Lead Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Designer (Substation P&C)

Company: Mesa Associates, Inc.

Location: Chattanooga, TN / Knoxville, TN

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Operations

Date Posted: August 06, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor multi-discipline design teams in the creation and modification of Power Delivery Substation Protection and Control (P&C) designs.

• Ensure adherence to project budget and schedule constraints through effective work assignment management and technical advisement.

• Collaborate seamlessly with engineering and design staff across various departments to deliver high-quality substation designs.

• Develop and check critical design documents including AC Schematics, DC Schematics, Panel Layouts, Wiring/Connection Diagrams, and Bills of Materials.

• Apply client-specific substation design standards and interpret vendor information for projects ranging from 12kV to 500kV.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a P&C Designer within the Power Delivery Substation sector, indicating a focus on the electrical protection and control systems of high-voltage infrastructure. The "Lead Designer" title signifies a strong emphasis on team leadership, project oversight, and technical guidance rather than purely individual contribution. The mention of "multi-discipline design team members across different departments" highlights the need for strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills, crucial for effective operations within a complex engineering environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Creation & Modification: Create, prepare, and modify P&C design drawings for substations (12kV to 500kV) as directed by supervisors and project needs.

• Team Leadership & Supervision: Lead, instruct, and supervise multi-discipline design team members on a project level, acting as a technical advisor and ensuring quality output.

• Workload Management: Create work assignments for design staff, manage their execution, and ensure tasks align with project budget and schedule constraints.

• Technical Documentation Development: Develop, check, and approve AC Schematics, DC Schematics, Panel Layouts, Wiring/Connection diagrams, and Bills of Materials.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate effectively and efficiently with multi-discipline departments (e.g., Electrical Engineering, Civil, Structural) on all project aspects.

• Quality Assurance: Perform self-checks on all work assignments before submission for checking, ensuring minimal errors and adherence to project timelines and budgets.

• Client Standards Application: Properly apply client-specific substation design standards to all deliverables.

• Vendor Integration: Interpret and incorporate vendor information and equipment specifications into design deliverables.

• Project Execution: Successfully manage and execute multiple projects concurrently, ensuring timely and accurate completion of design tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities emphasize a blend of technical design expertise and project/people management. The requirement to "develop and/or assist in the development or check" of specific schematic types and BOMs indicates a hands-on approach even at a lead level. The explicit mention of "ensuring work tasks adhere to project budget and schedule constraints" underscores the operational and project management aspects of the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a related field is typically expected for this level of design leadership, though equivalent practical experience may be considered. Experience:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in substation P&C design.

• Demonstrated experience in leading design teams and managing project-level design tasks.

• Proven track record of working on high and extra-high voltage substation projects (12kV to 500kV). Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Design Software: Expert-level skills in AutoCAD and/or MicroStation for creating and modifying complex electrical schematics and layouts.

• Substation P&C Design Expertise: In-depth knowledge of Protection and Control systems for power substations.

• Technical Documentation: Proven ability to develop and check AC Schematics, DC Schematics, Panel Layouts, Wiring/Connection Diagrams, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Demonstrated ability to lead, instruct, and supervise multi-discipline design teams.

• Project Coordination: Experience in creating work assignments, managing design tasks, and acting as a technical advisor.

• Budget & Schedule Management: Ability to ensure design tasks adhere to project budget and schedule constraints.

• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for effective collaboration with engineers and designers across departments.

• Client Standards Application: Ability to interpret and apply client-specific design standards.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific substation automation software or SCADA systems.

• Familiarity with industry standards such as IEEE, NEC, and NESC.

• Experience with project management methodologies and software.

• Ability to interpret vendor submittals and integrate them into designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level of 5-10 years, combined with the "Lead Designer" title, suggests the need for a candidate who is not only technically proficient but also possesses strong leadership qualities and project execution capabilities. The emphasis on specific design software (AutoCAD, MicroStation) and technical documentation (schematics, BOMs) is critical for operations success in this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Deliverables Showcase: Include examples of complex AC/DC schematics, panel layouts, and wiring diagrams for substation projects, demonstrating proficiency in P&C design.

