Substation Designer - job 1 of 3

As a Substation Designer at Leidos Engineering, you will be responsible for developing and modifying various layout and design drawings for electric power substations. This includes creating electrical plans, foundation layouts, section views, conduit layouts, and grounding plans. You will also prepare electrical schematics and wiring design drawings, complete bills of materials, and collaborate with other disciplines to ensure the integrity and efficiency of projects. Your role is vital in ensuring that all designs comply with client and national standards.

To qualify for the Substation Designer role at Leidos Engineering, candidates should hold a Bachelor's or Associate's degree in a related field and possess at least 3 years of direct substation physical and electrical design experience using CAD software in the electric utility sector. Proficiency in design software like MicroStation and AutoCAD is crucial, as is a strong attention to detail and problem-solving capability. A blend of education and relevant experience may also be taken into consideration.

At Leidos Engineering, the work environment for a Substation Designer is dynamic and collaborative. Our teams consist of Project Managers, Engineers, and Designers who work together in multi-disciplinary groups. The role offers flexibility with remote capabilities, especially for candidates who can commute to our main offices in Portland, Chicago, Framingham, and Houston. The supportive culture encourages innovation and professional growth, providing avenues for personal and career development.

Essential software skills for the Substation Designer position at Leidos Engineering include proficiency in CAD software, primarily AutoCAD and MicroStation, to create and modify engineering drawings. Additionally, familiarity with Windows-based applications like Word and Excel is important, as these tools are frequently used for developing project deliverables and documentation. Being open to learning new design software is also a key component of the role.

Leidos Engineering is committed to fostering the career growth of Substation Designers by offering diverse and challenging assignments. The company encourages continuous learning, skill development, and professional advancement within the industry. Employees are supported in their career aspirations, whether through training programs, mentorship opportunities, or involvement in innovative projects that enhance both personal and professional skills.

When asked how to approach developing design plans for substations, emphasize your systematic process. Explain that you carefully assess project requirements, collaborate with team members, utilize CAD software for precision, and ensure compliance with industry standards. It's also beneficial to mention your commitment to quality and safety in your designs.

In your answer, highlight specific projects where you have effectively used CAD software like AutoCAD or MicroStation. Discuss how you've applied your skills to create detailed layout plans and schematics while addressing any challenges you've faced and overcome in utilizing these tools to meet project needs.

Be prepared to discuss specific challenges, such as design constraints, equipment specifications, or team coordination issues. Focus on your problem-solving strategies, how you communicated with your team, and any innovative solutions you implemented to ensure the project's success despite obstacles.

In answering this question, explain how you stay updated on relevant codes and standards. Describe your method of integrating these guidelines into your design process, including thorough reviews, consultations with team members, and utilizing resources that provide the latest regulatory information.

Share a specific instance where collaboration was key to project completion. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively with Civil Engineers, Electrical Engineers, or Project Managers, focusing on how you facilitated discussions to align goals and ensure the project met all requirements successfully.

Your response should include a mention of your attention to detail and the process you follow. Explain that you meticulously review vendor drawings to ensure compatibility with your designs, checking for accuracy and compliance with project specifications before providing constructive feedback and engaging in discussions with vendors as necessary.

Detail your organizational skills and mention specific tools and techniques you use for task management, such as project management software. Discuss how you assess deadlines, resource availability, and project scope to prioritize tasks efficiently while maintaining communication with your team to keep everyone aligned.

Share examples of innovative solutions you proposed in previous projects, such as streamlining processes, utilizing new technologies, or improving design accuracy. Highlight how these innovations not only enhanced project efficiency but also contributed to overall project success and client satisfaction.

Discuss your familiarity with various project management methodologies, such as Agile or Waterfall, and how you've applied these approaches in engineering design. Share how these methodologies helped you meet deadlines, adapt to changes in project scope, or enhance collaboration among team members.

In your answer, emphasize your understanding of the fundamental principles behind engineering calculations relevant to substation design. Explain specific examples where you applied calculations for load analysis, equipment sizing, or safety factors, showcasing your technical skills as a Substation Designer.