Substation Designer

Substation Designer (Contract‑to‑Hire)

Department: Power Delivery

Location: In‑Office Training (First 90 Days), Then Hybrid

We’re seeking an experienced Substation Designer to support complex, large‑scale power delivery projects for a nationally recognized engineering firm with offices across the U.S. This is a contract‑to‑hire opportunity designed for professionals looking to convert into a long‑term role with a highly stable organization known for technical excellence and career longevity.

You’ll work on high‑impact substation projects, collaborate closely with engineers and construction teams, and play a key role in delivering high‑quality physical designs that support grid reliability and modernization.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Clear path to full‑time employment: Contract‑to‑hire with long‑term project demand and organizational stability
• Hands‑on onboarding: In‑office training and mentorship for the first 90 days to ensure technical alignment and project success
• Flexible hybrid schedule after initial training period
• Employee‑owned culture: Designers are valued partners with a long‑term stake in project quality and innovation
• Industry leadership: Consistently recognized as a top firm in power delivery and substation engineering
• Advanced design environment: Work in a fully integrated 3D/BIM workflow using AutoCAD, Inventor/SDS, and MicroStation
• Challenging, meaningful work: Support substations and transmission facilities ranging up to extra‑high voltage levels
• Career growth without job hopping: Large, multi‑office organization offering mobility, advancement, and technical specialization

What You’ll Do

As a Substation Designer, you’ll lead the development of physical substation deliverables and serve as a technical resource for both designers and engineers.

• Develop and review physical substation design deliverables, including layouts, sections, elevations, and general arrangements
• Interpret engineering inputs and make technical decisions related to design execution
• Ensure designs comply with codes, utility standards, design guides, and project requirements
• Provide guidance on standards, systems, document control, and internal design practices
• Create intelligent 3D substation models to improve constructability and reduce rework
• Perform material takeoffs, quantity estimates, and design calculations related to physical layouts
• Mentor designers and technicians and support resolution of complex design challenges
• Collaborate with engineering, construction, and client teams from design through construction

What We’re Looking For

• Advanced experience in physical substation design
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor/SDS, and/or MicroStation
• Strong experience producing substation layouts, equipment arrangements, sections, and elevations
• Working knowledge of physical design calculations
• Solid understanding of industry standards, document control systems, and design workflows
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines and support projects through construction

• Associate degree in Drafting or Engineering Design Technology (preferred)
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Design Technology (preferred)
• 8+ years of relevant substation or power delivery design experience

Who This Role Is Ideal For

This role is a great fit if you’re a substation designer who:

• Wants long‑term stability with a nationally respected firm
• Prefers hands‑on design work over short‑term contract hopping
• Values technical rigor, mentorship, and career development
• Is comfortable ramping up in‑office before transitioning to a hybrid schedule
• If you’re looking to put down roots with a firm that invests in its designers and delivers the kind of projects that truly shape the power grid, this opportunity is worth serious consideration.

This is a Contract position based out of Canonsburg, PA.

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $55.00/hr.

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)

This is a hybrid position in Canonsburg,PA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 20, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.