Substation Physical Project Designer - Grid

Sargent & Lundy•Portland, OR

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Substation Physical Project Designer works in a project team with engineers and other designers on high- and extra-high-voltage substation design. The role prepares and reviews substation drawings and design deliverables, supports technical coordination and field activities, and helps ensure designs comply with applicable codes, standards, client requirements, budgets, and schedules. The position is based on a hybrid work schedule, with in-office work three days per week at a Sargent & Lundy office. The designer also provides technical guidance and mentoring, reviews calculations and design work, coordinates with clients, contractors, and other disciplines, and helps oversee assigned staff. The role contributes to the company's quality system and develops efficient, cost-effective design approaches. Employees may use data, automation, AI, and other digital tools where relevant, while applying professional judgment and review.

Requirements

Associate degree in Drafting or equivalent technical experience.
At least 15 years of substation physical design experience.
Advanced knowledge of computer drafting tools such as AutoCAD and/or MicroStation.
Ability to visualize equipment details and phase-to-ground and phase-to-phase clearances.
Ability to multitask across projects.
Ability to visualize parts in 3D without the aid of a computer.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Computer Aided Design.
Familiarity with Bentley Substation, Inventor SDS, and BlueBeam.
Familiarity with ground-based LiDAR and converting point-cloud information to vector.
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles used to produce technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology, including relating equipment to a technical design.
Experience or interest in AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies where relevant; such experience is valued but not required unless specified elsewhere in the description.

Responsibilities

Prepare and conduct detailed reviews of substation general arrangement drawings, electrical equipment plans, electrical section views/elevations, detailed bills of material, lightning stroke shielding plans, grounding plans, conduit and electrical connection details, below-grade conduit/raceway plans, and control-building equipment, cable tray, lighting, grounding plans, and sections.
Technically review project-team comments on vendor design deliverables for specification compliance, coordinate incorporation of comments, and consolidate and resolve comments.
Lead field walkdowns at client facilities and gather data.
Interface with clients and contractors to discuss walkdown issues and conduct constructability walkdowns.
Identify applicable codes, standards, and technical standards; provide guidance on their application; and ensure designs conform to codes, standards, and client requirements.
Participate in the company's quality system by developing enhancements to company standards and processes.
Maintain and use working knowledge of design standards and practices.
Guide and mentor designers, drafters, and other project stakeholders in design/drafting tools and client-specific tools.
Review and supervise production of design deliverables.
Provide technical guidance on preparing and reviewing calculations; obtain required inputs and independently prepare and review calculations.
Develop cost-effective design approaches and coordinate with other disciplines to obtain inputs for an integrated design.
Implement work plan requirements within budget and schedule using efficient methods, and guide the project team in meeting budget and schedule goals.
Delegate and monitor assigned staff's technical work, provide performance feedback as a primary evaluator, participate in performance and personnel matters, and oversee routine day-to-day performance and personnel issues for the assigned group.