• Project Leadership Examples: Showcase instances where you led design teams, managed work assignments, and provided technical guidance to achieve project goals.

• Process Optimization Case Studies: Present a case study detailing how you improved a design process, managed a project within budget/schedule, or resolved a technical challenge through effective collaboration.

• System Integration Evidence: If applicable, provide examples of how you incorporated vendor information or applied client-specific design standards into your deliverables.

• Quality Control Documentation: Highlight instances where your self-checks or team quality control processes prevented errors or improved the accuracy of design deliverables.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate understanding of design workflow processes from initial concept to final deliverable, including checking and approval stages.

• Illustrate experience in managing design task allocation and tracking progress against project timelines.

• Provide examples of how you ensure design quality and adherence to technical standards and client specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead Designer role, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of skills. Emphasis should be placed on leadership in design execution, process management, and technical problem-solving within substation P&C projects. The ability to articulate the "how" and "why" behind design decisions and process improvements will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the experience level (5-10 years), location (Chattanooga/Knoxville, TN), and the specialized nature of Substation P&C Design leadership, a competitive salary range is estimated between $90,000 - $125,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the technical expertise, leadership responsibilities, and the demand for skilled engineers in the power delivery sector. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) with company match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, training, and certifications.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Standard company-provided coverage.

• Potential for Bonuses: Performance-based incentives may be available.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time workweek, typically 40 hours. While the role is on-site, some flexibility may be offered based on project needs and team coordination, but core hours will likely be standard business hours to facilitate team collaboration and client interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is a professional estimation based on industry benchmarks for Lead Design roles in engineering, specifically within the power sector in Tennessee, considering the 5-10 year experience bracket. Actual compensation may vary based on specific qualifications and negotiation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Services, Power Delivery, Infrastructure Consulting. Mesa Associates, Inc. operates within the critical energy sector, providing engineering and design services for power delivery systems. This implies a culture that values precision, reliability, safety, and technical excellence.

Company Size: While specific numbers are not provided, the company's online presence suggests a mid-to-large sized firm with multiple offices, indicating established processes and a structured environment. This size offers opportunities for both specialization and broad exposure.

Founded: Founded in 1988, Mesa Associates, Inc. has a long-standing history in the industry, suggesting stability, experience, and a deep understanding of client needs and market dynamics.

Team Structure:

• The P&C Design team is likely part of a larger Power Delivery or Engineering division.

• The Lead Designer will manage a team of multi-discipline designers (e.g., electrical, mechanical, civil) on a project-by-project basis.

• This role requires close collaboration with Project Engineers, Project Managers, and potentially other discipline leads.

• Reporting likely goes up to a Senior Engineering Manager or Director of Engineering. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on utilizing project data, client specifications, and engineering principles to inform design decisions.

• Process-Oriented Workflow: Adherence to established design processes, quality control checks, and project management methodologies for efficient project delivery.

• Collaboration & Communication: Strong focus on teamwork, cross-departmental communication, and knowledge sharing to ensure project success.

• Safety & Compliance: Prioritization of safety protocols and adherence to industry regulations and client standards in all design work.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's longevity and focus on power delivery suggest a professional and technically rigorous environment. The "Lead Designer" role implies a culture that empowers experienced individuals to guide others and take ownership of project deliverables, fostering a sense of responsibility and technical leadership.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position represents a senior individual contributor role with significant leadership responsibilities. It's a step beyond a purely technical designer role, moving into team management, technical advisement, and project oversight. This is a critical juncture for operations professionals looking to leverage their technical expertise in a leadership capacity.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Designer will likely report to a Senior Engineering Manager or Director of Engineering. They will, in turn, lead and mentor a team of designers and drafters across various disciplines.

Operations Impact: The Lead Designer's impact is direct and critical to the success of substation projects. Accurate and timely P&C designs are fundamental to the safe and efficient operation of power infrastructure. This role directly influences project timelines, budgets, client satisfaction, and the overall reliability of the power grid.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior/Principal Designer: Progression to a Principal Designer role, handling more complex projects, setting design standards, or specializing in niche areas.

• Engineering Management: Transition into a formal Project Management or Engineering Management track, focusing more on client relations, business development, and overall project P&L.

