Lead Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Designer – Substation

Company: Quanta Infrastructure Solutions Group, LLC (QISG)

Location: Lake Mary, Florida, United States

Job Type: OTHER (Likely Full-time)

Category: Engineering & Design Operations

Date Posted: August 13, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This Lead Designer role focuses on the critical 2D/3D physical and/or Protection & Control (P&C) design of substation projects within the electric utility sector.

• The position emphasizes meticulous adherence to industry standards, corporate engineering practices, and quality control procedures to ensure the accuracy and integrity of design deliverables.

• Candidates will leverage advanced CAD proficiency and familiarity with substation materials and construction methods to support projects from inception through completion.

• This role involves close collaboration with engineering teams, drafting personnel, and stakeholders to troubleshoot project-specific issues and contribute to efficient, safe, and high-quality project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Lead Designer," the description focuses on performing routine design tasks under the direction of a Lead Designer and collaborating with engineers. This suggests the role might be more of a senior individual contributor designer rather than a direct people manager, but with potential for leadership on specific design aspects. The "OTHER" employment type is common for specialized technical roles and likely implies a full-time, permanent position.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute routine 2D/3D physical and/or Protection & Control (P&C) design tasks for substation projects, ensuring compliance with client and corporate standards.

• Utilize advanced CAD software, including AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, Inventor, and Substation Design Suite (SDS), to develop and refine design drawings and models.

• Conduct thorough research using catalogs, specifications, corporate standards, and other reference materials to inform design decisions and ensure accuracy.

• Implement and maintain quality control procedures throughout the design process to guarantee the highest standards of workmanship and project integrity.

• Actively participate in the document management system, learning its functionalities and proposing improvements for workflow efficiency.

• Apply corporate standard engineering practices and learn new methodologies to enhance design processes and project outcomes.

• Proactively identify and communicate potential project-related problems and propose viable solutions to relevant stakeholders.

• Collaborate effectively with engineers, drafting teams, and other project personnel to achieve project objectives and maintain drawing package quality.

• Take ownership of the quality and accuracy of personal work, demonstrating a commitment to meticulous design execution.

• Travel out of town for short periods as required to support project needs, including site visits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "routine 2D/3D physical and/or Protection & Control (P&C) design tasks" and working "under the direction of a Lead Designer" suggests this role, while senior in experience, might function as a specialist designer within a larger engineering framework. The responsibility to "bring potential project-related problems and possible solutions to the attention of the stakeholders" highlights a proactive problem-solving expectation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate degree in Drafting & Design or equivalent certification is preferred.

• A 4-year Engineering Technology (Eng Tech) degree is considered a plus. Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the electric utility industry, specifically performing detailed CAD/design for high voltage substation projects.

• More extensive experience may qualify the candidate for a higher-level position. Required Skills:

• Expertise in drafting disciplines with a strong background in substation design.

• Extensive knowledge of various CAD programs, with a preference for AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, Inventor, and Substation Design Suite (SDS).

• Proficiency in performing 2D/3D physical and/or Protection & Control (P&C) design tasks.

• Familiarity with substation materials, construction methods, and utility design standards.

• Understanding of quality control procedures and their application in design.

• Ability to research and utilize technical documentation, specifications, and corporate standards.

• Competency in using word processing, spreadsheet, and e-mail software.

• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate clearly with co-workers.

• Demonstrated ability to deal with ambiguity, work independently, manage multiple tasks, and determine priorities in a complex environment. Preferred Skills:

• Expertise with 3D and/or smart design software, specifically AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, Inventor, and SDS.

• Familiarity with document management systems and process improvement suggestions.

• Experience contributing to project design from inception to completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "10+ years of experience" combined with the "Associate degree preferred" and "4-year Eng Tech degree a plus" indicates a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on experience and demonstrated expertise in substation design over formal academic credentials alone. The preference for specific CAD suites like SDS highlights specialized tool requirements for this niche.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 10 years of detailed CAD/design work for high voltage substation projects within the electric utility industry.

• Include examples demonstrating proficiency in both 2D and 3D design, particularly using AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, Inventor, or Substation Design Suite (SDS).

• Highlight projects that involved physical substation design and/or Protection & Control (P&C) design elements.

• Present case studies or project excerpts that illustrate your understanding and application of substation materials, construction methods, and utility design standards.

• Provide evidence of your familiarity with quality control procedures and how you ensured accuracy and compliance in your designs. Process Documentation:

• Submissions should ideally include examples of how you've contributed to design documentation, from initial concept to final drawing packages.

