Demo

Senior Substation Physical Designer

GFT
Richmond, VA Full Time
POSTED ON 12/28/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 3/10/2026
What You Will Do

GFT is seeking an experienced Senior Substation Physical Designer to join our expanding Power Team. This position is either remote or a hybrid position in either our Charlotte, NC or Roanoke, VA, offices.

Joining the power team at GFT means engaging in cutting-edge projects that drive the future of energy infrastructure. Our team excels in providing solutions for power transmission, distribution, and renewable energy, utilizing advanced technologies and creative problem-solving to meet today’s diverse energy needs. Be part of a dynamic group dedicated to enhancing system reliability, sustainability, and efficiency while shaping the energy landscape for a resilient and sustainable future. Discover some of our signature power and energy projects here.

What You'll Be Challenged To Do

This experienced Designer will be responsible for the physical design of high voltage substation projects up to 765kv.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

  • Generate designs and detailed engineering deliverables working under the supervision of lead engineer and project manager.
  • Utilize standard CAD tools to create 2D and 3D drawings.
  • Perform quality reviews of projects completed by peers
  • Design and execution of high-voltage substations projects in the 4kV – 765kV range with an emphasis on project safety, cost, quality and reliability.
  • Develop physical aspects of the engineering design such as general arrangement, foundation, cable, & grounding plans, electrical assemblies, control house drawings, and all additional below and above grade drawings as required by the scope of work.
  • Complete basic engineering calculations related to design/engineering deliverables
  • Compile complete list of above and below grade materials for substation projects, and quote/order materials as necessary per contractual agreements with customers
  • Follow specific instructions of supervisor or engineers to perform the more complex design assignments requiring application of standard design principles and practices
  • Investigate new and existing substation technical drawings and conditions to ensure that installation and operations conform to industry standards and customer requirements
  • Travel to job sites for project assessment and data gathering as needed
  • Communicate and interact with clients.

Education | Experience:

What You'll Bring To The Firm

  • 5 years of relevant substation or general electrical T&D designing experience
  • Expertise in the use of computer-aided drafting tools such as AutoCAD or MicroStation
  • Thorough knowledge of the following codes, National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), National Electrical Code(NEC), Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers(IEEE), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and Design Guide for Rural Substations.
  • Knowledge of substation structures and equipment including connectors, insulators, switches, and all types of conductors and how they interconnect
  • Knowledge of substation phase spacing and electrical clearance requirements for live conductors, switch components, and bus supports.
  • Ability to apply project schedules to complete tasks in a timely manner and within project budget
  • Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
  • Ability to train and mentor less experienced designers/drafters
  • Ability to proficiently use Microsoft office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.)

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $75,000- $108,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Featured Benefits

  • Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
  • Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
  • Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
  • Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
  • Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
  • Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

Company Overview

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000 of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives. GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™

GFT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property of GFT.

Location:Charlotte, NC, Roanoke, VA, Remote

Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Employment Status: Full-Time

Internal Requisition ID

Salary Range: $75,000- $108,000

Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location

"California Applicants"

Applicants in the County of Los Angeles - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Applicants in the City of San Francisco - Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Applicants in the State of California - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.

Gannett Fleming does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.

Application deadline 9/20/2025

Salary : $75,000 - $108,000

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Senior Substation Physical Designer?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Senior Substation Physical Designer career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$64,659 - $80,367
Income Estimation: 
$77,389 - $97,689
Income Estimation: 
$73,120 - $92,318
Income Estimation: 
$91,158 - $113,466
Income Estimation: 
$91,158 - $113,466
Income Estimation: 
$119,470 - $150,512
Income Estimation: 
$68,853 - $87,891
Income Estimation: 
$80,855 - $100,659
Income Estimation: 
$119,470 - $150,512
Income Estimation: 
$137,126 - $185,302
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at GFT

  • GFT Washington, DC
  • What You Will Do This is an excellent career opportunity for an experienced, motivated Water Resources Project Manager who thrives in a collaborative team ... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • GFT Washington, DC
  • What You Will Do What You Will Do: GFT is seeking a Survey Party Chief to join our Practice in Baltimore! This role follows a work model, requiring regular... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • GFT Tucson, AZ
  • What You Will Do GFT is seeking a Sr. Transmission Line Engineer to join our Power Business Group! This role would report to the Salt Lake City, UT, Boise,... more
  • 13 Days Ago

  • GFT Owings, MD
  • What You Will Do GFT is seeking an Entry Level Industrial Engineer to join our Transit and Rail Facilities Industrial Team in Owings Mills, MD . This role ... more
  • 13 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Senior Substation Physical Designer jobs in the Richmond, VA area that may be a better fit.

  • Designer Greetings Richmond, VA
  • Part-Time Contract Ongoing Merchandising Work Designer Greetings is looking for a Retail Merchandiser to service the greeting card department at Gabe's Sto... more
  • 2 Months Ago

  • Northen Neck Senior Care Community Warsaw, VA
  • Fifth Star Care Management is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) to join our IN-HOUSE therapy team New Grads Welcome ... more
  • 9 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!