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of substation design (e.g., advanced protection schemes, SCADA integration, cybersecurity for control systems).

• Mentorship & Training: Become a key figure in training and mentoring junior designers, contributing to the company's knowledge base and talent development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for advancement within engineering and operations. The combination of technical leadership and project management responsibilities positions candidates for growth into senior technical roles or management positions within the energy infrastructure sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment within Mesa Associates, Inc. facilities in Chattanooga or Knoxville.

Office Location(s):

• Chattanooga, TN (37402)

• Knoxville, TN (37932)

Candidates will likely be assigned to one of these primary office locations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment will likely feature open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated workstations designed to facilitate collaboration among design teams.

• Technical Resources: Access to high-performance workstations, design software (AutoCAD, MicroStation), printing/plotting facilities, and other engineering tools.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with fellow designers, engineers, project managers, and support staff, fostering a dynamic and communicative workplace.

• Project Focus: The workspace will be geared towards project execution, with teams often co-located or working in close proximity to manage project deliverables efficiently.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected.

• While the role is on-site, the company may offer some flexibility for occasional remote work or adjusted hours if project demands and team coordination allow, though this is not guaranteed and will depend on company policy and project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration and team synergy, which is often crucial for complex design projects requiring constant communication and problem-solving among team members.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and potentially a brief call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions with hiring managers and/or senior engineers focusing on your P&C design experience, software proficiency, and understanding of substation principles. Expect questions about your approach to design challenges and problem-solving.

• Leadership/Team Fit Interview: An interview focused on your leadership style, experience managing teams, conflict resolution skills, and how you collaborate with others. This might involve behavioral questions.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present selected projects from your portfolio, explaining your role, design decisions, challenges, and outcomes. This is a critical stage for demonstrating practical experience.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or department head to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and confirm details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your most relevant and impactful projects that showcase your P&C design skills and leadership experience.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your specific contributions, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the positive outcomes (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, improved system performance, error reduction).

• Highlight Leadership: If applicable, emphasize instances where you led a team, mentored junior designers, managed workloads, or resolved inter-departmental conflicts.

• Demonstrate Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical aspects of your designs, including schematics, BOMs, and adherence to standards.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps chronologically or by project type, using clear visuals (drawings, diagrams, photos if available).

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it flows well, is concise, and effectively communicates your value proposition.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge or a case study related to substation P&C design. Focus on your thought process, methodology, and how you would approach problem-solving.

• Leadership Scenario: Anticipate behavioral questions about how you handle team conflicts, motivate staff, delegate tasks, or manage underperforming team members.

• Technical Deep Dive: Brush up on core P&C concepts, common substation configurations, and the application of AutoCAD/MicroStation in complex engineering environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a key differentiator for design roles. Candidates should prepare to not only show their work but also to articulate the strategic and operational thinking behind it, especially concerning leadership and project management.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software:

  • AutoCAD: Essential for creating detailed 2D drawings, schematics, and layouts. Proficiency in advanced features for efficient design work is expected.
  • MicroStation: Another critical CAD platform, often used in large-scale engineering projects. Familiarity with its tools for electrical design is highly beneficial.

• P&C Design Software: While not explicitly mentioned, expect to use specialized software or modules within CAD for creating specific electrical schematics and diagrams.

• Project Management Software: Likely to use tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or internal company systems for scheduling, task management, and budget tracking.

• Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or similar platforms for communication, document sharing, and team coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• BOM Generation Tools: Software or features within CAD that assist in generating accurate Bills of Materials from designs.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate reports on design progress, budget adherence, and task completion using project management or internal systems.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Systems: While not a CRM-heavy role, understanding how design data integrates with broader project management or ERP systems is valuable.

• Workflow Automation: Familiarity with any internal tools or processes designed to automate repetitive design tasks or documentation generation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in AutoCAD and MicroStation is non-negotiable. The role also implies a need for familiarity with project management tools to effectively oversee design tasks and ensure adherence to project constraints.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence & Precision: A commitment to high-quality, accurate, and reliable design work is paramount.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Strong emphasis on working effectively with colleagues across different disciplines and departments.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding ethical standards and maintaining a professional demeanor in all interactions.