• Demonstrate an understanding of workflow within a design team, showing how you collaborated with engineers and other drafters.

• If applicable, include examples of how you've utilized or suggested improvements for document management systems or design process workflows.

• Highlight instances where you researched and applied technical specifications, corporate standards, or industry best practices in your design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role with 10+ years of experience, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but demonstrate the depth of involvement in the design lifecycle, problem-solving, and adherence to rigorous industry and company standards. Specific examples of P&C or physical design elements within substations will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Lead Designers with 10+ years of specialized experience in electric utility substation design in Florida, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between $95,000 - $135,000 annually. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the exact scope of responsibilities within the "Lead Designer" designation. Benefits:

• Competitive salary, with available overtime pay.

• Comprehensive health benefits package.

• Robust retirement benefits (e.g., 401k with potential company match).

• Opportunities for professional development, including training and potential certifications.

• Access to Quanta's broader resource network for project support and expertise. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, likely 40 hours per week.

• Overtime opportunities may be available based on project demands.

• The role is primarily on-site, requiring presence at the Lake Mary, FL office, with occasional short-term travel for project-related site visits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from research on similar roles in the engineering and design sector within the US, specifically considering the high demand for specialized utility infrastructure design expertise and the cost of living in the Orlando metropolitan area. The "OTHER" employment type often doesn't specify standard hours but typically implies a full-time commitment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy Infrastructure, Engineering, Construction, and Consulting. QISG operates within the critical sector of energy infrastructure, focusing on planning, designing, engineering, and constructing projects for utility partners. This involves a deep understanding of regulatory environments, safety protocols, and technological advancements in power transmission and distribution.

Company Size: QISG leverages Quanta's comprehensive resources. Quanta Services (parent company) is a large, publicly traded company with tens of thousands of employees globally. QISG itself likely operates as a significant division or subsidiary, suggesting a substantial organizational structure with access to extensive resources and a wide range of expertise. This size provides stability and opportunities for large-scale project involvement.

Founded: Quanta Services was founded in 1997. QISG is presented as a key component of Quanta's strategy to deliver collaborative solutions, indicating it's a relatively established and integral part of the parent company's service offerings.

Team Structure:

• The operations and design teams within QISG are likely structured to support comprehensive project delivery, from initial planning to final construction and maintenance.

• This role reports to a Lead Designer, indicating a hierarchical structure within the design department, with clear reporting lines for design-specific tasks.

• Collaboration is expected with engineers, other designers, drafting teams, project managers, and potentially client representatives, highlighting a cross-functional and client-centric approach. Methodology:

• QISG emphasizes a "turnkey service capability," implying a methodical, end-to-end project management approach that ensures efficiency and consistency.

• Data analysis is implicit in engineering and design, with a focus on utilizing specifications, corporate standards, and reference materials to ensure accuracy and compliance.

• Workflow planning and optimization are key, as evidenced by the desire for suggestions on document management systems and the emphasis on efficient project execution.

• Automation and efficiency are supported through the use of advanced design software (3D, smart design) and the continuous learning of corporate standard engineering practices.

Company Website: https://quantaisg.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding QISG's position within Quanta Services is key. It suggests a large, stable organization with significant project capacity and a robust operational framework. The "turnkey solutions" approach means operations professionals here are often involved in a broad spectrum of project phases.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Lead Designer" with a requirement of 10+ years of specialized experience. This signifies a senior individual contributor level, expected to possess deep technical expertise in substation design. While not explicitly a management role, it implies leadership in design execution, mentoring junior staff, and contributing significantly to project technical direction.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a Lead Designer, indicating a clear line of command within the design department. This structure allows for focused technical guidance and oversight, ensuring design quality and adherence to standards.

Operations Impact: The design work directly impacts the safety, efficiency, and reliability of energy infrastructure. Accurate and compliant designs are foundational to successful project execution, cost control, and long-term operational performance of substations. This role’s output is critical for QISG’s ability to deliver on its turnkey solutions promise to clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in specific areas of substation design (e.g., high-voltage physical design, complex P&C systems, advanced modeling techniques).

• Technical Leadership: Transition into higher-level Lead Designer roles, taking on more complex projects, mentoring a larger team of designers, and potentially contributing to design standards development.

• Project Management Path: With demonstrated project understanding and collaboration skills, there may be opportunities to move into project coordination or management roles, leveraging technical background.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain broader exposure to engineering, procurement, construction, and maintenance phases through collaboration, which can open doors to integrated project roles.

