Senior Substation Physical Designer 2 - Grid
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Pasadena, CA, 91101
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 7 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 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 12 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 Pasadena, Senior Substation Physical Designers engage closely with high-voltage grid projects influenced by California’s energy regulations and climate considerations. The hybrid work model at Sargent & Lundy supports a blend of remote and on-site collaboration, distinguishing it from fully onsite roles common in other regions.
Expertise in AutoCAD or MicroStation is essential, alongside the ability to mentally visualize 3D components without software aid. Precision in producing detailed substation layouts, grounding plans, and conduit designs is vital for ensuring robust, code-compliant electrical substation blueprints.
Advancing from this position often leads to senior engineering roles, project management, or specialized design leadership within utility infrastructure. Gaining expertise in emerging smart grid technologies or substation automation can broaden prospects in the evolving electric power sector.
Sargent & Lundy fosters a collaborative environment where designers work alongside engineers, encouraging knowledge sharing and continuous learning. Their merit scholarship and tuition assistance programs also promote skill enhancement, balancing rigorous project demands with supportive career development.
Yes, besides competitive salaries, Sargent & Lundy offers award-winning benefits including comprehensive health plans, paid parental leave, and flexible work arrangements. Their consistent recognition for compensation excellence underscores a strong commitment to employee satisfaction in the energy sector.
The salary range typically falls between $82,120 and $128,570 annually, reflecting Pasadena’s cost of living and the specialized expertise required. This aligns well with regional demand for seasoned substation designers skilled in high-voltage grid projects and CAD software proficiency.
Pasadena’s proximity to major energy utilities and infrastructure projects has created steady demand for experienced substation designers. The region values candidates with deep technical drafting skills and knowledge of California’s grid standards, making it a competitive yet opportunity-rich market.
Hybrid schedules are common, allowing Substation Physical Designers to balance office visits for team collaboration with remote work flexibility. This approach helps manage Pasadena’s traffic constraints while maintaining productivity on complex grid design assignments.
Sargent & Lundy emphasizes a project-centric, team-based culture integrating cutting-edge design methodologies with client standards. Their recognition for workplace excellence and extensive benefits package creates a supportive setting uncommon among traditional utility employers.
The role offers exposure to evolving grid modernization efforts including smart grid integration and advanced substation automation. Designers contribute not only to physical layouts but also to implementing vendor innovations, positioning them at the forefront of national grid engineering advancements.