Job Title: Substation DesignerJob DescriptionThis role focuses on delivering complete physical substation design packages for power delivery projects. The Substation Designer develops detailed layouts, drawings, and supporting documentation while coordinating closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure constructible, standards-compliant designs. This position offers strong career growth opportunities, exposure to complex data centerdriven projects, and the chance to work in a dynamic downtown Chicago environment.
Responsibilities
- Develop complete physical substation design packages from concept through construction-ready deliverables.
- Create substation general arrangements and equipment layouts that ensure safe, efficient, and constructible designs.
- Prepare one-line diagrams, plan views, section views, and detailed drawings to clearly communicate design intent.
- Develop conduit, cable routing, and raceway plans that support reliable power and control systems.
- Prepare grounding plans and grounding details in accordance with applicable standards and project requirements.
- Create and maintain accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) to support procurement and construction activities.
- Coordinate equipment locations, clearances, and constructability requirements to align with field conditions and utility standards.
- Collaborate closely with the structural and foundation design team to define equipment foundations, steel structures, and support requirements.
- Incorporate vendor drawings and equipment specifications into project designs to ensure compatibility and compliance.
- Perform drawing revisions, design updates, and construction-related changes in a timely and accurate manner.
- Ensure all designs follow applicable utility standards, engineering practices, and specific project requirements.
- Partner with other drafters, designers, and engineers to deliver high-quality designs across multiple projects simultaneously.
- Support protection and control (P&C) design coordination as it relates to physical substation layouts and one-line diagrams.
- Contribute to design reviews and quality checks to maintain consistency, accuracy, and constructability of deliverables.
Essential Skills
- At least 5 years of substation design experience, with a strong focus on physical substation design.
- Proficiency with AutoCAD for electrical design and drafting of substation projects.
- Hands-on experience developing one-line diagrams, plan views, section views, and detailed substation drawings.
- Demonstrated experience creating conduit, cable routing, and raceway plans for power and utilities projects.
- Experience preparing grounding plans and grounding details for substations.
- Ability to create and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) for substation equipment and materials.
- Strong understanding of substation engineering, physical substation design, and power delivery systems.
- Knowledge of protection and control (P&C) concepts as they relate to substation layouts and one-line diagrams.
- Ability to coordinate across electrical, structural, and project teams to align design requirements and deliverables.
- Associates degree or higher in drafting, design, engineering, or an equivalent discipline.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with Inventor or similar 3D design tools is a plus.
- Background in power and utilities or power delivery projects.
- Experience working in a multi-discipline engineering environment involving electrical, structural, and project teams.
- Strong CAD skills and familiarity with industry standards for substation design and drafting.
- Ability to manage multiple projects at one time while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with designers, drafters, engineers, and external stakeholders.
- Motivation to grow within an organization that offers upward career mobility and exposure to large, complex projects.
Work EnvironmentThis position is based in a professional office environment in downtown Chicago, with work primarily performed on-site. The designer will work closely with an engineering partner that owns the office space and will spend the majority of their time in that office. While they will be the only person from their specific group in that location, other team members from related distribution groups also work on-site, providing a collaborative and supportive atmosphere. The role strongly emphasizes an in-office presence, with a preference for five days per week on-site, and some flexibility may be considered for the right candidate. Work is performed using AutoCAD and related design tools in a modern office setting, with standard business attire or neat professional dress appropriate for a downtown corporate environment. The project portfolio includes a robust backlog driven by data center growth, offering a steady flow of engaging and technically challenging work, along with opportunities for professional development and career advancement. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $35.00 - $48.08/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 to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 20, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Chicago,IL.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.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
