Sr. Physical Designer (Substation)

GFT; Charlotte (NC); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Benefits package including medical, 4x

401(k) and PTO

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Incentive compensation

Job summary

GFT is seeking a Sr. Physical Substation Designer to join our energy team. The role supports high voltage substation projects up to 500 kV, collaborating with senior engineers to deliver safe, cost-effective designs and robust deliverables.

This hybrid position offers opportunities to influence power transmission, distribution, and renewable energy projects, with travel to site for data gathering and design validation as needed.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of relevant substation or general electrical T&D designing experience.
• Experience with AutoCAD or MicroStation.
• Associate Degree strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of NESC, NEC, IEEE, ANSI, and Design Guide for Rural Substations.
• Ability to review vendor submittals for design compliance.
• Ability to create complete construction documents and layouts.
• Ability to perform engineering calculations and sketches with minimal supervision.

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.
• Detail physical aspects of the engineering design including general arrangement, elevation, grounding and conduit drawings.
• Complete basic engineering calculations and follow supervisor instructions for complex design tasks.
• Create and review construction documents (layouts, elevations, grounding plans) and conduit/trench plans.
• Attend job sites for data gathering and report back with field notes.

Skills

Substation design experience

CAD tools (AutoCAD/MicroStation)

Knowledge of NESC/NEC/IEEE/ANSI

Coordinate vendor submittals

Clarity of drawings and calculations

Education

Associate Degree

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Job description

What You Will Do

GFT is searching for a Sr. Physical Substation Designer. This role would report to the Charlotte, NC, Roanoke, VA, Marlton, NJ, Pittsburgh, PA, St. Louis, MO, Chicago, IL or Phoenix, AZ this position would be Hybrid. However, for the right candiate, this would be a remote position 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 Physical Designer will be responsible for the physical design of high voltage substation projects through 500kv.

As a member of our team you will be part of an organization widely recognized for quality and excellence. Our senior team members, regarded as industry experts, are focused on training and leading the next generation of Engineers and Designers. You will receive a competitive salary, full benefits, and a valuable work/life balance.If you are looking to join a collaborative team that is focused on delivering excellence, please consider applying.

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

Education | Experience:

What You'll Bring To Our Firm

• 7+ 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 perferred
• 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 $85,000- $125,000. 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, and pet insurance, in addition to 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.

Company Overview

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives

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.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property of GFT.

Location: Remote

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

Employment Status: Full-Time