Lead Substation Physical Designer

GAI Consultants Inc.; Lisle (IL); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Hybrid or remote work options

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

GAI Consultants is seeking a Lead Designer for Substation Physical Design to lead high‑level electrical substation projects from 12kV to 500kV. The role includes technical guidance, training, and mentoring CAD staff, with responsibility for design reviews and QA/QC of drawing packages.

The candidate should have 10+ years of experience, an associate degree or equivalent, and a valid driver's license. Hybrid or remote work is available to support work‑life balance.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in substation design or related field.
• Associate Degree from an accredited technical school or equivalent experience.
• Driver's License.
• Experience with CAD standards and QA/QC processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead design checks for substation layouts and associated drawings.
• Develop trainings for substation physical design.
• Mentor and coach CAD staff; may act as lead supervisor.
• Coordinate with project teams and clients; manage multiple projects.
• Travel to other offices and client meetings as required.
• Ensure adherence to CAD standards and data management.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring CAD staff

Project management

Communication

Education

Associate Degree from an accredited Technical School or equivalent experience

Tools

AutoCAD

Microstation

Inventor

P4I

Job description

GAI Consultants is seeking a Lead Designer for Substation Physical Design that will perform physical design related tasks, technical guidance/training/mentoring of CAD/design staff and perform design reviews as required. The successful candidate will work on various substation engineering projects including detailed design for high voltage substation projects from 12kV through 500kV. GAI's corporate culture empowers employee advancement with support for career and professional development and engages with staff to build mutual trust and respect and consideration for diverse perspectives, people, experiences, and ideas. We value work‑life balance and offer flexibility – this position can be performed in a hybrid or fully remote capacity.

Job Duties

• Manage, design, and perform design checks related to technical activities including, but not limited to, the following:
  • Development of and/or revisions to existing drawings for one-lines, physical arrangements, grounding, conduit, lighting, lightning protection, and rigid bus analysis with the ability to produce the associated drawings utilizing client specific CAD software.
  • Create physical layouts and substation designs that integrate with protection and control drawings.
  • Creation of project criteria.
  • Development of design specifications including the overall bill of materials.
  • Design and sizing of auxiliary systems including AC/DC load centers as well as batteries and chargers.
  • Design and sizing of conduit and high voltage conductor.
  • Ordering long‑lead item materials.
  • Perform QA/QC reviews on drawing packages for adherence to client standards.
  • Document QAQC reviews, maintain record documents, and communicate information to the team.
• Participating and/or developing trainings associated with substation physical design.
• Provides leadership, coaching, onboarding, and/or mentoring to a subordinate group when required.
• May act as a lead or first‑level supervisor.
• Traveling to other offices and meeting with clients as required and attending project‑specific meetings on a regular basis.
• Managing tasks on multiple projects in accordance with GAI's high standards of project management.
• Managing and assisting with the development of the scope of services and cost estimates for Substation and P&C projects.
• Ability to manage competing priorities using sound engineering and financial judgment to determine optimal solutions.
• Must be flexible to handle shifting deadlines and scope changes.
• Must have resource management skills and the ability to identify project barriers and mitigate them without schedule impacts.
• Must be able to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously and be able to work effectively under the pressure of deadlines and unexpected developments.
• Ability to work extended hours or after hours when required.
• Proficient in the use of AutoCAD and/or Microstation.
• Experience utilizing 3D CAD software preferred (Inventor, P4I, etc.).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work indoors in professional office settings.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while performing computer‑based tasks.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling office equipment.
• Visual acuity to read printed materials, digital screens, detailed documents, and perform detailed work.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, or reaching within the office environment. Ability to move between workstations and attend in‑person meetings.
• Ability to lift and carry office materials or equipment weighing up to 10–20 pounds, with or without assistance.
• Adequate hearing to participate in conversations, phone calls, and virtual meetings.
• Ability to travel for meetings, training, or business purposes.

General Characteristics

• Advanced level of skills. Strives to become proficient in aspects of the software. Seeks to advance his or her knowledge of project design development. Stays current on software updates and advises based on technical changes. Promotes and instructs others on advanced techniques and new methods.

Minimum Years of Experience

10+ Years of Experience.

Education

• Associate Degree from an accredited Technical School or equivalent experience.

Certification/Licensure

• Driver's License.

Technical Responsibilities

• Performs and guides others on deliverables with focus on adherence to CAD standards, software utilization and data management procedures; and ability to independently perform analyses.
• Maintains an overall 'Big Picture' approach to the ongoing development, maintenance and adherence to CAD Standards and data management procedures and makes recommendations to supervisors.

Project and Task Management

• Responsible for task management and adherence to deadlines and scope.

Management Responsibility

• Focuses a significant effort to mentoring lower‑level CAD Operators. Provides solutions to unique problems. cites insufficiencies and supplies recommendations.
• Given general instructions and works independently with minimal supervision. Receives general review of project work.

Communication Skills

• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills. Facilitates interaction among staff. Able to effectively coach and mentor lower‑level CAD Staff. Interacts closely and effectively with Project Team. Interacts and advises at regular project meetings.

Why GAI?

GAI offers skilled professionals an exceptional place to work, grow, lead, and achieve.

Benefits

• Competitive Pay & Recognition
  • Market‑based, competitive compensation
  • Performance‑driven recognition and development bonuses
• Comprehensive Health & Wellness
  • Medical, dental, and vision plans
  • Company‑paid short‑term and long‑term disability
  • Company‑paid life insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources
• Meaningful Work‑Life Balance
  • Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays
  • Additional floating holiday – use it for what matters to you
  • Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Growth, Learning & Financial Security
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Support and rewards for professional development and certifications

Equal Opportunity Employer. The employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.