Physical Designer; Substation

Physical Designer (Substation)

GFT is seeking an experienced Physical Substation Designer to join our team. This role is available in Chicago, IL;
St. Louis, MO;
Pittsburgh, PA;
Phoenix, AZ;
Marlon, NJ;
Charlotte, NC;
Roanoke, VA; or fully remote across the United States.

• Design and execute high‑voltage substation projects in the 34.5 kV–500 kV range with emphasis on safety, cost, quality, and reliability.
• Generate design deliverables and detailed engineering documentation under the supervision of a lead engineer.
• Detail physical aspects of the design such as general arrangement, elevation, grounding, and conduit drawings.
• Perform basic engineering calculations related to deliverables.
• Follow instructions of supervisors or engineers for complex assignments requiring standard design principles.
• Use standard CAD tools to create drawings and related deliverables.
• Perform detailed calculations to establish manufacturing, construction, and installation standards and specifications.
• Inspect completed installations and observe operations to ensure compliance with design and equipment specifications and operational and safety standards.
• Oversee project production to assure projects are completed satisfactorily, on time and within budget.
• Prepare and study technical drawings and specifications of electrical systems, ensuring installation and operations conform to standards and customer requirements.
• Travel to job sites for assessment and data gathering as needed, returning to the office with sufficient field notes to complete project design.

• 3+ years of experience designing substations or general electrical transmission and distribution projects.
• Expertise in computer‑aided drafting tools such as AutoCAD or Micro Station.
• Knowledge of NESC, NEC, IEEE, ANSI, and the Design Guide for Rural Substations.
• Ability to review and coordinate vendor submittals to ensure compliance with design parameters.
• Knowledge of substation phase spacing and electric clearance requirements for live conductors, switch components, and bus supports.
• Ability to develop and review a complete set of construction documents (layouts, elevations, details, grounding plans, trench and conduit plans, single‑line diagrams, etc.) with little or no supervision.
• Created control enclosure layout, cable tray layout, and conduit drawings.
• Knowledge of substation voltages (MV, HV, EHV).
• Ability to develop and design substation duct bank.
• Interpret engineering calculations and studies and apply them to design requirements.
• Apply project schedules to complete tasks in a timely manner and within budget.
• Knowledge of substation structures and equipment including connectors, insulators, switches, and all types of conductors and how they interconnect.
• Knowledge in substation construction and/or commissioning techniques and industry standards.
• Write routine reports and correspondence.
• Sketch single‑line diagrams, layouts, general arrangements, conduit plans, trench plans, grounding plans, and other design documents with little or no oversight.

• Experience in the energy industry or a consulting services environment.
• Skilled in 3‑D modeling.

GFT is a privately held AEC firm that innovates where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life and measure success through strong relationships with 5,000+ industry professionals.

GFT is an Equal‑Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status, or other protected characteristics.

Location: Remote, Chicago, IL;
St. Louis, MO;
Pittsburgh, PA;
Phoenix, AZ;
Marlon, NJ;
Charlotte, NC; or Roanoke, VA
Core Business

Hours:

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full‑time
Salary Range: $65,000 – $80,000 (salary dependent upon experience and geographic location)

Seniority Level: Associate
Employment Type: Full‑time
Industries: Civil Engineering, Truck Transportation, Architecture and Planning