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Senior 3D Substation Physical Designer 1 (SDS Projects) - Grid
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chattanooga, TN, 37402
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 13 January 2026
Description
- As a Senior 3D Substation Physical Designer, you will be working in a project team environment with engineers preparing a high and or extra high voltage substation design package with minimum guidance.
- Produce a 3D Model that would generate the following drawings using Inventor, AutoCAD, P4A and SDS software:
- 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
- Shielding Plan
- Interpret and incorporate vendor information into design deliverables.
- Conduct walkdowns at client substation facilities.
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:
- An Associate’s Degree in Drafting, and/or a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology, and/or a high school diploma and 5 or more years of 3D drafting course work or equivalent technical experience.
- 10 or more years of experience in 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
$74,750.00 - $115,120.00Transparency 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
Senior 3D Substation Physical Designers blend client specifications with IEEE standards by leveraging advanced 3D modeling tools like AutoCAD and Inventor, ensuring layouts are precise and compliant. This skill is vital for producing accurate substation equipment arrangements and detailed connection plans.
Applicants should be adept with software such as Inventor, AutoCAD, P4A, Vault Pro, and SDS, enabling them to create comprehensive 3D models and technical drawings essential for substation projects. Chattanooga employers often prioritize candidates demonstrating this technical versatility.
Professionals in this niche often progress from drafting roles to senior design positions, gaining expertise in high voltage substations and mastering CAD standards. With experience, opportunities expand into project management or specialized engineering roles within the power grid industry.
Chattanooga's growing energy sector creates steady demand for substation design experts, but candidates with over 10 years of 3D modeling experience and proficiency in specialized software tend to stand out in this moderately competitive market.
Familiarity with regional electrical codes and compliance with IEEE standards is crucial. While formal certifications may vary, hands-on knowledge of utility substation regulations in Tennessee enhances a designer's credibility and effectiveness on local projects.
At Sargent & Lundy, collaboration and precision are highly valued. Designers are encouraged to engage closely with engineering teams, ensuring that 3D models not only meet technical requirements but also align with the company’s award-winning culture of innovation and quality.
Sargent & Lundy distinguishes this role by emphasizing hybrid work flexibility, comprehensive benefits, and a focus on detailed 3D modeling using cutting-edge software, all within a company recognized for industry-leading workplace culture and career development.
The compensation typically falls between $74,750 and $115,120 annually, reflecting the specialized skills in 3D substation modeling and physical design, as well as the local market demand for experienced professionals within the power grid sector.
The hybrid schedule balances remote design work with essential in-office days that foster direct teamwork and client facility walkdowns, ensuring project accuracy and seamless communication within multidisciplinary teams.
They meticulously interpret vendor data to integrate specialized equipment specifications into 3D models, which is crucial for creating accurate drawings and ensuring designs meet real-world operational requirements.