Lead Designer - AutoCAD

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Designer - AutoCAD

Company: PSEG Long Island

Location: Hicksville, NY 11801

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering & Design Operations

Date Posted: April 02, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid Fixed

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for developing and issuing design and construction drawings for projects within the LIPA system, focusing on electrical infrastructure.

• You will be responsible for the creation and maintenance of technical documentation, ensuring compliance with industry standards and company protocols.

• This position requires close collaboration with field operations, maintenance, and construction teams to ensure designs are practical and issues are resolved efficiently.

• A key aspect involves evaluating and integrating new technologies and materials to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the energy transmission system.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Lead Designer," the experience requirement (4+ years) and the nature of the responsibilities suggest a mid-level role. The "Lead" aspect likely refers to taking ownership of design packages rather than managing a team. The role is firmly within the engineering design operations domain, supporting the physical infrastructure of the utility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive design and construction drawings from survey data and one-line diagrams for transmission circuits, electric substations, power stations, and site civil projects.

• Integrate vendor drawings into construction packages and manage them within the company's document management system (TeamCenter).

• Conduct pre-design field walk-downs and collaborate with operating, maintenance, and construction organizations to gather requirements and provide design insights.

• Liaise with field forces to review proposed designs, resolve design issues during construction, and ensure as-built documentation is accurately incorporated into historical records.

• Evaluate and recommend the application of new materials, equipment, and technologies for the transmission system to improve reliability and economy.

• Provide technical expertise and support to operations and project management teams for LIPA electric projects.

• Develop and evaluate the design of electric transmission systems and facilities, considering operational, safety, reliability, and maintenance requirements.

• Prepare and maintain construction standards specifically for underground transmission equipment design.

• Ensure compliance with Department of Energy regulation 10 CFR 810.

• Maintain a valid driver's license and be prepared to travel to different company locations as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on design role within a utility infrastructure context. The focus is on translating conceptual designs into actionable construction plans, requiring deep understanding of electrical systems, civil engineering principles, and adherence to strict regulatory and documentation standards.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

• AutoCAD Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to create detailed technical drawings using AutoCAD.

• Technical Documentation: Experience in preparing and managing technical drawings and documentation.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify and resolve design challenges effectively.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with various departments (operations, maintenance, construction, project management).

• Teamwork: Capacity to contribute positively to team objectives and collaborate with colleagues.

• Active Listening: Skill in understanding and responding to feedback and requirements from stakeholders.

• Verbal Communication: Clear and effective communication when discussing designs and resolving issues.

• Written Communication: Ability to convey technical information accurately in written form.

• Valid Driver's License: Required for site visits and potential travel.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of electric substations and facilities.

• Proficiency in TeamCenter for document management.

• Familiarity with SAP for time entry and material procurement.

• Working knowledge of applicable codes and standards, including NESC, ANSI, ASTM, NEC, ASCE, AISC, and ACI.

• Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements highlight a blend of technical design skills (AutoCAD, Civil Engineering) and essential soft skills for collaborative environments. While an Associate's degree is specified, the 4+ years of experience indicates a need for practical, hands-on expertise in utility design. The "Desired" qualifications point towards specific tools and industry knowledge that would make a candidate more competitive.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of technical drawings created using AutoCAD, demonstrating proficiency in creating detailed plans, sections, and elevations for civil and electrical infrastructure projects.

• Include examples of how you have incorporated design revisions, "as-built" documentation, and vendor specifications into final construction packages.

• Present case studies or project examples that illustrate your problem-solving skills in overcoming design challenges during the engineering or construction phases.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of your experience in developing or adhering to design and construction standards, particularly for underground transmission equipment.

• Illustrate your process for collaborating with field teams during design and construction phases, detailing how you facilitated communication and issue resolution.

• Include samples or descriptions of how you have managed document control, including the use of systems like TeamCenter for incorporating and archiving design documents.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical design skills. Candidates should focus on showcasing their AutoCAD capabilities and their ability to translate project requirements into detailed, constructible drawings. Highlighting experience with utility infrastructure (substations, transmission) and any experience with document management systems will be beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $93,600 - $148,200 per year

Benefits:

• Medical Coverage: Comprehensive health insurance plans.

• Dental Coverage: Dental care benefits.

• Vision Coverage: Vision care benefits.

• Paternal Leave: Support for new parents.

• Family Leave Programs: Assistance for family care needs.

• Behavioral Health Programs: Mental health and wellness support.

• 401(k) with Company Match: Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.

• Life Insurance: Financial protection for beneficiaries.

