Senior Substation Physical Designer

Charlotte, North Carolina Permanent USD135,000 - USD150,000 per year Hybrid working View Job Description
We are seeking a Senior Substation Physical Designer with 7+ years of experience supporting high-voltage transmission and distribution substation projects. This role will lead the physical design and layout development of substations ranging from 69kV to 500kV while serving as a technical resource for engineering, design, and project teams. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in substation layouts, equipment arrangements, grounding systems, and construction drawing development.
  • Lead complex high-voltage projects
  • Work on 69kV-500kV substations

About Our Client

Our client is a leading engineering and infrastructure services firm specializing in power delivery, substation, transmission, and utility projects across North America. Known for technical excellence and a strong project pipeline, they partner with utilities, renewable energy developers, and industrial clients to design and deliver critical energy infrastructure that supports grid modernization and long-term reliability.

Job Description

  • Lead physical design efforts for transmission and distribution substation projects.
  • Develop and review substation site plans, grading interfaces, equipment arrangements, elevations, sections, conduit plans, and grounding layouts.
  • Produce construction-ready drawing packages utilizing AutoCAD, MicroStation, Bentley Substation, or similar design platforms.
  • Coordinate physical design activities with civil, structural, protection & controls, relay, and transmission line engineering teams.
  • Perform equipment spacing, electrical clearance, and constructability reviews in accordance with utility and industry standards.
  • Develop detailed layouts for transformers, breakers, switches, bus systems, control buildings, conduit systems, and steel structures.
  • Review vendor drawings, equipment specifications, and engineering calculations to ensure design accuracy.
  • Support project planning, scheduling, and execution activities while maintaining quality and budget objectives.
  • Conduct site visits, field investigations, and existing facility assessments as required.
  • Identify design improvements and proactively resolve technical issues throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Mentor junior designers and provide technical guidance to project teams.
  • Participate in client meetings and serve as a subject matter expert for physical design deliverables.



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 Senior Substation Physical Designer should have:

  • Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology, Drafting, Design, Engineering, or related discipline.
  • 7+ years of substation physical design experience supporting utility, consulting engineering, EPC, or power delivery projects.
  • Demonstrated experience designing substations ranging from 69kV to 500kV.
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD, MicroStation, Bentley Substation, or similar design software.
  • Strong knowledge of:
    • Power transformers
    • Circuit breakers
    • Disconnect switches
    • Bus arrangements
    • Instrument transformers
    • Surge arresters
    • Control buildings
    • Grounding systems
    • Cable trench and conduit systems
  • Understanding of NESC, IEEE, ANSI, and utility-specific design standards.
  • Ability to interpret engineering calculations, specifications, and technical requirements.
  • Experience reviewing and checking design deliverables for accuracy and completeness.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.

What's on Offer

  • Competitive annual salary ranging from $135,000 to $150,000.
  • Competitive base salary and annual bonus potential
  • Hybrid or flexible work environment
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Generous PTO and paid holidays
  • Career advancement opportunities
  • High-impact transmission and power infrastructure projects
  • Technical leadership visibility
  • Collaborative engineering culture
  • Professional development and training opportunities



Interested? Apply today.

Contact
Lauren Just
Quote job ref
JN-082026-7081418

Job summary

Sector
Engineering & Manufacturing
Sub Sector
Engineering Design and R&D
Industry
Energy & Natural Resources
Where
Charlotte
Contract Type
Permanent
Consultant name
Lauren Just
Job Reference
JN-082026-7081418
Job Nature
Hybrid working
 

Michael Page is an inclusive employer. We want to make sure you have everything you need to perform at your best throughout our hiring process, so please let us know if there is anything we can do to support with your application or interview.