• Continuous Learning: Opportunities for professional development and training in new design technologies and industry best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+ years" experience strongly suggests this is a senior-level position. Growth opportunities would likely focus on deepening technical mastery, taking on more complex design challenges, or potentially moving into leadership roles that involve guiding design teams or influencing project technical strategy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Lake Mary, Florida, at the QISG office. This suggests a professional office environment designed for engineering and design work.

Office Location(s): 39 Skyline Dr, Lake Mary, FL 32746. This location is within the Orlando metropolitan area, offering accessibility and a strong talent pool.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be equipped with industry-standard CAD workstations and software necessary for complex design tasks.

• Collaboration is a key aspect, implying shared office spaces, meeting rooms, and digital collaboration tools to facilitate interaction with engineers, drafters, and project managers.

• The environment is expected to foster a focus on accuracy, attention to detail, and adherence to strict industry and safety standards prevalent in the energy infrastructure sector. Work Schedule:

• The role is on-site, requiring regular attendance at the Lake Mary office.

• Standard working hours are anticipated to be around 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime based on project deadlines and demands.

• While primarily office-based, short-term travel for project-related site visits is a requirement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement for a design role emphasizes the need for direct collaboration, access to physical resources, and potential for hands-on design review in a controlled environment. Occasional travel for site visits is typical for infrastructure design roles to ensure design accuracy against real-world conditions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess if your 10+ years of specialized substation design experience and CAD proficiency meet the core requirements.

• Technical Interview: Expect in-depth questions about your experience with 2D/3D design for high voltage substations, specific CAD software (AutoCAD, SDS, Inventor), P&C design principles, and your understanding of utility design standards. You may be asked to walk through specific projects from your portfolio.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present and discuss key projects from your portfolio, highlighting your contributions, design challenges overcome, and the impact of your work. Be prepared to discuss your process, quality control measures, and problem-solving approaches.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions assessing your ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, deal with ambiguity, collaborate effectively in a team, and communicate with co-workers and stakeholders.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior engineering management or a hiring manager to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and finalize offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-5 projects that best showcase your 10+ years of experience in high voltage substation design, covering both physical and P&C aspects if applicable.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions, responsibilities, and the scope of your design work on each project.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Use visual aids (drawings, 3D models, screenshots) to illustrate your CAD skills and design solutions.

• Emphasize Process & Standards: Explain how you applied quality control, followed industry standards (e.g., utility design standards), and utilized technical research.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Detail any complex design challenges you encountered and how you devised and implemented solutions.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, quantify the outcomes of your design work (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, successful project completion, adherence to tight deadlines).

• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to answer detailed questions about your design choices, technical decisions, and collaboration experience.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential design exercises or scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills and technical judgment under pressure.

• Familiarize yourself with common substation components, P&C schematics, and fundamental electrical engineering principles relevant to high voltage systems.

• Practice articulating complex technical concepts clearly and concisely, as if explaining them to a less technical stakeholder.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and 10+ years of experience means the interview process will likely be highly technical, focusing on demonstrated capabilities rather than theoretical knowledge. Being able to articulate your design process and problem-solving methodology through concrete examples is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Extensive proficiency required in AutoCAD. Strong preference and likely extensive use of AutoCAD Electrical, Inventor, and Substation Design Suite (SDS) for both physical and P&C design applications. Candidates are expected to be experts in these platforms.

• 3D Design Software: Experience with 3D modeling and smart design software is crucial for modern substation design.

• Word Processing & Spreadsheet Software: Proficiency in standard office suites (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite) for documentation, reporting, and data analysis.

• E-mail Software: Standard communication tools for internal and external correspondence.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as primary design tools, designers will likely interface with systems that provide project data for analysis and reporting. This could include project management software or specialized engineering analysis tools. CRM & Automation:

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with and ability to suggest improvements for document management systems is mentioned, indicating a structured approach to handling design documents and revisions.

• Project Management Software: Likely used for tracking tasks, deadlines, and project progress, requiring designers to input and retrieve information.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, Inventor, and SDS points to a highly specialized software environment. Expertise in these tools, particularly SDS, is likely a key differentiator for candidates. Understanding how these tools integrate into a broader project management and document control framework is also important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Accuracy: A foundational value, emphasizing meticulous attention to detail and ensuring the highest standards of workmanship in all design deliverables.

• Safety: Paramount in the energy infrastructure sector, designers must be acutely aware of safety protocols and design for safe construction and operation.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, effective communication, and cross-functional cooperation with engineers, drafters, and project stakeholders.

• Accountability: Taking personal responsibility for the quality and accuracy of one's work, demonstrating ownership from project inception to completion.

