SDS Substation Project Designer - Grid
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 5 January 2026
Description
This position allows for a hybrid work schedule with a mix of work spent in office and working remote from home.
- As a Project 3D Substation Physical Designer, you will be working in a project team environment with engineers and designers to preparing a high and or extra high voltage substation design package. Mentor less experienced designer to produce a 3D Model that would generate the following drawings: 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, Bill 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.
Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Performs technical review of project team's comments on vendor design deliverables (ensuring compliance with specifications), coordinates the incorporation of those comments, and consolidates and resolves project team comments.
- Acts as the lead while conducting field walkdowns and gathers data at client facilities. Interfaces with clients and contractors to discuss walkdown issues. Performs constructability walkdowns with clients and contractors.
- Identifies applicable codes and standards for team use. Provides guidance in applying codes and standards. Participates actively in the company's quality system in developing enhancements to standards and processes for company use. Identifies applicable standards for technical tasks. Maintains and utilizes working knowledge of design standards and practices. Ensures that designs conform to codes and standards. Applies Client's standards related to the project.
- Provides guidance and mentoring to designers, drafters, and other project stakeholders in the use of design/drafting tools and client-specific design tools.
- Reviews and supervises the production of design deliverables.
- Provides technical guidance to others in the preparation and review of calculations associated with applicable design processes.
- Develops cost-effective design approaches for a given project.
- Interfaces with other disciplines to obtain required design inputs and ensures adequacy of input for an integrated design.
- Obtains required input for calculations and independently prepares and reviews calculations.
- Implements work plan requirements within budget and schedule using the most efficient methods. Provides guidance to the project team in attaining budget and schedule.
- Delegates and monitors the work of assigned staff on technical matters pertinent to project assignments.
- Provides performance feedback as a primary evaluator and is involved in performance and personnel issues for assigned staff.
- Oversees routine, day-to-day performance and personnel issues for assigned group.
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 7 or more years of 3D drafting course work or equivalent technical experience.
- A minimum of 18 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
$92,270.00 - $140,380.00Transparency 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
A SDS Substation Project Designer - Grid plays a crucial role by creating detailed 3D models that translate into precise electrical equipment plans, grounding layouts, and conduit details. Their expertise ensures substation designs are both code-compliant and optimized for efficient installation and operation.
Proficiency in AutoCAD, Inventor, P4A, Vault Pro, and SDS software is vital for this role. These platforms empower designers to develop accurate models and comprehensive drawings, facilitating seamless integration of vendor data and compliance with IEEE and client standards.
Starting in this role can lead to senior design leadership or project management positions within utility or engineering firms. Deep technical skills and mentoring experience often pave the way toward overseeing multidisciplinary teams and influencing substation engineering strategies.
Chicago's robust infrastructure and ongoing grid modernization projects drive steady demand for skilled substation designers. While competition exists, professionals with 3D modeling expertise and extensive substation experience stand out in this evolving local market.
Designers in Chicago benefit from understanding regional electrical codes alongside national IEEE standards. Familiarity with Illinois state regulations and utility-specific compliance protocols enhances design accuracy and facilitates smoother project approvals in the area.
Sargent & Lundy offers a hybrid work model combined with award-winning benefits emphasizing employee well-being. Their commitment to mentoring, quality standards, and integrated project teams fosters a unique environment for growth and technical excellence in substation design.
This position involves guiding less experienced designers through 3D modeling and drafting processes, ensuring adherence to standards while fostering skill development. Mentorship is embedded in project workflows, enhancing team performance and maintaining high-quality deliverables.
Compensation typically ranges from $92,270 to $140,380 annually, reflecting extensive 3D substation design experience and technical proficiency. This aligns with local market trends for specialized electrical design roles within the power grid sector.
Unlike general substation engineers, this role focuses heavily on 3D physical modeling, preparing detailed drawings, conducting client walkdowns, and resolving design comments. It blends hands-on drafting expertise with field data gathering and cross-disciplinary coordination.
The hybrid schedule allows blending remote and office work, while generous paid leave, flexible arrangements, and comprehensive health benefits promote a supportive atmosphere. This balance aids in sustaining productivity and personal well-being in a demanding field.