Substation Physical Designer

Ampirical; Covington, Northern (LA, KY); Hybrid; USD 57,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit-sharing bonus

Day-One Benefits: Medical, Dental, and

Job summary

Ampirical is hiring for Substation Physical Designer I, II, or III in Covington, LA to develop physical design packages for substations from 12kV to 500kV. In-office role with potential field visits and travel.

We are primarily seeking a Designer II, with flexibility for a strong Designer I to grow. Proficiency in 2D/3D design and the ability to work with AutoCAD, P4A, and Inventor is preferred. Join a team that values detailed design and client collaboration.

Qualifications

• 0+ years of experience required for Designer I; progression with skill growth.
• Ability to work in both 2D and 3D design environments is beneficial.
• Familiarity with grounding, shielding, and lighting concepts is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Develop and interpret substation layouts and physical design drawings.
• Support the creation of IFR, IFA, and IFC design packages.
• Interpret single-line and three-line diagrams to develop physical layouts.
• Produce general arrangements, elevations, section views, foundation layouts, grounding layouts, conduit layouts, and bills of material.
• Apply electrical, working, road, maintenance, and construction clearance requirements to substation designs.
• Apply knowledge of grounding, shielding, and lighting principles.
• Consider constructability of transmission lines, transformers, breakers, disconnect switches, and equipment.
• Use AutoCAD, P4A, Inventor, and related software.
• Review and incorporate vendor drawings into design deliverables.
• Follow governing codes including NESC, NEC, and IEEE.
• Support project schedules, budgets, QC, and client standards.
• Participate in field support, site visits, and documentation as needed.
• Collaborate with clients, vendors, engineers, and team members.

Skills

Microsoft Office Suite

Bluebeam Revu

NESC/NEC/IEEE standards

Communication

Education

Associate Degree in Drafting, CAD, Engineering Design Technology, or related field

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

P4A

Inventor

Job description

About Ampirical

At Ampirical, we’re shaping the future of the power grid with precision, innovation, and purpose. Just as the ampere is the foundation of electric current, Ampirical is a core force driving the energy sector forward. We focus on quality, forward-thinking solutions, and empowering our team to grow and thrive.

We don’t just build projects—we build careers. If you’re looking for a place where your contributions matter and your professional development is supported every step of the way, we’d love to meet you. Watch this video to get a glimpse into our culture.

Why Ampirical?

Hourly Rate:

Designer I

• 0+ years of experience

• $27.21 - $36.20/hour ($56,606 - $75,295 annualized) - Commensurate (dependent on experience, education, and qualifications)

Designer II

• 2+ years of relevant experience

• $28.85 - $38.37/hour ($60,002 - $79,813 annualized) - Commensurate (dependent on experience, education, and qualifications)

Designer III

• 4+ years of relevant experience

• $30.09 - $40.92/hour ($62,586 - $85,110 annualized) - Commensurate (dependent on experience, education, and qualifications)

Profit-Sharing Bonus: Semi-annual, performance-based (10% to 20% of salary)
Day-One Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision
401(k): 4% match with immediate vesting
PTO: Starting at 80 hours of vacation and 40 hours of sick time per year + 10 paid holidays
Flexible Work Schedule: Every other Friday off
Career Development: Advancement opportunities and tuition reimbursement
Perks: Gym membership stipend, wellness program, fertility benefits, pet insurance, and more

Your Role: Substation Physical Designer I, II, or III

This in-office position in Covington, LA supports Ampirical’s Substation – Physical team and the development of physical design packages for substations ranging from 12kV to 500kV.

We are primarily seeking a Designer II-level candidate, but will consider a strong Designer I who demonstrates good critical-thinking skills and the ability to grow technically. Ideal candidates will have experience working in both 2D and 3D design environments.

Occasional field visits and site walkdowns are required, with limited overnight travel possible.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and interpret substation layouts and physical design drawings

• Support the creation of Issued for Review (IFR), Issued for Approval (IFA), and Issued for Construction (IFC) design packages

• Interpret single-line and three-line diagrams to develop physical layouts

• Produce general arrangements, elevations, section views, foundation layouts, grounding layouts, conduit layouts, and bills of material

• Apply electrical, working, road, maintenance, and construction clearance requirements to substation designs

• Apply knowledge of grounding, shielding, and lighting principles

• Consider the constructability of transmission lines, transformers, circuit breakers, disconnect switches, and other substation equipment

• Use AutoCAD, P4A, Inventor, and related engineering/design software

• Review and incorporate vendor drawings and equipment information into design deliverables

• Follow governing codes and standards including NESC, NEC, and IEEE

• Support project schedules, budgets, quality-control processes, and client-specific design standards

• Participate in field support, pre-scoping activities, site visits, and documentation as needed

• Collaborate with clients, vendors, engineers, and other members of the project team

The scope and independence of the work increases with level. Designer I performs lower-complexity work with significant guidance, Designer II handles intermediate-complexity work with moderate oversight, and Designer III handles medium-complexity work with low oversight and provides peer checking of lower-level work.

What You Bring

Education

Designer I

• Associate Degree in Drafting, CAD, Engineering Design Technology, or a related technical field
  OR

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or a related technical field

• Either degree path is acceptable

• 0+ years of experience required

Designer II

• Associate Degree in Drafting, CAD, Engineering Design Technology, or a related technical field
  OR

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or a related technical field

• 2+ years of directly relevant experience

  • In lieu of degree: 2+ additional years of relevant experience may substitute for the degree

Designer III

• Associate Degree in Drafting, CAD, Engineering Design Technology, or a related technical field
  OR

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or a related technical field

• 4+ years of directly relevant experience

  • In lieu of degree: 2+ additional years of relevant experience may substitute for the degree

Experience

Designer I

• Entry-level; no prior professional experience required

• Foundational understanding of substation layouts and physical design principles

• Ability and willingness to develop technical skills under close supervision

• Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills

• Exposure to or experience with 2D and 3D design preferred

Designer II

• 2+ years of directly relevant experience in substation physical design or a related technical field

• Basic to intermediate knowledge of substation configurations, layouts, clearances, grounding, shielding, and lighting

• Experience working with 2D and 3D design

• Ability to create and interpret preliminary substation layouts and contribute to design packages

• Ability to provide peer checks for lower-level designers

Designer III

• 4+ years of directly relevant experience in substation physical design or a related technical field

• Intermediate knowledge of substation configurations, layouts, clearances, grounding, shielding, and lighting

• Experience working with 2D and 3D design

• Ability to independently apply multiple governing codes and client standards

• Ability to peer check lower-level work, support QC activities, develop simple scopes of work, and provide technical presentations

Skills

• AutoCAD

• P4A

• Inventor

• Microsoft Office Suite

• Bluebeam Revu

• Understanding of NESC, NEC, and IEEE standards appropriate to position level

• Strong attention to detail and ability to produce accurate design documentation

• Strong communication, organization, collaboration, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills

• OSHA 10 or equivalent site safety training preferred, or willingness to obtain prior to field assignments

Ampirical is an Equal Opportunity Employer, meaning we do not discriminate based on the following characteristics in our hiring and employment practices: Age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, religion or religious attire, marital status, pregnancy (child birth or related medical conditions), citizenship status or amnesty, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, sickle-cell trait, status as a tobacco user or non-user, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.