Job Title: Substation Designer (VDDS Engineering Technician 6)Job DescriptionThis substation designer role functions as a lead engineering technician within a Virtual Design & Data Solutions (VDDS) team. The position focuses on developing complex substation design concepts by applying fundamental engineering principles, established design practices, and advanced modeling tools. You will create and modify detailed design deliverables, ensure adherence to engineering standards and codes, and provide technical guidance to other engineering professionals. The role combines hands-on design production, quality oversight, project coordination, and mentoring responsibilities in support of both air-insulated (AIS) and gas-insulated (GIS) substation projects.Responsibilities
- Apply basic engineering principles and established design practices to develop moderately complex to complex substation design concepts and deliverables.
- Modify and create detailed design drawings, models, and documentation for physical substation design, including both AIS and/or GIS configurations.
- Perform design calculations, prepare detailed material quantities and estimates, and maintain accurate design records.
- Utilize advanced applications and modeling tools, including CADD and 3D design software such as AutoDesk Inventor and SDS, to produce high-quality engineering deliverables.
- Review project requirements to determine the correct format, content, and level of detail for all required design deliverables.
- Ensure all drawings, models, and documents comply with applicable engineering standards, codes, departmental guides, and internal policies and procedures.
- Promote quality within the project or group by reviewing design inputs for consistency and accuracy and by supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
- Maintain drawing control and historical records using appropriate document control systems and methods established by the project.
- Exercise sound judgment in interpreting design inputs and making decisions related to design deliverables and technical solutions.
- Handle difficult technical assignments within the designated area of expertise and provide technical guidance and support to other engineering professionals and technicians.
- Review the design deliverables prepared by others to ensure technical accuracy, adherence to standards, and consistency across the project.
- Define and manage work assignments, help maintain design schedules, and support planning activities to meet project milestones.
- Support project coordination by working closely with other design groups to exchange information necessary for design development and integration.
- Assist with field activities as needed, which may include collecting site data, supporting installation, or participating in plant start-up activities related to control systems or specialized design areas.
- Communicate project design requirements, progress updates, and schedule information to internal stakeholders as needed.
- Assist in identifying key client interests and drivers, and help communicate these to the project team to ensure design solutions align with client expectations.
- Contribute to the development and communication of design standards, best practices, and process improvements within the discipline or department.
- Identify training and development needs for less experienced personnel and support their professional growth through mentoring and guidance.
- Provide day-to-day technical leadership to less experienced engineering technicians, including instruction, delegation of tasks, and constructive feedback.
- Support performance management activities by contributing input on performance, recognizing strong contributions, and encouraging self-development within the team.
- Assist with resource management by monitoring staffing levels and available skill sets for projects and by helping identify resource allocation needs.
- Demonstrate strong customer focus by understanding client requirements, responding to feedback, and contributing to solutions that enhance client satisfaction.
- Continuously improve personal accuracy, efficiency, and technical capability, and actively support change management efforts within the team.
Essential Skills
- Associate degree in drafting or an engineering design related technology preferred; a bachelors degree in an engineering design related technology is also preferred.
- Typically a minimum of 8 years of related work experience in engineering design, drafting, or a closely related field.
- Advanced experience with AutoDesk Inventor (SDS) and related design tools used for substation design.
- Advanced experience in physical substation design, including air-insulated (AIS) and/or gas-insulated (GIS) substations.
- Proficiency with CADD and other electronic applications required for engineering design assignments, including information modeling and document storage systems.
- Intermediate knowledge of engineering calculations relevant to substation and electrical design.
- Advanced knowledge of engineering standards, systems, document control practices, departmental guides, and internal policies and procedures.
- Intermediate industry knowledge and awareness of technology trends related to substation and electrical design.
- Advanced knowledge of other engineering disciplines sufficient to coordinate multi-disciplinary design deliverables.
- Basic knowledge of construction and constructability practices and principles as they apply to substation projects.
- Intermediate knowledge of engineering design principles and applicable design guides related to the assigned engineering discipline.
- Basic knowledge of procurement and contract administration processes as they relate to design deliverables and material specifications.
- Basic knowledge of project controls and estimating processes, including how design decisions impact cost and schedule.
- Proficient communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly in both written and verbal form.
- Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret design inputs and develop practical, compliant solutions.
- Effective time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple assignments.
- Demonstrated drive for results and the ability to follow through on commitments and project responsibilities.
- Commitment to self-development and continuous learning in engineering design tools, standards, and industry practices.
- Customer-focused mindset, with the ability to understand and respond to client needs and project objectives.
- Ability to learn quickly and adapt to new tools, processes, and project requirements.
- Perseverance and patience when working through complex design challenges and iterative review processes.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience supporting plant start-up activities, including programming or assisting with control systems related to substation projects.
- Experience defining work assignments, monitoring progress, and maintaining design schedules on engineering projects.
- Experience mentoring and guiding less experienced engineering technicians, including providing feedback and technical coaching.
- Experience contributing to the development of design standards, departmental guides, or process improvement initiatives.
- Familiarity with document control systems and methods for maintaining drawing control and historical records.
- Exposure to project staffing and resource planning, including awareness of skill sets and allocation needs across projects.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary design teams and field personnel.
- Comfort with change management initiatives and continuous improvement efforts within an engineering environment.
- Software proficiency with AutoCAD, SDS, and Inventor, particularly as they apply to electrical and substation design.
Work EnvironmentThis role operates within a Virtual Design & Data Solutions (VDDS) engineering environment that emphasizes advanced digital tools, collaboration, and adherence to formal engineering standards. You will work primarily with electronic applications such as CADD, AutoDesk Inventor, SDS, information modeling platforms, and document storage systems to create and manage substation design deliverables. The position involves close coordination with other design disciplines, project teams, and occasionally field personnel, requiring regular communication and information sharing. Work is typically structured around project schedules and milestones, with periods of focused design production and review. The environment promotes quality, continuous improvement, and knowledge sharing, encouraging team members to refine standards, adopt new technologies, and support each others professional development. Dress expectations and specific on-site conditions may vary by project and location, especially when supporting field activities or plant start-up work Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Tempe, AZ. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $45.00 - $55.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Tempe, AZ. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 17, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a hybrid position in Tempe,AZ.About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
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