Substation Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Substation Designer

Description:

ENTRUST is hiring for a Physical Substation Designer. This position is responsible for developing physical design packages for electric utility substations and supporting projects from conceptual design through construction. The Physical Substation Designer works closely with engineers, designers, and clients to prepare detailed drawing packages, coordinate multidisciplinary design activities, and ensure compliance with applicable utility, industry, and client standards. Responsibilities include performing field investigations, verifying existing conditions, incorporating design modifications, and supporting project execution through completion. The Physical Substation Designer may conduct site visits to gather field data, evaluate constructability concerns, and assist engineering teams in developing cost-effective and reliable substation designs.

What You'll Do

• Develop and maintain detailed design and drafting deliverables for substation projects, including physical layouts, civil site plans, grounding plans, protection and control schematics, wiring diagrams, and construction details.
• Create engineering drawings and supporting calculations for complex electrical and substation design assignments, ensuring accuracy, constructability, and adherence to project requirements.
• Produce high-quality electrical design deliverables using established engineering practices, industry standards, and client specifications.
• Incorporate design revisions, redlines, and markups into project documentation while maintaining version control and drawing integrity.
• Review and analyze engineering reports, drawings, specifications, and test data to support design development and project execution.
• Interpret and apply applicable codes, standards, and regulatory requirements, including NESC, NEC, IEEE, and ANSI standards.
• Perform quality assurance reviews of design packages to ensure compliance with project scope, schedule, budget, and quality expectations.
• Coordinate with engineers, project managers, designers, and other stakeholders to resolve design challenges and deliver successful project outcomes.
• Manage assigned tasks effectively while meeting project milestones, budget targets, and deadlines.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical certification in Drafting, Design Technology, Engineering Technology, or a related field; equivalent industry experience will also be considered.
• Proficiency with industry-standard design software, including AutoCAD, MicroStation, and Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to quickly learn and effectively utilize new software applications and design technologies.
• Strong experience using both 2D and 3D design tools to develop engineering and construction drawings.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable industry codes and standards, including NESC, NEC, IEEE, ANSI, and the Design Guide for Rural Substations.
• Experience reviewing and coordinating vendor submittals to verify compliance with project design criteria and specifications.
• Working knowledge of substation design principles, including electrical clearances, phase spacing requirements, conductor configurations, bus supports, and switch components.
• Ability to independently develop and review comprehensive construction drawing packages, including site layouts, elevations, grounding plans, conduit and trench plans, details, and single-line diagrams.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary project teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and exceptional attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in substation design, power delivery, or the broader energy industry.
• Experience developing and maintaining 3D models for substation projects.
• Familiarity with utility, renewable energy, or transmission and distribution projects.
• Experience supporting projects through multiple phases, from conceptual design through construction.

Why Join Us? 
At ENTRUST Solutions Group, a Leidos company, we are driven by a commitment to innovation, technical excellence, and delivering the critical infrastructure that powers and connects communities. Together with Leidos, we are building a scaled, end-to-end energy and infrastructure organization focused on modernizing the grid, improving reliability, and helping utilities and network providers meet rising demand. 
As an ENR top ranked firm, our team of more than 5,000 professionals brings deep technical expertise and advanced technology across electric, gas, and telecommunications infrastructure. We solve complex challenges for clients across North America and expanding markets, helping them strengthen reliability, expand capacity, and adapt to evolving infrastructure needs. 
We foster a culture where innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement are expected, and where people are empowered to challenge convention, think boldly, and make an impact. Whether you are looking to grow your expertise, lead transformative projects, or help shape the future of infrastructure, you will find opportunities to thrive here. 
If you are ready to outthink the status quo, tackle meaningful challenges, and build what is next, we would love to hear from you.

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