Substation Physical Designer

Saber Power Services, LLC, (SPS) located in Houston, TX is a nationally recognized full service, EPC, specialty engineering, procurement, construction and testing and commissioning company specializing in complex medium and high voltage electrical infrastructure in North America. 

Saber Power Services seeks a highly organized and detail-oriented Substation Physical Designer to join our Engineering team. Successful candidate(s) may be placed in Designer I – III titles commiserate with the individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. 
 
JOB SUMMARY:

The Substation Physical Designer will be responsible for designing the physical layout and configuration of high-voltage substations for the engineering department’s Substation Team. This role involves creating detailed substation design drawings, ensuring compliance with industry standards and codes, and collaborating closely with engineers and project teams to develop safe, reliable, and efficient substation designs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop detailed physical designs for high-voltage substations, including site layouts, equipment placement, electrical schematics, and other related infrastructure.
• Design and create one-line and three-line diagrams, plan views, elevation drawings, and detail drawings for electrical and civil structures within substations.
• Ensure that designs meet project specifications, electrical codes, industry standards (NEC, NESC, IEEE, ANSI, etc.), and safety requirements.
• Coordinate with engineers, project managers, and other stakeholders to ensure the integration of electrical, civil, and mechanical components into a cohesive substation design.
• Prepare and review design documentation, including equipment specifications, layout drawings, and construction packages for procurement and installation.
• Work closely with electrical engineers to translate technical specifications into practical, functional designs that optimize the layout of electrical equipment, busbars, circuit breakers, transformers, and protective relays.
• Participate in design reviews to identify issues and propose modifications to ensure project success.
• Assist in the preparation of cost estimates for material procurement, construction, and installation.
• Collaborate with construction teams during the implementation phase to provide design support and ensure the construction adheres to the design intent.
• Ensure the timely delivery of high-quality design drawings while meeting project deadlines and budget constraints.
• Use CAD software (AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar) to create, modify, and maintain design drawings.
• Maintain organized design files and records, ensuring proper version control and document management.
• Stay current on industry trends, technologies, and best practices to continually improve design efficiency and innovation.
• Perform other job-related duties as requested by management. 

Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in Drafting and Design (preferred), or equivalent experience in high-voltage substation design.
• 2 years of experience in substation physical design, preferably in an EPC or utility environment.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar CAD software for the preparation of design drawings.
• Strong understanding of high-voltage substation equipment, including transformers, circuit breakers, disconnect switches, busbars, and protective relays.
• Knowledge of industry codes and standards, such as NEC, NESC, IEEE, ANSI, AISC, and ACI.
• Familiarity with civil/structural design codes related to substations.
• Ability to read, interpret, and create electrical and civil engineering drawings.
• Experience with site planning and layout design for electrical substations, including considerations for safety, accessibility, and efficient use of space.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to interact with internal teams and clients.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and manage competing priorities.
• Knowledge of power system operations, electrical transmission, and distribution systems is a plus.

 Safety is a Core Value with our organization. We work SAFELY or not at all.

Benefits:

Saber has an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, short term disability, life insurance, 401K with Matching, flexible benefit account; and an outstanding work environment. Check out our Total Rewards Plan here.

Saber Power Services is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.