• Continuous Improvement: A willingness to learn new techniques, apply corporate standards, and suggest improvements to processes and systems, such as the document management system.

• Problem-Solving: Proactive identification and resolution of project-related issues, contributing innovative solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with engineers to translate requirements into buildable designs and with drafting teams for drawing package finalization.

• Stakeholder Communication: Effective communication with internal teams and potentially external clients regarding design progress, challenges, and solutions.

• Process Review Culture: Openness to feedback on designs and processes, with a willingness to incorporate constructive criticism to enhance project outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, technical insights, and lessons learned within the design and engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: QISG's culture appears to be driven by a commitment to delivering complex infrastructure projects reliably and safely. For a designer, this translates to a need for strong technical discipline, robust collaboration skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving within established operational frameworks.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Substation Design: High voltage substations involve intricate physical layouts, complex electrical systems, and stringent safety requirements, demanding deep technical understanding and attention to detail.

• Adherence to Standards: Balancing client-specific requirements with corporate engineering standards and regulatory compliance can be challenging, requiring careful navigation and documentation.

• Managing Multiple Projects: The ability to independently manage multiple design tasks across various projects simultaneously, prioritizing effectively under pressure, is crucial.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Rapid advancements in CAD software, 3D modeling, and substation technologies require continuous learning to maintain expertise.

• Interdisciplinary Coordination: Ensuring seamless integration of physical design with Protection & Control systems, and coordinating with other engineering disciplines, can present communication and technical hurdles.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced CAD & Design Software Training: Opportunities to master specialized features of SDS, Inventor, or other advanced design tools.

• Substation Engineering Fundamentals: Deeper dives into electrical engineering principles, P&C system design, and high-voltage equipment.

• Industry Standards and Regulations: Training on evolving industry standards (e.g., IEEE, NESC) and regulatory requirements impacting substation design.

• Project Management Basics: Exposure to project management methodologies to better understand project lifecycles and stakeholder needs.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from senior engineers and designers, gaining insights into complex problem-solving and career progression within the utility sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role are significant, stemming from the critical nature of energy infrastructure and the complexity of high-voltage systems. Growth opportunities are heavily skewed towards deepening technical expertise and mastering specialized design tools and processes.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Design Process: "Describe your typical process for designing a high-voltage substation component, from initial request to final drawing package. How do you ensure accuracy and compliance?" (Prepare to discuss your workflow, CAD usage, research methods, and quality checks).

• Software Proficiency: "Walk me through a complex design task you completed using AutoCAD Electrical and Substation Design Suite (SDS). What were the key features you utilized, and what challenges did you overcome?" (Be ready with specific examples and demonstrate your command of the tools).

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: "Imagine a situation where your design conflicts with a new site constraint discovered late in the project. How would you approach resolving this, and who would you involve?" (Focus on your communication, problem-solving methodology, and stakeholder management).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Fit: "What attracts you to Quanta Infrastructure Solutions Group, and how do you see your 10+ years of substation design experience contributing to our turnkey solutions approach?" (Research QISG's projects and values; align your experience with their mission).

• Team Collaboration: "Describe a time you had to collaborate closely with engineers or other designers to resolve a complex design issue. What was your role, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight your communication and teamwork skills).

• Quality & Standards: "How do you ensure your designs meet stringent utility design standards and corporate quality control procedures?" (Emphasize your commitment to accuracy, documentation, and proactive quality checks).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type or by the skills demonstrated. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the technologies used, the challenges faced, your solutions, and the results.

• Visuals: Use high-quality images, drawings, and 3D model screenshots. Be prepared to annotate or explain them live.

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story about each project, focusing on your contributions and the impact of your design work.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your most impactful projects within a given timeframe, focusing on the highlights and key takeaways.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, technical decisions, and how you handled specific project situations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on being able to articulate your technical expertise and problem-solving abilities through concrete examples from your extensive experience. Demonstrating a deep understanding of substation design principles, CAD tools, and the project lifecycle will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Quanta careers portal.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your 10+ years of specific experience in electric utility substation design, emphasizing your expertise in CAD (AutoCAD, SDS, Inventor), and proficiency in 2D/3D physical and P&C design. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate a selection of your most impactful substation design projects. Be ready to present your work, detailing your role, technical challenges, solutions, and the standards you adhered to.

• Research QISG: Understand their mission, their turnkey solutions approach, and their role within Quanta Services. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice your technical explanations: Be prepared to clearly articulate complex design processes, software usage, and problem-solving methodologies. Practice discussing your portfolio items with a focus on demonstrating your expertise and collaborative skills.

⚠️ 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.