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Substation Physical Designer 1 - Grid
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Santa Ana, CA, 92705
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 11 January 2026
Description
This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid schedule.
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.
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Education/Experience Requirements:
- A minimum of 3 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 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
$54,420.00 - $78,410.00Transparency 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
Experienced Substation Physical Designers develop strong spatial reasoning to mentally picture parts and assemblies. This skill enhances accuracy in drafting intricate substation layouts, enabling seamless translation of technical concepts into detailed AutoCAD or MicroStation schematics essential for high-voltage grid projects.
Santa Ana's energy infrastructure demands precise substation designs that comply with both local codes and California's stringent environmental standards. Designers here often collaborate closely with regional utilities, adapting layouts to urban density and seismic considerations, which can differ markedly from substation projects elsewhere in the state.
Core strengths include mastery of AutoCAD and MicroStation, a solid grasp of electrical substation layouts, and the ability to interpret vendor data accurately. Additionally, familiarity with grounding plans and conduit detailing reflects the technical depth required to contribute effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
At Sargent & Lundy, Substation Physical Designers actively collaborate with engineers and other design professionals, ensuring that substation drawings meet technical specifications and client standards. This integration fosters cross-functional communication and aligns design outputs with evolving project requirements and grid reliability goals.
Compensation for this role typically spans from approximately $54,420 to $78,410 annually, reflecting the candidate’s experience and technical proficiency. This range aligns with regional market trends for substation design professionals involved in high-voltage infrastructure projects within Southern California.
Certifications in computer-aided design (CAD) and familiarity with regional electrical codes significantly enhance job prospects. Knowledge of MicroStation and AutoCAD software, combined with understanding California’s utility regulations, positions candidates favorably amid Santa Ana’s competitive substation design market.
Sargent & Lundy provides comprehensive healthcare, flexible hybrid schedules, and award-winning benefits recognized for competitive compensation. Its commitment to employee well-being and career development creates a supportive environment tailored to technical designers specializing in power grid infrastructure.
Yes, this position requires performing walkdowns at client facilities to verify design accuracy and facilitate real-time adjustments. Balancing onsite activities with hybrid work arrangements supports effective communication and ensures deliverables meet stringent project and safety standards.
Santa Ana's growing energy sector creates steady demand for substation design professionals, but competition remains moderate due to the specialized skills required. Candidates with demonstrated CAD expertise and local regulatory knowledge typically experience favorable hiring outcomes in this niche market.
Daily activities include drafting substation general arrangements, detailed equipment plans, and grounding layouts using AutoCAD and MicroStation. Designers also interpret vendor information and collaborate with engineers to produce accurate, code-compliant technical drawings critical for power grid projects.