Physical Designer (Substation) (Do not post externally)

GFT.; Columbus (OH); Remote; USD 77,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

GFT is seeking a Physical Designer (Substation) to work on high‑voltage substation projects up to 500 kV. The role supports design from general arrangement to grounding and conduit drawings, with field data gathering and travel as needed.

Remote options exist across the United States; local offices in multiple cities may also host this role. A minimum of 3+ years in substation design and CAD proficiency are required, with an Associate Degree preferred.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant substation or electrical T&D designing experience.
• Expertise in AutoCAD or MicroStation for design deliverables.
• Associate Degree strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and execution of high‑voltage substations projects in the 34.5kV - 500kV range with emphasis on safety, cost, quality and reliability.
• Generate designs and detailed engineering deliverables under supervision of 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 supervisor instructions for complex design assignments.
• Use CAD tools to create drawings and related deliverables.
• Inspect installations and ensure conformance to design and safety standards.
• Oversee project production to meet schedule and budget.
• Prepare and study technical drawings and specifications of electrical systems.
• Travel to job sites for assessment and data gathering.

Skills

Substation design

Electrical T&D design

AutoCAD

MicroStation

3D modeling

Code knowledge (NESC NEC IEEE ANSI)

Field data collection

Education

Associate Degree

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Job description

GFT is searching for a Physical Designer (Substation) to work in either Chicago, IL, St. Louis, MO, Pittsburgh, PA, Phoenix, AZ, Marlon, NJ, Charlotte, NC, or Roanoke, VA office. 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 while shaping the energy landscape for a resilient and sustainable future. Discover some of our signature power and energy projects here.

What you'll be challenged to do

This experienced Designer will be responsible for the physical design of high voltage substation projects through 500kv.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following

• Design and execution of high‑voltage substations projects in the 34.5kV - 500kV range with an emphasis on project safety, cost, quality and reliability.
• Generate designs and detailed engineering deliverables working under the supervision of 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 the 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. Return to the office with sufficient field notes to complete project design

What you'll bring to our firm

• 3+ years of relevant substation or general electrical T&D designing experience.
• Expertise in the use of computer-aided drafting tools such as AutoCAD or MicroStation
• Associate Degree strongly preferred
• Thorough knowledge of the following codes, National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), National Electrical Code(NEC), Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers(IEEE), American National Standards Institute (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 and details, trench and conduit plans and details, single line diagrams, etc.) based upon project/client specification 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 same 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 in 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

What we prefer you bring

• 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