Remote Substation Designer

Actalent; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 50,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Substation Designer to develop physical substation designs and deliver construction drawings for power delivery projects. This contract-to-hire role is based out of Chicago, IL and offers remote work options as applicable.

You will lead design activities, collaborate with engineers and clients, and ensure compliance with industry standards using AutoCAD and related design software to produce high-quality deliverables.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of physical substation design experience.
• Experience designing power delivery and electrical utility infrastructure projects.
• Strong proficiency with AutoCAD.

Responsibilities

• Lead physical substation design from kickoff to final delivery.
• Create detailed layouts and construction drawings.
• Review design packages and ensure compliance with codes and client requirements.
• Coordinate with clients and engineers to gather requirements and present recommendations.
• Manage multiple projects while meeting quality and schedule commitments.

Skills

Substation design

Power delivery

Communication

Education

Associate degree in Engineering, Design, Drafting, or a related technical field

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

What You'll Do

As a Substation Designer, you'll play a critical role in developing physical substation designs that support the reliable delivery of power to millions of customers.

Your Responsibilities Will Include

Design Leadership

• Lead physical substation design efforts from project kickoff through final delivery
• Develop design solutions that meet client requirements, project objectives, and industry standards
• Support complex power delivery and utility infrastructure projects

Technical Design & Documentation

• Create detailed physical substation layouts and construction drawings
• Prepare and review design packages, specifications, and technical documentation
• Ensure designs comply with applicable industry codes, standards, and client requirements
• Utilize AutoCAD and engineering software to produce accurate and high-quality deliverables

Project Execution

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining quality and schedule commitments
• Monitor project progress and proactively resolve technical design challenges
• Participate in quality reviews and scope evaluations throughout the project lifecycle

Client & Team Collaboration

• Work directly with clients, engineers, project managers, and cross-functional teams
• Gather project requirements and present design recommendations
• Incorporate client feedback into final design solutions
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and best practices

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of physical substation design experience
• Experience designing power delivery and electrical utility infrastructure projects
• Strong proficiency with AutoCAD

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in Engineering, Design, Drafting, or a related technical field
• Experience leading or coordinating complex technical projects
• Familiarity with utility client standards and substation construction practices

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $55.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 10, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.