Substation Designer

Dashiell; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Dashiell, part of Quanta Services, seeks an Electrical Designer to draft and design electrical infrastructure drawings in Houston. You will support substation design teams by preparing CAD documents, performing basic calculations, and assisting senior designers in project execution.

The role develops foundational electrical design skills, with opportunities to advance to Designer I, II, or III based on experience. Occasional travel and adherence to safety standards are required.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or technical certificate in drafting, engineering technology, or related field.
• Minimum 1 year of drafting and design experience in electrical or related field.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or MicroStation; experience with discipline-specific design software preferred.
• Basic knowledge of electrical design including power distribution systems, conduit and cable tray routing, panel schedules, single-line diagrams, grounding and bonding, lighting design, motor control, and NEC, NFPA, and IEEE standards.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established standards and procedures.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills; ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Understanding and implementation of BIM process is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare electrical engineering drawings and CAD documents under close supervision of senior designers.
• Assist in the development of design packages including plans, details, and specifications.
• Perform basic quantity take-offs and material lists from design drawings.
• Perform lighting studies using Visual Lighting software.
• Maintain drawing files and project documentation in compliance with company or client standards.
• Review drawings for accuracy and completeness prior to submittal to supervisor.
• Coordinate with team members to ensure consistency across drawing sets.
• Learn and apply applicable electrical codes, standards, and company design guidelines.

Skills

Electrical design knowledge

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Communication skills

BIM process understanding

Education

Associate’s degree or technical certificate in drafting/engineering technology

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Job description

Dashiell, an operating unit of Quanta Services (trading as PWR), is a leading national provider of technical and construction services supporting critical electric infrastructure. We serve electric utilities, power generation, industrial, renewable, and energy markets with integrated capabilities spanning planning and system studies, engineering and design, maintenance and testing, program management, construction, and turnkey EPC delivery.

With more than 60 years of experience executing large, complex projects, Dashiell specializes in medium- and high-voltage electrical infrastructure and delivers safe, reliable solutions across the full project lifecycle. Backed by the scale, resources, and safety culture of Quanta Services, Dashiell partners with clients to build and maintain the infrastructure that powers communities and economies.

Primary Function

The Electrical Designer is responsible for producing drafting and design work under close supervision of senior designers. Assignments are designed to develop the employee’s understanding of electrical, physical, P&C, corporate/client standards, and procedures. This position supports the substation design team by preparing drawings, performing basic calculations, and assisting senior designers in the execution of substation engineering projects. Successful candidates may be placed in a Designer I, II or III title depending on skill and experience level.

Location

The position will be based in our Houston, TX office located at 12301 Kurland Drive Houton, TX 77034 and will report to Dashiell’s Supervising Engineer.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepare electrical engineering drawings and CAD documents under close supervision of senior designers.
• Assist in the development of design packages including plans, details, and specifications.
• Perform basic quantity take-offs and material lists from design drawings.
• Perform lighting studies using Visual Lighting software.
• Maintain drawing files and project documentation in compliance with company or client standards.
• Review drawings for accuracy and completeness prior to submittal to supervisor.
• Coordinate with team members to ensure consistency across drawing sets.
• Learn and apply applicable electrical codes, standards, and company design guidelines.
• Calculate cable lengths, conduit fill, or other basic tasks.
• Assist CAD Admin group to set up and implement customer standards.
• Assist CAD Admin group in developing and controlling CADD libraries and standards.
• Take personal responsibility for the quality and accuracy of his/her work.
• Bring potential project related problems and possible solutions to the attention of the responsible party.
• Travel for short periods of time as required by projects and assignments.
• Perform special projects and complete other duties as assigned or requested.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Contribute to on-time delivery of design packages that support project execution.
• Improve drawing accuracy and reduce rework by following QA/QC procedures.
• Support team efficiency by producing clean, well‑organized CAD deliverables.
• Build foundational electrical design skills that support long‑term career growth.

Minimum Qualifications / Experience

• Associate’s degree or technical certificate in drafting, engineering technology, or related field required.
• Minimum 1 year of drafting and design experience in electrical or related field.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or MicroStation; experience with discipline‑specific design software is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of electrical design including power distribution systems, conduit and cable tray routing, panel schedules, single‑line diagrams, grounding and bonding, lighting design, motor control, and applicable NEC, NFPA, and IEEE standards.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established standards and procedures.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong skills in word processing, spreadsheet, and email software.
• Understanding and implementation of BIM process is preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods during computer‑based work.
• Ability to stand and walk intermittently throughout the workday.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.
• Occasional travel to other offices or project sites.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and operating office equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Working extended hours, including weekends, may be required periodically.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions as defined by Company policy.

Equal Employment Opportunity Dashiell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Dashiell offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. Benefits include company‑paid life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, long‑term disability insurance, an employee assistance program, medical coverage through a traditional PPO or one of two high‑deductible health plans (with FSA or HSA options), dental and vision coverage, supplemental life insurance, short‑term disability, critical illness insurance, group accident insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, and a 401(k) plan with immediate vesting, among others.