Substation Designer

Actalent; Columbus (OH); Remote; USD 48,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work possible

Professional development

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Substation Designer to develop construction drawings for substation projects. The role includes mentoring junior designers and coordinating with design teams. You will create and modify 2-D layouts and 3-D models, ensuring accurate part numbers and documentation across projects.

The position is based in a quiet engineering office, with the potential for remote work. AAS or equivalent in CAD/engineering is preferred, and extensive AutoCAD experience is required.

Qualifications

• Experience in substation design including layouts, grounding, and protection.
• Experience with 2-D drawings and 3-D modeling of substation components.
• Familiarity with BOMs, part numbering, and project documentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop substation design layouts with guidance from a Design Engineer.
• Independently create 2-D drawings and 3-D models using MicroStation.
• Modify layouts to reflect design changes and ensure proper nomenclature.
• Create single line diagrams, station location plans, cable and conduit plans.
• Use ProjectWise to track design modifications and documents.
• Serve as SME in Substation Design and mentor less experienced designers.
• Act as project lead on small, less complex projects under engineer supervision.

Skills

Substation design

2-D drawings

3-D models

Layout design

Bills of materials

Project documentation

Education

AAS in drafting/CAD or engineering technology

Tools

AutoCAD

AutoCAD Electrical

MicroStation

Job description

Substation Designer Job Description

The position is within the substation department, focusing on developing construction drawings for substation projects. The designer will also supervise and mentor less experienced designers.

Responsibilities

• Develop a substation design layout with scoping information and general guidance from a Design Engineer.
• Independently create 2-D drawings and 3-D models of electrical substation features and components using MicroStation.
• Develop layouts of parts and assemblies in both 2-D and 3-D formats.
• Modify and update existing models, assemblies, and layouts to reflect design changes.
• Work with part naming and numbering conventions, and manage file naming and protocols.
• Create or modify physical drawings to include single line diagrams, station location plans, electrical assemblies, cable and conduit plans, cable schedules, grounding plans, duct bank designs, and other detailed drawings.
• Use ProjectWise for project documentation to track design modifications and new designs.
• Handle complex projects independently without supervision.
• Coordinate with other departments involved in design projects.
• Supervise and mentor less experienced designers.
• Check and validate drawings for the project, as well as those of peers and subordinates.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert in Substation Design.
• Function as project lead on small, less complicated projects with minimal guidance from an engineer.
• Work under the supervision of engineers.

Essential Skills

• Experience in substation design, including physical layout, grounding, and lightning protection.
• Proficiency in using AutoCAD and AutoCAD Electrical.
• Ability to design one-line diagrams and substation engineering.
• Minimum of six years of experience designing physical layouts, equipment layouts, plan views, elevation views, section views, and creating detailed bills of material.
• Six years of design experience using AutoCAD.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in checking design packages is preferred.
• Associate degree in applied science (AAS) in drafting and computer-aided (CAD) design or in civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering technology, or equivalent experience and/or education.

Work Environment

The work environment is a quiet engineering office setting with a business casual dress code. Teamwork is highly encouraged and frequently practiced.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Columbus, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $50.00/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)
• Workplace Type
• This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 19, 2026.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

Reasonable Accommodation

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.