Lead Physical Substation Designer

Richmond, Virginia Temporary USD75 - USD85 per hour Hybrid working View Job Description
We are seeking a Lead Physical Substation Designer to provide technical leadership and execution support for the design and delivery of high-voltage substation projects. This individual will lead physical design activities, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, oversee design quality, and support project delivery from conceptual engineering through IFC packages and construction support.
  • Lead high-impact transmission and substation infrastructure projects
  • Direct influence on technical standards and project delivery

About Our Client

Join a growing power delivery engineering team delivering critical transmission and substation infrastructure projects that support grid modernization, reliability, renewable integration, and long-term utility expansion. This team partners with major utilities, EPC firms, and developers across North America to execute complex substation programs from concept through energization.

Job Description

  • Lead physical design execution for greenfield and brownfield substations supporting transmission and utility infrastructure projects.
  • Develop and oversee substation physical packages including:
    • General arrangement drawings
    • Electrical equipment layouts
    • Section and elevation views
    • Control house layouts
    • Raceway and conduit plans
    • Grounding plans and details
    • Cable routing and cable schedules
    • Structural loading and equipment interfaces
  • Coordinate physical design for AIS and GIS substations ranging from 34.5kV-765kV.
  • Produce and review detailed design deliverables using AutoCAD and/or MicroStation.
  • Support transformer placement, bus configurations, line exits, and constructability reviews.
  • Interface with engineers, project managers, construction teams, and utility clients to maintain alignment on scope, schedule, and technical requirements.
  • Perform QA/QC reviews and maintain compliance with utility and industry standards.
  • Lead multidisciplinary coordination with civil, structural, P&C, and transmission line teams.
  • Review vendor drawings and incorporate equipment requirements into final design packages.
  • Support field activities including site visits, constructability reviews, RFIs, and as-built updates.
  • Mentor junior and mid-level designers and establish drafting and design best practices.
  • Support estimating, scheduling, and resource planning for physical design activities.



MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.

The Successful Applicant

A successful Lead Physical Substation Designer should have:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology, Drafting, Engineering, or related field preferred.
  • 8+ years of substation physical design experience within utility, consulting, or EPC environments.
  • Demonstrated experience designing substations from 69kV-500kV+ preferred.
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Physical substation layout and equipment arrangement
    • Raceway and grounding design
    • Utility construction practices
    • Electrical clearances and constructability
  • Experience with:
    • AutoCAD
    • MicroStation
    • Bentley Substation (preferred)
    • Bluebeam
  • Familiarity with utility and industry standards including:
    • NESC
    • IEEE
    • NEC
    • Utility client specifications
  • Prior experience leading teams and coordinating across multiple projects preferred.

What's on Offer

  • Competitive hourly rate of $75 - $85 USD.
  • Access to medical, dental, and vision benefits.
  • Lead high-impact transmission and substation infrastructure projects
  • Direct influence on technical standards and project delivery
  • Clear growth path into Design Manager or Engineering leadership
  • Long-term backlog and exposure to large utility capital programs



If you're ready to bring your expertise to a challenging and rewarding role, we encourage you to apply today!

Contact
Lauren Just
Quote job ref
JN-072026-7053519

Job summary

Sector
Engineering & Manufacturing
Sub Sector
Engineering Design and R&D
Industry
Energy & Natural Resources
Location
Richmond
Contract Type
Temporary
Consultant name
Lauren Just
Job Reference
JN-072026-7053519
Job Nature
Hybrid working