight.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Professional development, internal and external training programs, and support for participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.
• Competitive salary; the stated range is $85,000–$125,000, depending on experience and geographic location.
• Hybrid in-person and remote work environment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree