Substation Physical Project Designer - Grid

Sargent & Lundy • San Diego, CA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Substation Physical Project Designer works in a project team environment with engineers and other designers on high- and extra-high-voltage substation design. The role prepares and reviews detailed substation design drawings, supports technical reviews and field walkdowns, applies codes and standards, and provides technical guidance and oversight to project staff. The position is based on a hybrid work schedule, with in-office work required three days per week at a Sargent & Lundy office.

The designer also contributes to the company's quality system, coordinates with clients, contractors, and other disciplines, and helps ensure that project deliverables are technically sound, constructible, and completed within budget and schedule. The role includes mentoring and supervising assigned staff, providing performance feedback, and overseeing routine personnel matters.

Sargent & Lundy describes its commitment to employee health and well-being and offers a comprehensive benefits package. Eligible positions may also include participation in a yearly discretionary bonus. The position does not include U.S. work-authorization sponsorship.

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 computer assistance.

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 practical applications of engineering science and technology, including relating equipment to a technical design.
• Interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to the role; experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued but not required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and conduct detailed reviews of substation general arrangement drawings.
• Prepare and review substation electrical equipment plans and electrical section views (elevations).
• Prepare and review detailed bills of material, lightning stroke shielding plans, and grounding plans.
• Prepare and review conduit, electrical connection, grounding, and below-grade conduit/raceway plans and details.
• Prepare and review control building equipment, cable tray, lighting, grounding plans, and sections.
• Technically review project-team comments on vendor design deliverables for compliance with specifications, 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 and 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, and identify applicable standards for technical tasks.
• 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 calculations, obtain required calculation inputs, and independently prepare and review calculations.
• Develop cost-effective design approaches and coordinate with other disciplines to obtain and assess inputs for integrated design.
• Implement work-plan requirements within budget and schedule using efficient methods, and guide the project team in meeting budget and schedule objectives.
• 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 issues for the assigned group.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision health plans.
• Life and accident insurance.
• Disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Back-up daycare.
• Flexible spending account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA).
• 401(k).
• Pre-tax commuter account.
• Merit scholarship program.
• Employee discount program.
• Corporate charitable giving program.
• Tuition assistance.
• First professional licensure bonus.
• Employee referral bonus.
• Paid annual personal/sick time.
• Paid vacation.
• Paid holidays.
• Paid parental leave.
• Paid bereavement leave.
• Flexible work arrangements.
• Eligible positions may participate in a yearly discretionary bonus.

What This Job Offers

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