Substation Designer

The Planet Group; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Planet Group is seeking a Designer – Substation to support substation design projects across the QISG platform. The role emphasizes accuracy, standards compliance, and CAD proficiency, with a focus on HV substation design.

Ideal candidates will have 4+ years in electric utility CAD/design for HV substations and familiarity with AutoCAD, Inventor, SDS, and related tools. Collaboration with engineers and drafting teams is essential across client-facing deliverables.

Qualifications

• Associates degree in Drafting & Design preferred.
• A 4-year Eng Tech degree is a plus.
• Minimum 4 years’ experience in electric utility CAD/design for HV substation projects.

Responsibilities

• Work on design aspects from project inception to completion on various substation projects.
• Utilize 3D and/or smart design software for substation design.
• Demonstrate knowledge of quality control procedures to ensure workmanship standards.
• Take responsibility for the quality and accuracy of your work.
• Travel out of town for short periods as required by projects.

Skills

CAD proficiency

Substation design knowledge

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Associate degree in Drafting & Design

4-year Engineering Technology degree (plus)

Tools

AutoCAD

AutoCAD Electrical

Inventor

SDS

Substation Design Suite (SDS)

Job description

The Designer – Substation is responsible for supporting substation design projects across the QISG platform by performing routine 2D/3D Physical and/or Protection & Control (P&C) design tasks. This role requires working knowledge of basic design techniques and industry procedures, with an emphasis on accuracy, standards compliance, and CAD proficiency.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong familiarity with substation materials, construction methods, and utility design standards. Proficiency with CAD platforms—including AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Map 3D, Inventor, and Substation Design Suite (SDS) for Physical and/or P&C applications—is preferred. The Designer will work under the direction of a Lead Designer and collaborate closely with engineers and drafting teams to develop and maintain quality drawing packages for both internal and client-facing deliverables.

• Work on design aspects from project inception to completion on various substation projects.
• Utilize 3D and/or smart design software for substation design.
• Demonstrate knowledge of quality control procedures to ensure the highest standards of workmanship.
• Take personal responsibility for the quality and accuracy of his/her work.
• Research information in catalogs, specifications, corporate standards, or other reference material.
• Learn and properly use the document management system and suggest improvements.
• Learn and apply corporate standard engineering practices.
• Bring potential project-related problems and possible solutions to the attention of the stakeholders.
• Travel out of town for short periods of time as required by projects and assignments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You'll Bring

• Associates degree in Drafting & Design or equivalent certification is preferred. A 4-year Eng Tech degree is a plus.
• Experience in drafting disciplines with a background in substation design is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in the electric utility industry performing detailed CAD/design for high voltage substation projects. More experience could result in a higher-level position.
• Experience with 3D and/or smart design software (AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, Inventor, SDS, etc.) is preferred.
• Word processing, spread sheet, and e-mail software.
• Extensive knowledge of various CAD programs
• Basic knowledge of the major components of a substation
• Basic oral and written communications
• Basic knowledge of the types of drawings required to construct an electrical substation.
• Working in a team environment
• Communicating effectively with co-workers
• Able to deal with ambiguity and ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks and determine priorities in a complex environment.