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3D Substation Physical Designer 3 - Grid
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 2 January 2026
Description
This position allows for a hybrid work schedule with a mix of work spent in office and working remote from home.
- Collaborate with engineers and a senior designer to produce a high and or extra high voltage substation design. Using SDS to prepare a 3D Model that would generate the following drawing: General Arrangement, Electrical Equipment Plans, Sections, Electrical Connection Details, Foundation Plans, Grounding Plans, Grounding Details, Conduit and Trench Plans, Conduit Details, Control Building Layout, Control Building Details, Bills of Material, Cable Schedules, and a Shielding Plan. Using Inventor, AutoCAD, P4A and SDS software.
- Interpret and incorporate vendor information into design deliverables.
- Conduct walkdowns at client substation facilities.
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Education/Experience Requirements:
- An Associate’s Degree in Drafting, and/or a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology, and/or a high school diploma and 2 or more years of 3D drafting course work or equivalent technical experience.
- A minimum of 8 years preparing 3D substation models and physical design experience.
- Proficient with working in 3D using AutoCAD, Inventor, P4A, Vault Pro and SDS.
- Ability to visualize in 3D, layout substation equipment based on a clients and or IEEE standards.
- Able to follow a CAD standard.
Valued Knowledge/Skills:
- An Associate’s Degree in Computer Aided Design.
- Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology, including the ability to relate various equipment to a technical design.
- Able to use BlueBeam to create a BOM count, review and self-check drawings.
- Knowledge using AutoCAD Electrical.
Award-Winning Benefits
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance- Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
- Life & Accident Insurance
- Disability Coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Back-Up Daycare
- FSA & HSA
- 401(k)
- Pre-Tax Commuter Account
- Merit Scholarship Program
- Employee Discount Program
- Corporate Charitable Giving Program
- Tuition Assistance
- First Professional Licensure Bonus
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Bereavement Leave
- Flexible Work Arrangements
Compensation Range
$63,480.00 - $99,080.00Transparency Statement
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.Awards & Recognition
Equal Opportunity
Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicago's electrical infrastructure demands precise substation designs compliant with local codes, making the 3D Substation Physical Designer 3 role uniquely challenging. Familiarity with regional utility standards and client site walkdowns in Chicago enhances the effectiveness of model accuracy and installation readiness.
In Chicago, expertise in AutoCAD, Inventor, and SDS software is highly valued, alongside knowledge of IEEE standards. While formal CAD certifications bolster credibility, practical experience with electrical substation layouts and vendor data integration carries significant weight.
This role demands advanced 3D visualization skills, mastery of substation equipment placement per IEEE standards, and the ability to generate comprehensive technical drawings. Unlike general engineers, it requires hands-on proficiency with tools like SDS and Bluebeam to produce detailed BOMs and cable schedules.
Daily tasks include collaborating with engineers to develop 3D substation models, interpreting vendor specifications, conducting client site inspections, and preparing detailed layout plans and grounding designs. The role balances technical drafting with on-site evaluations to ensure design integrity.
Sargent & Lundy fosters professional development through merit scholarships and tuition assistance, encouraging skill enhancement in substation design. The company’s culture, recognized for excellence, also offers performance bonuses and flexible work arrangements supporting long-term career progression.
Beyond competitive compensation, Sargent & Lundy provides award-winning benefits including comprehensive healthcare, paid parental leave, and flexible hybrid work schedules. Their commitment to employee well-being and continuous learning distinguishes them in the Chicago electrical design sector.
The compensation range spans from approximately $63,480 to $99,080 annually, reflecting experience and expertise. This package is complemented by bonuses and a robust benefits program, aligning with Chicago’s market rates for specialized substation physical designers.
Chicago’s expanding electrical grid modernization projects have heightened demand for skilled 3D substation physical designers. Employers seek candidates proficient in advanced CAD tools who can streamline substation layouts and comply with evolving regional utility standards.
Sargent & Lundy offers a flexible hybrid schedule, balancing in-office collaboration with remote work, which mitigates Chicago’s traffic concerns. This approach supports productivity and work-life balance without sacrificing the need for occasional on-site client facility visits.
Both are critical; eight-plus years of hands-on 3D substation modeling paired with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in drafting or engineering technology are essential. Chicago employers emphasize proven application of CAD standards and site experience over solely academic credentials.