Substation Designer

Expanse Electrical•Houston, TX

54d

About The Position

The Substation Senior Designer is responsible for preparing, reviewing, and coordinating detailed design drawings, 3D models, and documentation for high-voltage electrical substations ranging from 15kV to 500kV. This position works closely with engineers, drafters, and project managers to develop physical and protection/control design packages that meet client specifications, industry standards, and project schedules. The ideal candidate has advanced knowledge of substation layout, design principles, and construction practices, as well as experience mentoring junior designers and collaborating in multi-disciplinary teams.

Requirements

Associate degree or technical diploma in Drafting, Design Technology, or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience).
8+ years of experience in electrical substation design (utility or EPC environment).
Demonstrated experience with AutoCAD, MicroStation, or Bentley Substation.
Strong understanding of substation equipment layout, bus configurations, and control/protection systems.
Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
Strong communication and collaboration abilities across disciplines.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines.
Proactive problem-solving mindset and commitment to quality.
Ability to work independently and lead small design teams when required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with 3D design tools (e.g., Bentley Substation, AutoCAD 3D, or Revit).
Familiarity with BIM and intelligent design workflows.
Knowledge of P&C schematics, SCADA, and relay panel design.
Previous experience in lead designer or checker roles.

Responsibilities

Develop and prepare substation design drawings including general arrangements, grounding layouts, conduit and cable routing, control house layouts, and wiring diagrams.
Produce detailed physical and protection/control designs using AutoCAD, MicroStation, or other CAD platforms.
Collaborate with engineers and other designers to ensure all drawings align with engineering calculations and specifications.
Perform 3D modeling and design coordination to resolve spatial or constructability conflicts.
Review and check drawings for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to company and client standards.
Support material take-offs (MTOs), bill of materials (BOMs), and as-built documentation.
Ensure all designs comply with industry standards and codes (e.g., IEEE, NESC, NEC, ANSI).
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior designers and drafters.
Assist project engineers with design coordination, schedule management, and quality control.
Participate in field visits and site walkdowns to collect data and support construction activities.