Substation Designer

Dashiell Corporation; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Dashiell Corporation is seeking an Electrical Designer to support substation design and drafting in our Madison, WI office. You will perform basic calculations, develop CAD drawings, and assist senior designers while learning company standards and procedures.

The role emphasizes collaboration, accuracy, and adherence to electrical codes, with opportunities to advance within the substation design team as you gain experience.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical certificate in drafting or engineering technology required.
• Minimum 1 year of drafting and design experience in electrical or related field.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or MicroStation; discipline-specific design software preferred.
• Basic knowledge of power distribution, conduit/cable routing, NEC/NFPA/IEEE standards.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow standards and procedures.
• Effective written and verbal communication; ability to work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare electrical engineering drawings and CAD documents under supervision.
• Assist in developing design packages including plans and specifications.
• Perform basic quantity take-offs and material lists from drawings.
• Maintain drawing files and project documentation per standards.
• Review drawings for accuracy prior to submittal to supervisor.
• Coordinate with team to ensure consistency across drawing sets.
• Learn and apply applicable electrical codes and design guidelines.
• Travel for short periods as required by projects.

Skills

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Written and verbal communication

Electrical design knowledge

Education

Associate’s degree or technical certificate in drafting, engineering technology, or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

P&C design software

Job description

• Perform lighting studies using Visual Lighting software.

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. Learn more at www.dashiell.com.

Primary Function

The Electrical Designer is responsible for producing drafting and design work under close supervision. 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. The position will be based in our Madison, WI office located at 2908 Marketplace Drive, Suite 100 Fitchburg, WI 5371 and will report to Dashiell’s Design Supervisor.

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 the implementation of the 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

Environmental Conditions

• Primarily climate-controlled office environment.
• Occasional site visits may require exposure to outdoor environments.

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, and an employee assistance program. Additional benefit offerings include 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.

Candidates must be at least 18 years of age and legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without current or future visa sponsorship.

Third-party recruiters and agencies, please do not contact us regarding this position.