Senior Protection & Control Designer III, Substation P&C Design

Tappwfs; Texas; On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Tappwfs in Houston, Texas is seeking a Senior Protection & Control Designer III for Substation P&C Design to lead the drafting team and own complete P&C packages from concept through final drawings.

You will develop three-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams and layouts, guide and supervise drafters, adapt designs to project needs, and ensure constructability across high‑voltage projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of electrical system design experience including substation work.
• Two-year associate degree or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD or MicroStation; knowledge of both is a plus.
• Solid understanding of power system protection and control systems.
• Strong mechanical design capabilities and constructability evaluation.
• Understanding of field concepts, drafting practices, and industry standards.
• Ability to handle ad hoc tasks and shifting priorities without compromising quality.
• Strong interpersonal, teamwork, written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop three-line diagrams and detailed AC/DC schematics for current and potential circuits, relaying, control and alarm systems.
• Produce point-to-point wiring diagrams, terminal block layouts and equipment wiring diagrams.
• Guide, direct and oversee drafters to deliver high-quality P&C packages.
• Adapt standard designs to fit specific project needs.
• Calculate, specify and verify materials for buildable packages.
• Apply advanced P&C design principles and standards across complex projects.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and keep supervisor informed of progress.

Skills

Electrical design experience

Substation design

Leadership/mentoring

Education

Associate degree

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Job description

Senior Protection & Control Designer III, Substation P&C Design

Lead substation P&C design packages and guide a drafting team for an engineering-led power systems firm.

16th October, 2026

Senior Protection & Control Designer III, Substation P&C Design

The Opportunity

Some designers spend years producing drawings that someone else owns. This is the role where the package is yours.

Our client is a fully integrated electrical power system services firm that designs, installs, tests, and maintains medium- and high-voltage infrastructure for utility, renewable energy, battery storage, industrial, and petrochemical clients, locally, nationally, and internationally. Their approach is engineering-led, which means designers work shoulder to shoulder with engineers on the kind of critical infrastructure that keeps power flowing.

As the senior designer on the team, you will shape complete protection and control packages, set the standard for the drafters around you, and bring your field sense and constructability judgment to every set of drawings.

Why This Opportunity Is Different

This is a true senior seat, not a title on a drafting desk. You will coordinate drafting activities and provide technical and administrative supervision with minimal oversight, so your experience is trusted from day one. The project mix spans five critical infrastructure markets, which keeps the work varied and builds a portfolio few designers get to touch. You will work inside collaborative, multidisciplinary teams where your input on design quality and constructability genuinely matters, backed by a supportive, high-performance culture where people feel valued and empowered.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Developing three-line diagrams and detailed AC/DC schematics covering current and potential circuits, protective relaying, control, and alarm systems.
• Producing point-to-point wiring diagrams, terminal block layouts, and equipment wiring diagrams that build right the first time.
• Guiding, directing, and overseeing drafting personnel to deliver high-quality P&C packages.
• Adapting standard designs to fit the specific needs of each project.
• Calculating, quantifying, specifying, and verifying materials so every package is accurate and buildable.
• Applying advanced P&C design principles, industry practices, and design standards across complex projects.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary project teams and keeping your supervisor informed on progress and issues.

What We’re Looking For

• A minimum of 8 years of electrical system design experience, including electrical substation work.
• A two-year associate degree or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD or MicroStation, with knowledge of both considered a plus.
• A solid understanding of power system protection and control systems.
• Strong mechanical design capabilities and the ability to evaluate constructability.
• An understanding of field concepts, practices, and procedures, and of industry-standard drafting practices.
• The ability to handle ad hoc tasks and shifting priorities without losing quality.
• Strong interpersonal, teamwork, written, and verbal communication skills, a creative problem-solving mindset, and a reliable work ethic.

Compensation & Work Model

Compensation is competitive and will be discussed during the screening process. The total rewards package includes two medical plan options, dental and vision coverage, company-paid short-term and long-term disability, company-paid basic life insurance for employees and dependents, a 401(k) with company match, and flexible spending accounts. Work model will be confirmed during the screening process.

Location & Travel

Our client is headquartered in Houston, Texas. Work location and any travel requirements will be confirmed during the screening process.