DescriptionPosition OverviewThe
Substation Physical Designer 3 is responsible for the physical design of new and existing electrical transmission and distribution substations supporting Southern Company's electric utility operations.
This position develops engineering design packages, construction drawings, material specifications, and bills of material while ensuring compliance with Southern Company engineering standards, industry codes, and safety requirements. The successful candidate will collaborate with engineers, designers, construction personnel, vendors, and project managers to deliver high-quality, cost-effective substation designs.
This position offers a hybrid work schedule and combines office, remote, and field responsibilities supporting projects throughout Southern Company's service territory.
RequirementsKey ResponsibilitiesPhysical Substation Design- Design the physical layout of transmission and distribution substations.
- Prepare complete design packages for new construction and modifications to existing substations.
- Design:
- Substation Layouts
- Foundation Layouts
- Grounding Systems
- Conduit Layouts
- Control Building Layouts
- Sections and Elevations
- Electrical Bus Design
- Equipment Arrangements
- Structural Details
- Develop engineering drawings utilizing AutoCAD 2D software in accordance with Southern Company standards.
- Create accurate construction packages emphasizing safety, quality, constructability, scheduling, and cost efficiency.
Engineering Documentation- Prepare engineering drawings, specifications, and material requirements.
- Develop Bills of Material (BOM) for:
- Stock materials
- Non-stock materials
- Shop fabricated materials
- Prepare and transmit engineering packages using:
- SCST Vault
- Transmission Engineering Job Transmittal Program
- Physical Substation Transmittal Packages Manual
- Maintain project documentation in accordance with company procedures.
Project Coordination- Coordinate with engineers, designers, project managers, and construction personnel.
- Collaborate with multiple engineering disciplines during project development.
- Participate in conceptual design meetings and project review sessions.
- Coordinate equipment layouts and design interfaces.
- Support project estimating and cost development activities.
Construction & Field Support- Support:
- Substation Construction
- Transmission Maintenance
- Project Management
- Field Services
- Perform field visits including:
- Pre-construction meetings
- Construction support
- Post-construction inspections
- Provide technical assistance during construction activities.
- Assist with resolving field design questions and engineering issues.
Vendor & Client Coordination- Interact with manufacturers and equipment vendors regarding material specifications and approvals.
- Resolve equipment compatibility and material issues.
- Support Southern Company engineering committees and standardization initiatives.
- Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful project execution.
Quality & Safety- Promote a Safety First culture throughout all project activities.
- Ensure designs comply with:
- Southern Company Design Standards
- National Electric Safety Code (NESC)
- National Electrical Code (NEC)
- OSHA Regulations
- Participate in Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) reviews.
- Support standardization and continuous improvement initiatives.
Required QualificationsEducationCandidates must meet
one of the following:
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology
- Bachelor's Degree (non-engineering) with 5+ years of relevant industry experience
- Associate Degree with 5+ years of relevant industry experience
- High School Diploma or equivalent with 8+ years of relevant industry experience
Experience- Experience supporting Transmission and/or Distribution Substation Operations preferred.
- Experience in:
- Substation Engineering
- Power Delivery
- Field Services
- Switchboard Wiring
- Substation Maintenance
- Substation Construction
- Experience with project development and cost estimating preferred.
- Experience working with engineering document management systems preferred.
- Experience preparing construction drawing packages.
- Experience working in utility or industrial environments preferred.
Technical SkillsRequired- AutoCAD 2D (training, certification, or professional experience)
- Microsoft Office Suite:
- Word
- Excel
- Outlook
- PowerPoint
- Teams
- Ability to create detailed engineering drawings.
- Ability to interpret single-line diagrams.
PreferredExperience with:
- SCST Vault
- TEAMS (Transmission Estimating & Management System)
- STOMP
- MAXIMO
- Engineering document management systems
- Utility estimating systems
Knowledge & CompetenciesThe ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Strong understanding of electrical substation equipment.
- Knowledge of transmission and distribution systems.
- Understanding of utility electric grid operations.
- Knowledge of electrical power system theory.
- Knowledge of:
- National Electric Safety Code (NESC)
- National Electrical Code (NEC)
- OSHA safety standards
- Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical information clearly.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple projects and deadlines.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Customer-focused approach with commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
Behavioral AttributesSuccessful candidates will demonstrate Southern Company's core values by:
- Making Safety First the highest priority.
- Acting with integrity in every interaction.
- Promoting intentional inclusion and teamwork.
- Delivering superior performance and exceptional customer service.
- Taking ownership of assignments and following through to completion.
- Supporting continuous improvement and innovation.
- Sharing knowledge and best practices across teams.
- Demonstrating a positive, solution-oriented attitude.
- Supporting career development and mentoring opportunities.
- Contributing to an inclusive and collaborative workplace.
Work Environment- Hybrid work schedule:
- Four (4) days onsite
- One (1) day remote
- Office located at 62 Lake Mirror Road, Forest Park, GA 30297.
- Combination of office, remote, and field work.
- Up to 25% travel, including occasional overnight travel.
- Collaborative engineering environment supporting critical electric utility infrastructure.
Physical Requirements- Ability to work at a computer for extended periods preparing engineering drawings.
- Ability to travel to project sites and attend construction meetings.
- Ability to walk active construction sites and navigate uneven terrain.
- Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during field visits.
- Ability to climb stairs and access elevated work areas when necessary.
- Ability to occasionally lift and carry engineering documents and equipment up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to communicate effectively in office, field, and virtual environments.
- Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.
