Sr. Designer - PSSD in Hampton, Georgia at Southern States, LLC

Job Summary
The Senior Designer is primarily responsible for leading the development of complete mechanical and electrical control drawing packages for medium and high voltage electric utility substation equipment. This role provides technical leadership in the design, standardization, and continuous improvement of substation products and associated support structures. The Senior Designer works closely with cross-functional teams to ensure designs meet customer specifications, industry standards, and internal manufacturing capabilities while mentoring junior designers and delivering high-quality, on-time project deliverables.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead the creation and development of comprehensive mechanical and electrical drawing packages for medium and high voltage substation equipment, including schematics, wiring diagrams (primary and secondary), general arrangement, assembly drawings, bill of materials, and support structures.
• Ensure all designs comply with customer specifications, applicable industry standards (ANSI, IEEE, ASTM, ASCE, AWS, CSA, etc.), and company manufacturing capabilities.
• Coordinate with staff and outsourced engineering to ensure structural sufficiency considering wind loading, seismic requirements, and short-circuit forces.
• Make electrical calculations associated with the equipment such as ampacity and clearances.
• Coordinate closely with electrical application engineers to ensure proper integration of components.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior designers, supporting their professional development and ensuring consistent design quality across the team.
• Review and approve drawings produced by junior designers for accuracy, manufacturability, and compliance with standards.
• Support proposal activities by providing accurate design concepts and proposal quality drawings.
• Lead design reviews and provide technical guidance during fabrication and assembly.
• Troubleshoot and resolve fabrication, assembly, and field installation challenges in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Develop and maintain engineering standards, templates, and best practices.
• Maintain project schedules and deliverables while upholding the highest standards of quality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Associate’s degree in Applied Science (AAS) in Drafting Technology or Engineering Design or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience: At least 5 years in the design of medium and high voltage substation equipment.
• Strong proficiency in 3D modeling software (SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word, etc.)
• Experience working with ERP systems such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
• Strong understanding of electrical control systems, schematics, and interconnection diagrams for substation applications.
• Working knowledge of relevant industry standards including IEEE, ANSI, IEC, and NEMA.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects from concept through manufacturing release.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and sound technical judgment.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to mentor junior team members.
• Available to travel <10%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or Engineering Technology) or a related technical field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Experience: At least 10 years in the design of medium and high voltage substation equipment.
• Experience with electrical protection and control schemes, relay panels, SCADA systems, and RTU integration.
• Proficiency in additional design tools such as EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical, or similar electrical CAD platforms.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing or engineered-to-order environment.
• Demonstrated track record of driving design standardization and process improvement initiatives.
• Leadership or mentoring experience in a technical design environment.
• Knowledge of wind loading, seismic design, and structural analysis fundamentals.
• Familiarity with galvanizing, welding standards, and steel detailing.
• Hands-on experience in fabrication shops, field installations, or commissioning.

Performance Metrics

• On-Time Drawing Package Release
• Design Quality & Accuracy
• Standardization Impact
• Continuous Improvement Contributions
• Technical Issue Resolution Time
• Mentoring Effectiveness