Physical Designer (Substation)

Gannett Fleming; Marlton (NJ); On-site; USD 77,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Wellness programs

Parental leave

Pet insurance

401(k)

PTO accrual

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Incentive compensation

Job summary

GFT is seeking a Physical Designer (Substation) to contribute to high‑voltage substations across multiple locations in the United States, with an option for fully remote work. The role emphasizes safety, reliability, and close collaboration with lead engineers on power transmission and distribution projects.

Candidates should have 3+ years of substation design experience, proficiency in AutoCAD or MicroStation, and a solid understanding of relevant electrical standards.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of substation or electrical T&D design experience.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD or MicroStation.
• Knowledge of NESC/NEC/IEEE/ANSI standards.
• Ability to develop complete construction documents.

Responsibilities

• Design high-voltage substation projects (34.5 kV – 500 kV) with safety and reliability focus.
• Produce drawings and deliverables under a lead engineer.
• Prepare general arrangement, elevations, grounding, and conduit drawings.
• Perform engineering calculations and review vendor submittals.
• Travel to job sites for data gathering as needed.

Skills

Substation design

Electrical codes knowledge

Project coordination

Detail-oriented

Vendor submittal review

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

3D Modeling

Job description

Life Insurance, Parental Leave, Tuition Reimbursement, 401(k)

United States, New Jersey, Marlton

What You Will Do

GFT is searching for a Physical Designer (Substation) to work in one of our offices in Chicago, IL, St. Louis, MO, Pittsburgh, PA, Phoenix, AZ, Marlton, NJ, Charlotte, NC, or Roanoke, VA. An experienced Physical Designer could also work remotely anywhere in the United States (fully remote).

Joining the power team at GFT means engaging in cutting‑edge projects that drive the future of energy infrastructure. Our team excels in providing solutions for power transmission, distribution, and renewable energy, utilizing advanced technologies and creative problem‑solving to meet today's diverse energy needs. Be part of a dynamic group dedicated to enhancing system reliability, sustainability, and efficiency.

Responsibilities

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

Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant substation or general electrical T&D designing experience.
• Expertise in computer‑aided drafting tools such as AutoCAD or MicroStation.
• Thorough knowledge of NESC, NEC, IEEE, ANSI, and Design Guide for Rural Substations.
• Ability to review and coordinate vendor submittals to ensure compliance with design parameters.
• Knowledge of substation phase spacing and electrical 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.
• Ability to create control enclosure layout, cable tray layout and details, and conduit drawings.
• Knowledge of substation voltages (MV, HV, EHV).
• Ability to develop and design substation duct bank.
• Ability to interpret engineering calculations and studies and apply them to design requirements.
• Ability to apply project schedules to complete tasks in a timely manner and within project budget.
• Thorough knowledge of substation structures and equipment including connectors, insulators, switches, and all types of conductors and how they interconnect.
• Knowledge of substation construction and/or commissioning techniques and industry standards.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Proficiency to sketch single line diagrams, layouts, general arrangements, conduit plans, trench plans, grounding plans and other design documents with little or no oversight.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $77,000 - $100,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Featured Benefits

• Hybrid (in‑person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, pet insurance, medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax‑deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid‑time‑off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

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

Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Employment Status: Full‑Time

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 characteristics protected by law.

California Applicants

Applicants in the County of Los Angeles: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Applicants in the City of San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Applicants in the State of California: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.