• Tuition Reimbursement: Support for continued education and professional development.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. The role is categorized as "Hybrid Fixed," meaning specific days will be designated for on-site work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a Lead Designer role with specialized AutoCAD skills in the New York metropolitan area. The benefits package is robust, typical of a large, established energy company, offering comprehensive support for employees' well-being and financial future. The "Hybrid Fixed" arrangement implies a structured approach to remote and in-office work.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy & Utilities (Electric Power Transmission & Distribution)

Company Size: Over 13,000 employees (PSEG overall). PSEG Long Island operates as a subsidiary.

Founded: PSEG was founded in 1903. PSEG Long Island began operations in 2014.

Team Structure:

• The role likely sits within an Engineering or Design department, focusing on electrical infrastructure projects for the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) system.

• Collaboration is expected with various internal teams, including Project Management, Operations, Maintenance, Construction, and potentially external vendors and contractors.

Methodology:

• Design processes will adhere to established engineering principles, utility standards, and regulatory requirements (e.g., NESC, 10 CFR 810).

• Emphasis on detailed documentation, clear communication, and thorough review processes to ensure project success and safety.

• Use of CAD software (AutoCAD, AutoCAD Civil 3D) and document management systems (TeamCenter) is integral to the workflow.

• A focus on reliability, safety, and economic efficiency will guide design decisions.

Company Website: https://www.psegliny.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: PSEG Long Island operates within a highly regulated utility sector, emphasizing safety, reliability, and compliance. The culture likely values meticulous work, collaboration, and a commitment to public service. The "Hybrid Fixed" work arrangement suggests a structured environment that balances flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration, especially for design reviews and field coordination.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-level Engineering Design Professional. The "Lead" designation implies responsibility for managing specific design packages and potentially guiding junior designers, but not direct people management.

Reporting Structure: Reports to a Senior Engineer or Engineering Manager, with significant interaction with Project Managers, Field Engineers, and Construction teams.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the reliability, safety, and efficiency of the electric grid by translating project requirements into constructible designs. Accurate and well-executed designs are fundamental to successful project delivery, cost control, and long-term system performance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like substation design, transmission line engineering, or civil/structural aspects of utility infrastructure.

• Advanced Software Proficiency: Gain mastery in advanced features of AutoCAD Civil 3D, BIM, or other relevant design and simulation tools.

• Project Management Exposure: Transition into roles with greater project oversight or coordination responsibilities.

• Senior Designer/Specialist: Progress to a senior-level designer role with increased autonomy and responsibility for complex projects.

• Engineering Roles: Potentially pursue further education or certifications to move into a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) role, depending on career aspirations and educational background.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should view this role as a strong foundation in utility engineering design. Growth opportunities are focused on deepening technical expertise within the design domain or moving towards broader project coordination and management roles within the engineering function.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Fixed. This means employees are expected to work some days in the office and some days remotely, with specific days typically fixed. The office in Hicksville, NY, would serve as the primary work location for on-site days.

Office Location(s): Hicksville, NY 11801. This location is situated in Nassau County, Long Island, serving as a hub for operations and engineering functions.

Workspace Context:

• On-site days will involve working in an office environment, likely with access to workstations equipped with necessary design software (AutoCAD, TeamCenter).

• Collaboration spaces will be available for team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional discussions.

• The environment is expected to be professional and focused, with opportunities to interact with experienced engineers and designers.

Work Schedule: Standard business hours (likely 40 hours per week), with the "Hybrid Fixed" arrangement balancing remote work flexibility with in-office collaboration requirements. Flexibility may be needed during critical project phases or storm restoration efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Hybrid Fixed model suggests a structured approach to work-life balance, requiring candidates to be comfortable with a predictable on-site schedule. The Hicksville location is a key operational center for PSEG Long Island.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter will review applications and conduct initial phone screenings to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• Technical Interview: Likely conducted by a hiring manager and/or senior engineers. This will focus on your AutoCAD skills, design experience, and understanding of civil/electrical engineering principles relevant to utilities. Be prepared to discuss your project experience in detail.

• Portfolio Review: You may be asked to present a portfolio of your work. Focus on clear, concise explanations of your design process, challenges overcome, and the impact of your designs.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions assessing teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and how you handle specific work scenarios.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with higher-level management or a panel to assess overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-5 projects that best showcase your AutoCAD skills and relevant experience (e.g., utility infrastructure, civil design).

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions and responsibilities within each project.

• Explain Design Decisions: Be ready to articulate why you made certain design choices, considering factors like cost, constructability, safety, and reliability.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Include examples where you encountered a design challenge and how you successfully resolved it.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Ensure your drawings are clean, well-annotated, and adhere to drafting standards. Use screenshots or PDFs of your work.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, mention any efficiency gains, cost savings, or improvements in reliability that resulted from your designs.

