Substation Physical CADD Designer

About the role

The Substation Physical Designer is responsible for owning the entire lifecycle of substation physical documentation from initial concept to final construction release. This role translates complex electrical engineering requirements into precise, construction-ready drawings that ensure project fidelity and on-time delivery. The designer serves as the critical link between analytical engineering calculations and tangible field implementation, owning the clarity and completeness of all graphical communication. This position requires interpreting verbal design intent from engineers and independently developing detailed layouts that meet strict project specifications and schedules. The role directly replaces the prior Substation Physical CADD Designer position, signifying an evolution in responsibility and scope within the Stanley Group structure. Success in this position means producing work that requires minimal rework and enables field crews to execute installations precisely as intended. The designer must exercise ownership over the accuracy of spatial arrangements, ensuring every conduit run and equipment placement is logically sound and constructible.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Create initial spatial arrangements and equipment placement sketches to define viable layout options for substation components.
• Produce definitive conduit run and trench profiles that specify safe, efficient, and code-compliant installation paths for electrical infrastructure.
• Validate grounding and bonding configurations against project specifications and industry standards to ensure personnel and system safety prior to finalization.
• Compile exhaustive bills of materials that enumerate every component, fitting, and supply required for construction to prevent project delays.
• Develop step-by-step installation details and field verification checklists that enable construction crews to execute work accurately without additional clarification.
• Conduct rigorous design verification by reviewing engineering calculations to confirm strict adherence to project scope, electrical codes, and utility standards.
• Partner with project schedulers and other technical disciplines to ensure physical layouts, equipment footprints, and raceway routing fully support overall delivery timelines and constructability.
• Prepare and issue fully coordinated, complete drawing packages that obtain construction board approval and provide clear guidance for subsequent field execution and testing.
• Translate complex analytical outputs into detailed one-line and physical diagrams that accurately represent the electrical system configuration and spatial relationships.
• Perform layout checks to verify equipment spacing, access requirements, and maintenance clearances in accordance with applicable safety standards and utility practices.
• Generate accurate material takeoffs and dimensional annotations that facilitate the procurement of correct equipment and prevent costly field modifications.
• Ensure all deliverables maintain a high level of graphical clarity, consistency, and professionalism to support seamless communication between office and field teams.

Requirements

Candidates must possess a four-year degree in electrical engineering or a closely related technical discipline to ensure a foundational understanding of power systems. A minimum of eleven to twenty years of proven substation design experience is mandatory to demonstrate deep expertise in physical layout and construction documentation. The ideal applicant must exhibit a thorough ability to read and interpret utility standard specifications, industry standards, and complex technical documents without supervision. Mastery of CADD software is a fundamental requirement for the production of accurate, to-scale, and professional construction drawings. The designer must have a proven capability to create clear, unambiguous equipment plans, plan views, and elevation details that leave no room for misinterpretation. Additionally, the candidate must be adept at developing grounding plans, grid layouts, and connection details that comply with established industry practices, NEC requirements, and specific utility standards. The preparation of logical, sequence-driven installation details and comprehensive conduit raceway schedules is essential to coordinate the physical installation activities efficiently. The candidate must be able to work independently with minimal direct supervision while maintaining strict adherence to project deadlines and quality benchmarks.

Nice to have

While not mandatory, prior experience on specific utility projects involving transmission and distribution substations is viewed favorably during the selection process. Familiarity with specific utility design standards and energy sector projects can provide a significant advantage in understanding the unique requirements of the work.

Practical notes

This position is offered as a hybrid or onsite engagement, with the specific model determined by the designated work location in Muscatine, Iowa. The role is based in Muscatine, Iowa, and is open to candidates residing in that local area. Compensation for this position is structured as an hourly rate, with a range of $37.92 to $57.18 per hour, reflecting the candidate's experience level within the specified bracket of 11 to 20 years of relevant substation design experience. There are no specified hours, travel requirements, visa sponsorships, or application deadlines detailed in the source material for this role.