Risevoic
Substation Physical Designer 3 - Grid
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Chicago, IL, 60603
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 7 January 2026
Description
This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.
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.
Dependent upon your location, this opportunity offers a generous relocation package.
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.
- A minimum of 8 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 in Chicago plays a crucial role by creating detailed layouts and technical drawings for high voltage substations, ensuring compliance with local grid standards. Their expertise helps streamline project execution in the power grid sector, balancing remote and onsite collaboration within the city's infrastructure environment.
Proficiency in AutoCAD and Bentley MicroStation is vital for designers at Sargent & Lundy, enabling precise preparation of substation arrangements and technical plans. Familiarity with Bentley Substation Design software enhances efficiency, reflecting practical knowledge of power system physical layouts in large-scale grid projects.
Experienced designers often advance into senior engineering roles, project management, or specialized technical consultancy within power grid companies. Mastery in 3D visualization and substation design principles opens pathways to leadership positions, especially in firms focusing on utility substation innovation and infrastructure upgrades.
Yes, the role includes a hybrid schedule with three days onsite in Chicago offices and two days remote, supporting work-life balance. This flexibility caters to employees’ needs while maintaining close collaboration on complex substation projects requiring detailed physical design input.
The estimated salary range spans approximately $63,480 to $99,080 annually, reflecting the candidate's expertise and experience in substation physical design. This package often includes comprehensive benefits and the potential for discretionary bonuses, aligning with competitive Midwestern power engineering market rates.
Chicago's growing infrastructure investment fuels moderate to high demand for skilled substation designers, though competition remains keen due to the presence of established firms like Sargent & Lundy. Candidates with hands-on experience in high voltage substations and CAD proficiency tend to have an advantage.
Designers must navigate the city's unique electrical load demands, weather-related considerations, and strict municipal regulations. Integrating vendor specifications into complex layouts while ensuring safety and reliability requires deep technical knowledge and adaptive problem-solving skills.
While formal certifications are not mandatory, credentials in computer-aided design or engineering technology enhance prospects. Familiarity with regional electrical codes and practical experience in 3D visualization tools are highly valued by Illinois utilities and engineering firms.
Sargent & Lundy emphasizes a collaborative environment blending traditional design expertise with modern software tools, supported by award-winning benefits and a strong culture focused on employee well-being. This combination fosters professional growth in substation design within a reputable global engineering firm.
The company offers tuition assistance, merit scholarships, and professional licensure bonuses, encouraging continuous learning. Access to advanced design software and participation in cutting-edge grid projects further empower designers to remain at the forefront of substation engineering innovations.