Challenge Preparation:

• AutoCAD Exercise: Be prepared for a practical test where you might be asked to create or modify a drawing based on specific instructions within a time limit. Practice common AutoCAD commands and workflows.

• Design Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical design problem related to utility infrastructure and asked to outline your approach to developing the design drawings.

• Code Interpretation: Familiarize yourself with key codes mentioned (NESC, ANSI, etc.) and be ready to discuss their relevance to design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely heavily scrutinize technical design skills, particularly AutoCAD proficiency. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly demonstrates practical application and problem-solving within the utility sector will be a significant advantage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for creating and modifying design and construction drawings. Proficiency is mandatory.

• AutoCAD Civil 3D: Preferred for advanced civil engineering design tasks, including site grading, earthwork calculations, and utility design.

• TeamCenter: Used for product lifecycle management and document control; crucial for managing design files and revisions within the company's system.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable in a design context, but understanding how designs feed into project management and operational systems is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mastery of AutoCAD is non-negotiable. Experience with TeamCenter is highly desirable for document management. Familiarity with AutoCAD Civil 3D and SAP would significantly enhance a candidate's profile.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value in the energy sector, influencing all design and construction practices.

• Reliability: Commitment to designing systems that ensure consistent and dependable power delivery.

• Efficiency: Striving for economical designs that optimize resource utilization and minimize costs.

• Compliance: Adherence to strict regulatory standards (e.g., 10 CFR 810, NESC) and company policies.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across departments to achieve project goals.

• Innovation: Openness to evaluating and implementing new technologies and materials.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a collaborative environment where designers work closely with engineers, project managers, field personnel, and potentially other technical specialists.

• Effective communication, active listening, and a willingness to share knowledge and provide constructive feedback are key.

• Design reviews will be a regular part of the process, requiring open discussion and resolution of differing perspectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of the critical nature of utility operations, where safety and reliability are non-negotiable. A collaborative spirit and the ability to communicate technical information effectively to diverse audiences will be highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Design Requirements: Balancing various project constraints, including budget, schedule, regulatory compliance, and technical specifications, while producing high-quality drawings.

• Coordination with Field Teams: Ensuring designs are practical for construction and maintenance, requiring effective communication and incorporation of field feedback.

• Evolving Technologies: Staying current with new materials, equipment, and design software to maintain efficiency and effectiveness.

• Regulatory Compliance: Navigating and adhering to stringent regulations like 10 CFR 810 and utility-specific codes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Training: Opportunities to enhance skills in specific areas of utility design or advanced CAD software.

• Industry Standards Updates: Staying informed about changes in codes and best practices through professional development.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Learning about the broader aspects of utility operations, project management, and construction.

• Mentorship: Potential to learn from experienced engineers and designers within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex engineering challenges within a critical infrastructure sector. The growth potential lies in deepening technical expertise and understanding the integrated nature of utility operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Design Approach: "Describe your process for developing a detailed construction drawing package for a substation project, from initial concept to final issue." (Prepare to discuss stages, checks, and balances.)

• AutoCAD Proficiency: "Walk me through a complex AutoCAD drawing you created. What features did you use, and what challenges did you overcome?" (Be ready to share specific examples and demonstrate your expertise.)

• Collaboration & Problem-Solving: "Describe a time you had to resolve a design conflict with field personnel. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on communication, compromise, and finding practical solutions.)

• Regulatory Awareness: "How do you ensure your designs comply with relevant industry standards and regulations, such as NESC or 10 CFR 810?" (Show you understand the importance of compliance.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for PSEG Long Island and in the energy utility sector?" (Research PSEG's mission, values, and recent projects.)

• "How do you approach working in a hybrid environment?" (Discuss your strategies for effective remote and in-office collaboration.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or complexity.

• Narrative: For each project, tell a story: the objective, your role, the design process, challenges, solutions, and the final outcome/impact.

• Visuals: Use clear, high-resolution images of your drawings. Annotate them to highlight key features or design elements.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects within a given timeframe, focusing on the most relevant aspects for this role.

• Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, software usage, and problem-solving methods.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your AutoCAD skills, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative approach. Understanding the utility industry's focus on safety and reliability will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Designer - AutoCAD position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the PSEG Long Island careers portal.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your AutoCAD proficiency, years of experience in civil design, and specific projects or accomplishments relevant to utility infrastructure. Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Preparation: Compile a digital portfolio showcasing your best AutoCAD work, focusing on civil engineering design, utility projects, and any experience with TeamCenter or similar document management systems. Be ready to present and discuss it.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse answers to common technical, behavioral, and situational interview questions. Practice articulating your design process and problem-solving skills clearly and concisely.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with PSEG Long Island's operations, mission, values, and the energy utility industry. Understand the importance of safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.