Substation Physical Designer

Leidos; United States; Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Substation Physical Designer to create design drawing packages for substations from 12kV to 500kV, based in Chicago or remote. This role involves developing electrical layouts, foundations, sections/elevations, conduit and grounding plans, and BOMs.

Responsibilities include reviewing vendor drawings, collaborating with civil engineers, and applying relevant standards to all assignments. Familiarity with 2D/3D CAD tools is essential.

Qualifications

• HS Diploma with 1+ years of direct substation physical electrical design experience using CAD software on electric utility industry projects.
• Associate Degree in Engineering Technology or Drafting Technology is preferred or can offset education with related experience.
• Solid understanding and application of design software such as MicroStation and AutoCAD.

Responsibilities

• Develop new, or modify existing, electrical layout/plan of substation equipment and structures.
• Develop new, or modify existing, substation foundation layout/plan drawings.
• Develop new, or modify existing, section/elevation views from layout/plan drawings.
• Develop new, or modify existing, conduit layout/plan drawings.
• Develop new, or modify existing, substation grounding layout/plan drawings.

Skills

MicroStation

AutoCAD

2D/3D design

Windows Word/Excel

Team collaboration

Analytical problem solving

Education

HS Diploma

Associate Degree in Engineering Technology or Drafting Technology

Tools

Autodesk Inventor

SDS 3D tools

AutoCAD

Autodesk ReCap

Job description

Are you ready for your next career challenge? We are looking for a skilled and experienced Substation Physical Designer to work out of our Chicago office or remotely. In this role, you will use accepted practices and standards to create substation design drawing packages and required documents for electric power substations from 12kV to 500kV.

Substation Physical Designer Responsibilities Include

• Develop new, or modify existing, electrical layout/plan of substation equipment and structures.
• Develop new, or modify existing, substation foundation layout/plan drawings.
• Develop new, or modify existing, section/elevation views from layout/plan drawings.
• Develop new, or modify existing, conduit layout/plan drawings.
• Develop new, or modify existing, substation grounding layout/plan drawings.
• Develop new, or modify existing, control building layout/plan and section/elevation drawings.
• Develop complete bill of materials for all required electrical equipment and materials.
• Review and comment on equipment drawings received from vendors and manufacturers.
• Collaborate with other disciplines (eg. Civil Engineers) as necessary to complete assigned work.
• Assist the project team with development of processes and procedures to increase team efficiency.
• Perform basic engineering calculations to support engineering design.
• Apply relevant client, national and state standards to each assignment as required.

Substation Physical Designer Qualifications

• HS Diploma with 1+ years of direct substation physical electrical design experience using CAD software on electric utility industry projects.
• A combination of education and a demonstrated related experience may be considered in lieu of education and experience requirements.
• Solid understanding and application of design software such as: MicroStation and AutoCAD.
• Proficient with Windows-based software such as Word and Excel which are frequently used to develop project deliverables.
• Ability to learn and effectively utilize new design software programs.
• Advanced ability to utilize 2D and 3D applications to prepare engineering drawings.
• Ability to work in a team environment with others including, but not limited to Project Managers, Engineers, Designers and drafters in multi-discipline groups
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Strong attention to details and work product quality.

Substation Physical Designer Preferred Experience/Additional Information

• Associate Degree in Engineering Technology or Drafting Technology.
• Experience with Autodesk Inventor & SDS 3D tools is a plus.
• Experience with AutoCAD & Microstation is a plus.
• Experience with Autodesk ReCap and other Lidar applications is a plus.

Leidos is a trusted technology-focused solutions provider. Utilities and mobile operators rely on our Power Delivery Services Team for reliable power and telecommunication expertise, as reflected through our work with more than 50 investor-owned utilities, more than 160 municipals/cooperatives, as well as a growing number of mobile operators, local utility providers and private developers. In addition to providing engineering and project management services, Leidos works with an established group of industry-leading construction partners delivering meaningful Energy Delivery Solutions. Our recognition as an industry leader is confirmed by the latest national rankings by Engineering News-Record (ENR) ranking Leidos within the Top 10 T&D Firms, and Top 10 Power Firms.

PDSSUBSTATION

PowerDelivery

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting

August 31, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range

Pay Range $48,100.00 - $86,950.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay And Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

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