• Safety & Responsibility: A deep-seated commitment to safety in design, ensuring the well-being of end-users and the public.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and methods to enhance design processes and outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive Communication: Regularly engaging with team members, engineers, and project managers to share updates, clarify requirements, and resolve issues promptly.

• Mutual Respect: Fostering an environment where all team members' contributions are valued, regardless of discipline or seniority.

• Constructive Feedback: Willingness to provide and receive feedback constructively to improve design quality and team performance.

• Cross-Functional Synergy: Actively seeking to understand the needs and constraints of other departments (e.g., civil, structural, electrical engineering) to ensure holistic project design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values a blend of individual technical mastery and strong collaborative spirit, essential for managing complex, multi-faceted engineering projects in the power sector.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Teams: Effectively leading and coordinating individuals with different technical backgrounds, working styles, and priorities.

• Balancing Project Demands: Juggling multiple projects concurrently, each with its own deadlines, budgets, and technical requirements.

• Technical Complexity: Keeping pace with evolving substation technologies, standards, and client requirements in a dynamic industry.

• Inter-Departmental Coordination: Navigating potential communication barriers or conflicting priorities between different engineering disciplines.

• Ensuring Design Accuracy: Maintaining rigorous quality control to prevent errors that could have significant safety or financial implications.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced P&C Training: Opportunities to attend specialized courses or workshops on the latest protection schemes, automation technologies, and cybersecurity for control systems.

• Leadership Development Programs: Company-sponsored training on management, team leadership, project management, and communication skills.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining certifications relevant to electrical engineering, substation design, or project management.

• Mentorship: Access to senior engineers and leaders within Mesa Associates for guidance and career advice.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of substation projects (different voltages, complexities, and client types) to broaden experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to grow not only technically but also as a leader and project manager, tackling complex engineering challenges in a vital industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience leading design teams. What is your approach to delegating tasks and ensuring accountability?" (Focus on your leadership style, methods for task assignment, and follow-up processes.)

• "How do you ensure that design deliverables meet both technical requirements and project constraints (budget, schedule)?" (Highlight your process for self-checking, working with project managers, and prioritizing tasks.)

• "Walk us through a complex substation P&C design project you led. What were the key challenges, how did you overcome them, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a detailed case study focusing on your leadership and technical contributions.)

• "How do you collaborate with other engineering disciplines (e.g., civil, structural, electrical) to ensure a cohesive project design?" (Emphasize communication strategies, conflict resolution, and understanding interdependencies.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Mesa Associates, Inc. and our work in the power delivery sector?" (Research the company's projects, values, and recent news.)

• "How do you approach continuous learning in a rapidly evolving field like substation design?" (Discuss your methods for staying current with technology, standards, and best practices.)

• "Describe a time you had to adapt your design approach due to unexpected client feedback or changing project requirements." (Showcase your flexibility and problem-solving skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, the solution (design process), and the results/impact.

• Highlight Leadership: Specifically point out instances where you led, mentored, or managed others within the design process.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate impact (e.g., "reduced design time by 15%," "identified potential cost savings of $X," "ensured zero design errors in critical components").

• Technical Clarity: Be prepared to explain technical concepts clearly and concisely, avoiding overly complex jargon unless the interviewer prompts for it.

• Engage Your Audience: Make eye contact, speak confidently, and be ready to answer follow-up questions about your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of P&C design principles, proficiency with relevant software, and, crucially, the leadership and project management skills required for a "Lead Designer" role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Ultipro link on the Mesa Associates, Inc. careers page.

• Tailor your resume: Emphasize your experience in substation P&C design, leadership roles, proficiency with AutoCAD/MicroStation, and project management achievements. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your portfolio: Select 3-5 impactful projects that showcase your technical design skills and leadership experience. Be ready to present them clearly and concisely.

• Research Mesa Associates, Inc.: Understand their projects, company culture, and values to better articulate your fit during interviews.

• Practice your interview responses: Prepare for technical questions, behavioral questions, and your portfolio presentation.

⚠️ 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.