Substation Physical Designer 3 - Grid
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chattanooga, TN, 37402
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 8 January 2026
Description
This position will give you the opportunity to:
- Collaborate with engineers and designers in high and extra high voltage substation design in order to prepare the following: General Arrangement, Electrical Equipment Plans, Section Views (Elevations), Detailed Bills of Material, Lightning Stroke Shielding Plans, Grounding Plans, Conduits, Electrical Connection and Grounding Details, Below Grade Conduit/Raceway Plans, and Control Building Equipment, Cable Tray, Lighting, Grounding Plans and Sections.
- 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 3 or more years drafting course work or equivalent technical experience.
- 8 or more years of substation physical design experience.
- Proficient with AutoCAD and/or MicroStation.
- Familiar with Bentley Substation Design.
- Ability to visualize parts in 3D without the aid of the computer.
Valued Knowledge/Skills:
- An Associates 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
$63,480.00 - $99,080.00Transparency 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 Substation Physical Designer 3 plays a critical role by transforming complex engineering concepts into detailed physical layouts for substations. Their expertise in high voltage design and tools like AutoCAD ensures that substations are safe, efficient, and compliant with industry standards, directly impacting the reliability of the power grid.
Advanced proficiency with Bentley Substation design, MicroStation, and the ability to visualize 3D components without software aid are key differentiators. This skill set aligns with Chattanooga's growing utility projects demanding precise, innovative substation planning and execution.
Professionals at this level often progress to lead design engineer roles or project management within utility companies. Leveraging deep substation design experience and technical certifications can open pathways to strategic roles overseeing grid modernization projects.
While an associate degree in drafting or engineering technology is standard, local employers highly value certifications in CAD software and hands-on experience with high voltage substation designs, reflecting regional safety and regulatory compliance priorities.
Chattanooga's expanding smart grid initiatives have increased demand for skilled substation designers, yet competition remains moderate. Candidates with hybrid work flexibility and proven technical skills in AutoCAD and Bentley software gain a noticeable advantage.
Sargent & Lundy provides a robust benefits package including comprehensive health plans, generous paid leave, and flexible work arrangements. Their culture excellence awards highlight a strong commitment to employee well-being and career support tailored specifically for grid design professionals.
At Sargent & Lundy, emphasis on hybrid work schedules and award-winning benefits creates a balanced work environment. Their projects often involve cutting-edge grid technologies, offering designers exposure to innovative substation construction and smart grid applications unmatched by many competitors.
Typical compensation spans from $63,480 to $99,080 annually, reflecting experience and technical expertise. This range aligns with regional energy sector standards, supplemented by discretionary bonuses and comprehensive benefits enhancing overall remuneration.
Balancing in-office collaboration with remote design work, this model fosters effective teamwork on complex substation layouts while accommodating site visits. It supports productivity and work-life balance crucial for roles requiring detailed technical planning and occasional facility walkdowns.