Substation Physical Designer

Kimley-Horn • Richmond, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Kimley-Horn's Richmond office is seeking a Substation Physical Designer with 4+ years of experience to join the Power Delivery team. The successful candidate will support the design, and execution of high-voltage and medium-voltage substation projects for utility, renewable energy, and industrial clients. Responsibilities include developing physical layouts, equipment arrangements, grounding systems, lightning protection systems, and construction drawing packages while coordinating closely with protection and control, civil, structural, and electrical disciplines. The ideal candidate is a self-driven designer with strong technical skills, experience in substation design standards and industry practices, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. This is not a remote position.

Requirements

• 4+ years of relevant experience in substation design.
• Proficiency with industry-standard design software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation and inventor.
• Experience with grounding studies, lightning protection studies, and lighting studies.

Nice To Haves

• Associates degree with an engineering or drafting concentration.

Responsibilities

• Perform conceptual and detailed HV and MV substation physical/electrical design for utilities and substations, including basic layout, electrical arrangement, one-line diagrams, three-line drawings, plan-section drawings, and grounding.
• Perform engineering studies and calculations.
• Perform quality control reviews on substation physical design projects.
• Assume the role of technical lead on projects with limited guidance.
• Create and review bills of materials for substation physical projects.
• Develop and review proposals and scopes of work for smaller substation physical projects.
• Support the continued professional development of less experienced engineers/designers, including technical guidance and training recommendations.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams and clients to meet project objectives.

Benefits

• Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to-1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
• Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
• Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.

What This Job Offers

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