Senior Substation Physical Designer 2 - Grid
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chattanooga, TN, 37402
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 8 January 2026
Description
As a Substation Physical Designer, you will be working in a project team environment with engineers and other designers involved in high and extra high voltage substation design. Responsibilities will include the preparation of the following substation drawings:
- Substation General Arrangement
- Substation Electrical Equipment Plans
- Substation Section Views (Elevations)
- Substation Detailed Bill of Material
- Substation Lightning Stroke Shielding Plan
- Substation Grounding Plan
- Substation Conduit, Electrical Connection and Grounding Details
- Substation Below Grade Conduit/Raceway Plan
- Control Building Equipment, Cable Tray, Lighting, Grounding Plans and Section
Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Interpreting and incorporating vendor information into design deliverables.
- Performing walkdowns at client facilities.
- Applying Client's standards related to the work.
This position is based on a hybrid work schedule and will require in-office work 3 days per week.
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Education/Experience Requirements:
- 12 or more years of substation physical design experience.
- An Associate’s Degree in Drafting, or a high school diploma and 2 or more years drafting course work or equivalent technical experience.
- Proficient with AutoCAD and/or MicroStation.
- Ability to visualize parts in 3D without the aid of the computer.
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.
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
$82,120.00 - $128,570.00Transparency 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
In Chattanooga, certifications like NICET in electrical power, or specialized AutoCAD and MicroStation credentials, significantly boost a Substation Physical Designer's profile, aligning well with local utility standards and improving employability in substation construction and grid projects.
Chattanooga's growing investment in smart grid infrastructure increases demand for experienced substation designers, but competition remains tight due to a niche skill set. Candidates with 12+ years and proficiency in 3D visualization tools stand out among peers.
Designers often navigate complex vendor specs integration, high-voltage safety compliance, and detailed grounding and lightning protection layouts. Balancing practical engineering applications with client-specific standards demands precision and adaptability in the substation environment.
Mastering 3D spatial visualization, layering techniques for detailed bill of materials, and precise conduit routing functions in AutoCAD or MicroStation is crucial. These tools enable efficient production of electrical equipment plans and substation elevation views.
Sargent & Lundy fosters collaborative project teams emphasizing technical excellence and innovation. Designers benefit from a hybrid schedule, supportive benefits, and a culture that prioritizes work-life balance, enhancing focus on complex grid engineering challenges.
Indeed, the company’s award-winning benefits include robust health plans, paid parental leave, and tuition assistance, creating a supportive environment that values employee development and well-being beyond standard utility substation job offerings.
Compensation for this role ranges from approximately $82,120 to $128,570 annually, reflecting local market conditions and the candidate’s extensive drafting and substation design experience in high and extra high voltage projects.
Typical duties include drafting detailed substation layouts, electrical equipment plans, grounding and lightning protection schemes, and conducting site walkdowns to verify design accuracy within grid modernization efforts.
By meticulously preparing grounding plans, conduit details, and shielding layouts, the designer ensures equipment protection against electrical faults and lightning, directly contributing to the grid’s operational safety and robustness.