Substation Designer

About the role

The Substation Designer at DIS-TRAN Packaged Substations is entrusted with the critical responsibility of transforming conceptual engineering layouts into precise, actionable digital models that guide real-world construction. In this role, you will own the development of detailed substation field construction drawings and the accompanying manufacturing shop files that ensure every component is fabricated to exact specifications. You will leverage Autodesk Inventor to build complex 3D digital representations of switchyard configurations, serving as the central visual reference for the entire project lifecycle. The position requires you to act as a meticulous custodian of engineering intent, ensuring that digital models accurately reflect the structural, electrical, and spatial requirements provided by the design team. You will collaborate closely with structural engineers and project managers to resolve design conflicts early, preventing costly delays and rework during the fabrication and erection phases. This role is fundamental to the company's people-first philosophy, as your work directly supports the safe and efficient delivery of Factory-Built Substations to valued customers. Success in this position means you thrive on turning intricate layout details into organized, logical build models that minimize on-site errors and streamline the construction process.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Interpret and convert project objectives into accurate digital models that serve as the foundation for field construction activities.
• Draft detailed intake layouts for a variety of switchyard components, ensuring every element is positioned according to strict engineering standards.
• Structure sophisticated build models to logically organize conductor paths, equipment placement, and spatial clearances for optimal efficiency.
• Examine comprehensive review checklists to verify that all design work complies with internal procedures and external regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate ship documentation packages, preparing the precise assembly instructions and bills of materials required for fabrication crews.
• Support engineering partners by updating and managing interface requirements between panels, structural steel, and other key structural components.
• Optimize intake sequences and build strategies to reduce revision cycles, minimize material waste, and improve overall project timelines.
• Validate all build dimensions against real-world field constraints before the release of final shop files to ensure constructability.
• Generate digital markers and clear visual indicators that guide on-site installation crews through complex assembly processes.
• Maintain a high level of organization to manage a high volume of design tasks, meeting strict deadlines with minimal direct supervision.
• Translate complex layout and detail drawings into practical models that field teams can easily understand and execute.
• Proactively communicate design updates and critical changes to structural engineers and project managers to maintain project alignment.
• Ensure the integrity of the digital design data throughout the project lifecycle, from initial concept through final documentation.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts by identifying workflow enhancements within the substation design and detailing process.

Requirements

• Must hold three to five years of substation layout experience within a professional design environment.
• Must demonstrate a strong ability to read and interpret detailed engineering drawings with a high degree of accuracy and precision.
• Must possess excellent organizational skills to effectively manage multiple concurrent tasks and maintain control over complex projects.
• Must be highly proficient with Autodesk Inventor for the development of detailed construction models for substation applications.
• Must communicate effectively and professionally with structural engineers and project managers on a consistent and collaborative basis.
• Must be capable of working both independently and within a team structure to meet high-volume production demands and deadlines.
• Must adhere to the company's people-first philosophy, treating internal and external partners with the respect of family.
• Must validate all design outputs against field constraints to ensure the successful fabrication and installation of substation components.
• Must support the company's legacy of innovation by embracing new tools and methods that enhance design efficiency and quality.

Nice to have

Candidates with direct experience in open-air substations and switchyards will be viewed favorably.

Practical notes

This is a regular full-time position based in Pineville, Louisiana, offering a competitive yearly compensation of $78,000.