Substation Drafter

Job Title: Substation Designer

Job Description

The Virtual Design & Data Solutions (VDDS) Engineering Technician 6 role is a sr lead engineering technician position. This role involves modifying or creating deliverables and performing assignments of a design nature by applying basic engineering principles and established design practices to develop complex design concepts. The position requires providing technical guidance and direction to other engineering professionals.

Responsibilities

• Proactively provide guidance and direction by utilizing knowledge of standards, systems, document control, departmental guides, applicable codes, and policies and procedures.
• Review project requirements and accurately determine the correct format and contents of required deliverables.
• Promote quality within the project or group, reviewing design inputs to ensure consistency.
• Assist to ensure deliverables are in compliance with specific codes and standards suitable for the project.
• Responsible for drawing control and historical records, utilizing the appropriate method established by the project.
• Apply basic engineering principles and established design practices in developing moderately complex design concepts and deliverables.
• Make decisions with respect to deliverables and input interpretation.
• Handle difficult technical assignments within an area of expertise and provide technical guidance to other professionals.
• Perform design calculations, detailed material quantities and estimates, and records.
• Use advanced applications like modeling and design software to perform work.
• Review the deliverables of others, define work assignments, and maintain schedules.
• Program control systems or participate in plant start-up activities associated with a specialized area of expertise.
• Coordinate with other design group personnel to review and exchange project information necessary for design development.
• Support field activities and communicate project design requirements, progress, and schedules.
• Assist with identifying key client interests and drivers, and communicate these to project team members.
• Assist in developing and communicating appropriate design standards and process improvement activities.
• Identify training and development needs for personnel they supervise.
• Provide guidance to lesser experienced engineering technicians and assist with performance management, mentoring, and recognition.
• Monitor staffing levels and available skill sets for projects and assist in identifying resource application needs and process requirements.

Essential Skills

• Ability to use electronic applications and programs like CADD, information modeling, and document storage systems
• Advanced experience with AutoDesk Inventor (SDS)
• Advanced experience with physical substation design (AIS and/or GIS)
• Intermediate knowledge of engineering calculations
• Advanced knowledge of engineering standards, systems, document control, departmental guides
• Intermediate industry knowledge and technology trends
• Advanced knowledge of other disciplines
• Basic knowledge of construction & constructability practices & principles
• Intermediate knowledge of engineering design principles and applicable design guides related to assigned engineering discipline
• Basic knowledge of procurement & contract administration
• Basic knowledge of process, procedures for project controls and estimating

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Drafting or an Engineering Design Related Technology preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering Design Related Technology preferred
• Minimum of 8 years related work experience
• Software proficiency in AutoCAD, SDS, and Inventor

Work Environment

The role involves working with advanced applications such as modeling and design software. The position may require coordination with other personnel and support for field activities. There is an expectation to adhere to established standards and policies, with a focus on quality improvement and change management

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL.

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 Chicago,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 27, 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.