Sr. Substation Designer

The Haskell Company; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Haskell Company is seeking a Senior Substation Designer to lead physical design of medium to high voltage substations (15kV-500kV). You will deliver complete design packages and mentor junior designers while coordinating with multidisciplinary teams from concept through construction.

You will interpret diagrams, apply IEEE, NESC, NEC codes, and incorporate vendor equipment into designs, working with engineers, project management, and construction teams.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of substation physical design experience (utility or EPC preferred).
• Associate degree in Drafting, Engineering Technology, or related field; equivalent work exp considered.

Responsibilities

• Create complete physical design packages for substations and retrofit projects (general arrangements, layouts, elevations).
• Develop grounding, lighting, conduit, cable trench plans and BOMs.
• Coordinate with engineers and drafters to meet project requirements and standards.
• Interpret one-line and three-line diagrams to create complete physical drawings.
• Apply IEEE, NESC, NEC and client guidelines to designs.
• Incorporate vendor drawings and equipment specs into packages.

Skills

AutoCAD

Drafting & layout

Substation knowledge

Communication

Independent work

Education

Associate degree in Drafting/Engineering Tech

Tools

MicroStation

AutoCAD Electrical

SDS

Civil 3D

Inventor

Revit

Job description

In this role, we are seeking a Senior Substation Designer to support the physical layout and design of medium to high voltage substation projects (15kV-500kV). You will be responsible for producing high-quality physical and electrical substation design packages and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across engineering, project management, and construction.

This position is ideal for a highly skilled and proactive designer who enjoys both independent design work and team collaboration. You'll take the lead on design efforts from concept through construction and play a key role in mentoring junior designers.

Your Responsibilities will Include:

• Create complete physical design packages for new substations and retrofit projects including:
  • Substation general arrangements and equipment layouts
  • Elevations and section views
  • Grounding and lightning protection plans
  • Conduit, cable trench, and raceway plans
  • Foundation layouts and steel structure detailing
  • Control building layouts, cable tray, lighting, and grounding
  • Substation site plans and detailed bill of materials
• Coordinate with engineers and drafters to ensure designs meet project requirements and industry standards.
• Interpret one-line and three-line diagrams to develop complete physical drawings.
• Apply applicable codes and standards (IEEE, NESC, NEC, client-specific guidelines) to all design work.
• Incorporate vendor equipment drawings and specifications into design packages.

Design Support & Collaboration

• Collaborate with electrical and civil engineers, protection & control teams, and project managers to meet project milestones.
• Attend project kickoff meetings, design reviews, and client interface discussions.
• Provide field support and perform site visits to verify design accuracy and resolve issues during construction.
• Conduct quality checks and peer reviews of design work for accuracy and consistency.

Leadership & Mentorship

• Mentor and support junior designers and drafters.
• Provide design oversight on multiple projects and manage design deliverables.
• Support proposal efforts with design estimates, scopes of work, and schedule input.

Education & Years of Experience:

• 5+ years of substation physical design experience (preferably in utility or EPC environments).
• Associate degree in Drafting, Engineering Technology, or related field; equivalent work experience considered.

To Thrive in This Role, You Will Need:

• Proficient in AutoCAD, with strong drafting and layout skills.
• Understanding of substation equipment (transformers, breakers, switches, buswork, etc.).
• Familiarity with industry codes and standards including IEEE, NESC, NEC, ANSI, and client-specific requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings including one-line diagrams and schematics.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• 8-10+ years of substation physical design experience.
• Proficiency with MicroStation, AutoCAD Electrical, or Substation Design Suite (SDS).
• Experience with Civil 3D, Inventor, or Revit for 3D modeling and visualization.
• Experience supporting physical design for control buildings (indoor panel layout, AC/DC load centers, cable tray, etc.).
• Familiarity with power system calculations like grounding studies, conductor sizing, or voltage drop analysis is a plus.

Environmental Factors and/or Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, this position is required to have ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations; and the ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of 10-50 pounds. Requires good hand-eye coordination, and arm, hand and finger dexterity, including the ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment and read application/form information. The associate frequently is required to sit, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability, or protected veteran status.

Haskell will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008. The job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessities. Essential and marginal job functions are subject to modification.

Haskell is a Drug-Free Workplace.

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