Substation Designer

Toth and Associates, Inc.; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus up to 5%

Paid time off

Medical and dental coverage

401(k) matching

Discretionary bonuses

Paid bonding leave

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability

FSA/HSA options

Education assistance

Job summary

Toth and Associates, Inc. is seeking an in-office Substation Designer to support electric utility substation projects in Portland, OR. You will develop physical layouts, ensure safe equipment spacing, and coordinate across engineering disciplines to produce constructible designs.

The ideal candidate has 4+ years in related design work, strong technical knowledge, and proficiency with CAD and MS Office. A sign-on bonus up to 5% of annual base salary is available for qualified applicants.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in drafting, design technology, or related field with 4+ years of relevant experience; OR
• Bachelor's degree in a related technical field with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience in utility/substation design or related infrastructure.
• Substation design experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop physical layouts and detailed designs for substations and upgrades.
• Create and maintain 2D CAD drawings and models with the CAD Department.
• Ensure designs meet industry standards, client specs, and safety requirements.
• Coordinate with electrical, civil, and structural teams for integrated designs.
• Review equipment/vendor drawings and incorporate critical project data.
• Prepare design documentation and schedules using MS Office tools.
• Participate in design reviews, QC, and project coordination meetings.
• Support projects from concept through construction-ready deliverables.

Skills

Substation design experience

Technical design knowledge

Coordination across disciplines

Education

Associate degree in drafting/engineering tech

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

CAD software (2D)

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: PDX - Portland, OR 97239Salary Range: $30.00 - $55.00 HourlyJob Shift: DayQualified candidates applying directly to Toth are eligible for a sign-on bonus up to 5% of the annual base salary. This bonus is subject to the applicable policies.

We are seeking an in office Substation Designer to support the design and development of electric utility substation projects. This role works closely with engineers, CAD Technicians, and project teams to develop safe, reliable, and constructible substation layouts and design packages. The ideal candidate has strong technical design experience and knowledge of utility electrical systems.

The Substation Designer will develop physical substation layouts and ensure equipment arrangements, electrical clearances, and physical spacings comply with applicable industry codes, standards, and client requirements. This position requires a strong combination of technical design knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to coordinate across multiple engineering disciplines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop physical layouts and detailed designs for new substations, expansions, upgrades, and equipment replacement projects.
• Create and maintain accurate 2D CAD drawings, models, plans, elevations, sections, and design details with assistance from the CAD Department.
• Ensure designs meet applicable industry standards, client specifications, safety requirements, and established engineering practices.
• Coordinate with electrical, civil, and structural engineering teams to develop integrated, constructible designs.
• Review equipment and vendor drawings to incorporate dimensions, connection requirements, and other critical project information.
• Evaluate equipment arrangements, electrical clearances, accessibility, maintenance requirements, and future expansion needs.
• Identify and help resolve design conflicts, clearance concerns, and constructability issues throughout the design process.
• Prepare design documentation, equipment schedules, and supporting project information using Microsoft Office tools.
• Participate in design reviews, quality control efforts, and project coordination meetings to ensure project accuracy and consistency.
• Support projects through all phases of design, from initial concept development through construction-ready deliverables.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in drafting, design technology, engineering technology, CAD, or related field with 4+ years of relevant experience; OR
• Bachelor's degree in a related technical field with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience in utility, substation, transmission & distribution, industrial electrical, or similar infrastructure design.
• Substation design experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Utility substation design (12.47 kV - 230 kV).
• Knowledge of electrical clearances, equipment spacing, grounding, conduit & cable design, lightning protection, lighting, electrical schematics, AC and DC services, substation batteries, and related substation elements.
• Familiarity with IEEE, ANSI, NESC, and NEC standards.
• Experience with multidisciplinary coordination.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Eight paid holidays
• Company-paid medical and dental coverage with buy-up options
• 401(k) w/company matching and profit sharing
• Discretionary bonuses
• Paid Bonding Leave
• Vision
• Company-paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Supplemental life insurance available
• Short-term disability available
• FSA and HSA options
• Education assistance

Company Overview

Toth and Associates, Inc. (TOTH) is a full-service consulting engineering firm offering a broad range of services, including electric utility engineering, structural engineering, civil engineering, land services, GIS/mapping, utility rate services, and joint-use/make-ready support. Since our founding in 2003, we have grown to serve public and private utilities, municipalities, architects, developers, educational institutions, and other clients across the country.

At TOTH, we believe strong relationships are the foundation of successful work. Our team is built on professional expertise, collaboration, and a commitment to serving both our clients and one another well. We value people, encourage continued growth, and strive to provide a workplace where employees can build meaningful, rewarding careers.

TOTH offers competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment. Visit www.tothassociates.com to learn more about our company.