Substation Physical Designer

Kimley-Horn; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan match

Health coverage

Time off

Student loan matching

Tuition reimbursement

New parent leave

Job summary

Kimley-Horn's Houston office is seeking a Substation Physical Designer with 4+ years of experience to join the Power Delivery team. This is not a remote position.

The successful candidate will develop physical layouts, equipment arrangements, grounding systems, lightning protection, and construction drawing packages while coordinating with multiple disciplines. The role emphasizes technical leadership, quality control, and client communication.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of relevant experience in substation design.
• Associate's degree preferred.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, MicroStation, and Inventor.
• Experience with grounding studies, lightning protection studies, and lighting studies.

Responsibilities

• Perform conceptual and detailed HV and MV substation physical/electrical design for utilities and substations, including basic layout, electrical arrangement, one-line diagrams, three-line drawings, plan-section drawings, and grounding.
• Perform engineering studies and calculations.
• Perform quality control reviews on substation physical design projects.
• Assume the role of technical lead on projects with limited guidance.
• Create and review bills of materials for substation physical projects.
• Develop and review proposals and scopes of work for smaller substation physical projects.
• Support the continued professional development of less experienced engineers/designers, including technical guidance and training recommendations.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams and clients to meet project objectives.

Skills

Grounding studies

Lightning protection studies

Lighting studies

Education

Associate's degree in engineering or drafting concentration

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Inventor

Job description

Overview

Kimley-Horn's Houston, Texas (TX) office is seeking a Substation Physical Designer with 4+ years of experience to join the Power Delivery team. This is not a remote position.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will support the design, and execution of high-voltage and medium-voltage substation projects for utility, renewable energy, and industrial clients. Responsibilities include developing physical layouts, equipment arrangements, grounding systems, lightning protection systems, and construction drawing packages while coordinating closely with protection and control, civil, structural, and electrical disciplines. The ideal candidate is a self-driven designer with strong technical skills, experience in substation design standards and industry practices, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

• Perform conceptual and detailed HV and MV substation physical/electrical design for utilities and substations, including basic layout, electrical arrangement, one-line diagrams, three-line drawings, plan-section drawings, and grounding.
• Perform engineering studies and calculations.
• Perform quality control reviews on substation physical design projects.
• Assume the role of technical lead on projects with limited guidance.
• Create and review bills of materials for substation physical projects.
• Develop and review proposals and scopes of work for smaller substation physical projects.
• Support the continued professional development of less experienced engineers/designers, including technical guidance and training recommendations.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams and clients to meet project objectives.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of relevant experience in substation design.
• Preferred (but not required): Associate's degree with an engineering or drafting concentration.
• Proficiency with industry-standard design software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, and Inventor.
• Experience with grounding studies, lightning protection studies, and lighting studies.

Benefits

• Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to-1 company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
• Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
• Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.