Substation Lead Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Substation Lead Designer

Company: Ulteig

Location: Greenwood Village, Colorado, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering & Design Operations

Date Posted: June 10, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for providing essential technical drafting and design support within infrastructure projects, specifically focusing on substation electrical equipment.

• The Lead Designer will leverage advanced 3D modeling skills to create accurate designs and guide junior technicians, ensuring adherence to company, client, and project standards.

• Key responsibilities involve detailed drafting of substation layouts, conduit, grounding, lighting, and protection systems, with a strong emphasis on efficient site logistics for constructability.

• This position requires a deep understanding of electrical infrastructure design principles and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Substation Lead Designer," the description focuses heavily on technical drafting and design support within infrastructure projects, particularly electrical substations. This suggests the "Lead" aspect pertains more to technical expertise and guidance rather than direct people management. The role is firmly within the Engineering & Design Operations domain, requiring specialized technical skills rather than typical GTM or RevOps functions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop detailed plans for infrastructure projects, with a primary focus on substation electrical systems.

• Create accurate 3D models using various software platforms, ensuring compliance with engineering standards and client specifications.

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to other technicians and junior designers on design best practices and software utilization.

• Execute detailed drafting for substation electrical equipment layout, conduit design, grounding systems, lighting design, and lightning protection systems.

• Produce essential design documents including protection one-line diagrams, schematics, and interconnection wiring diagrams using AutoCAD.

• Ensure site layout logistics are considered for efficient drafting and ease of construction, optimizing constructability.

• Collaborate effectively with engineers, project managers, and other stakeholders to ensure design integrity and project success.

• Maintain an organized approach to design tasks to ensure projects are completed on schedule and within scope.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities are heavily weighted towards technical design execution and support within a specific engineering discipline (substation electrical). The "Lead" designation implies a higher level of technical proficiency and the ability to guide others, rather than managing a broader operational function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A two-year technical degree in Technical Drafting or a closely related field is required.

• Equivalent practical experience with a strong portfolio demonstrating relevant skills may be considered as an alternative. Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of experience specifically in infrastructure-related design and drafting is mandatory.

• Proven experience in detailed drafting for substation electrical equipment layout, conduit, grounding, lighting, and protection systems is essential.

• Demonstrated ability to apply company, client, and project-specific standards and procedures accurately. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in 3D modeling software such as AutoCAD, Inventor, Bentley, Solidworks, Revit, and SketchUp.

• Expertise in AutoCAD for detailed electrical substation design, including one-line diagrams, schematics, and wiring diagrams.

• Strong understanding of substation electrical equipment layout, conduit design, grounding, lighting, and lightning protection design principles.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) for documentation, communication, and project management.

• Excellent organizational and communication skills to manage multiple design tasks and ensure timely project completion.

• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage workload effectively with limited supervision. Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge and experience with MicroStation is considered a significant advantage.

• Familiarity with graphic design programs such as Adobe Photoshop for visual documentation or presentations.

• Experience with other 3D modeling or CAD software beyond the primary requirements.

• Understanding of site layout logistics and their impact on construction efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a deep technical skill set in drafting and design for electrical substations, with a strong preference for specific software proficiency. The "Lead" aspect is supported by the need for independent work and technical guidance.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A portfolio showcasing detailed 3D models and 2D drawings of complex infrastructure projects, with a focus on electrical substations.

• Demonstration of proficiency in AutoCAD for creating one-line diagrams, schematics, and wiring diagrams.

• Examples of substation electrical equipment layouts, conduit designs, grounding, and lighting plans.

• Evidence of applying company, client, and project standards in design work.

• Showcase of efficient site layout considerations for constructability. Process Documentation:

• Examples of design process documentation, including workflow charts or process maps for design tasks.

• Documentation illustrating how design standards and procedures were implemented and followed.

• Evidence of how design feedback and revisions were managed and incorporated.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, as it serves as the primary evidence of technical proficiency in substation design and drafting. The focus should be on demonstrating practical application of required software and design principles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The target base hourly compensation range for this role is $47.40 - $59.00 USD.

• Actual salary will be determined based on factors including job-specific skills, education, training, job location, years of relevant experience, and internal equity comparisons. Benefits:

• Flexible Workplace: Options for hybrid work arrangements to support work-life balance.

• Employee Ownership: Opportunity to become an owner in the company, aligning personal success with organizational growth.

• Competitive Pay: A strong compensation package that includes the specified hourly range.

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Includes health insurance, retirement plans, and other standard benefits.

• Collaborative Environment: A work setting that encourages teamwork and knowledge sharing.

• Innovative Culture: An environment that fosters creativity and embraces new approaches to problem-solving.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are based on a full-time schedule, typically 40 hours per week.

• Ulteig supports flexible working schedules to allow employees to balance personal and professional responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided hourly rate is a key piece of compensation information. The benefits package highlights Ulteig's commitment to employee well-being and engagement, with employee ownership being a notable differentiator.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Consulting, Energy (Power, Renewables), Transportation, Water Infrastructure. Ulteig operates within critical infrastructure sectors, focusing on developing integrated solutions for a sustainable future.

Company Size: Ulteig is a well-established organization with a significant presence, likely falling into the medium to large enterprise category, providing stability and substantial project opportunities.

Founded: Over 80 years ago, indicating a long history of expertise, stability, and established client relationships in the infrastructure sector.

Team Structure:

• The Lead Designer will be part of a technical team, likely reporting to an Engineering Manager or a Senior Design Lead.

• This role involves close collaboration with electrical engineers, project managers, and other design technicians.

• The team structure emphasizes cross-functional collaboration to deliver comprehensive infrastructure solutions. Methodology:

• Ulteig employs a purpose-driven approach, focusing on creating and solving for a sustainable future through infrastructure development.

• The company values a data-driven approach to problem-solving and design, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are likely integral to project execution and design processes.

• Emphasis is placed on automation and efficiency practices to enhance project delivery and client value.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Ulteig's long history and focus on critical infrastructure suggest a stable, experienced, and mission-driven organization. The company culture appears to prioritize employee development, collaboration, and a forward-thinking approach to infrastructure solutions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a senior individual contributor, a "Lead Designer," signifying a high level of technical expertise and responsibility within the design function. It's a crucial role for experienced designers looking to leverage their specialization without necessarily moving into direct management.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Designer will likely report to a Senior Engineering Manager or a Director of Engineering, depending on the organizational structure. They will also be responsible for providing guidance and technical support to junior designers and technicians.

Operations Impact: The work of the Lead Designer directly impacts the success of infrastructure projects by ensuring the accuracy, efficiency, and constructability of substation designs. High-quality designs contribute to project safety, cost-effectiveness, and timely completion, which are critical for client satisfaction and Ulteig's reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in substation design and related infrastructure disciplines, potentially becoming a subject matter expert.

• Mentorship & Training: Chance to mentor junior designers, contributing to the development of the next generation of technical talent within Ulteig.

• Project Leadership: Potential to lead design efforts on significant projects, gaining experience in project scope management and client interaction from a technical perspective.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Opportunities to collaborate with various engineering disciplines and project management teams, broadening understanding of the full project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for technical career growth within the engineering design domain, emphasizing expertise and mentorship over traditional management tracks.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Ulteig supports a "Flexible Workplace," indicating a hybrid model where employees can split their time between the office and remote work. This offers a blend of in-person collaboration and focused individual work.

Office Location(s): The primary role is based in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Ulteig may have other office locations across North America, but this specific role is tied to the Greenwood Village site.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model allows for collaborative sessions in the office, fostering team interaction and knowledge sharing.

• Access to necessary design software, hardware, and potentially specialized technical resources will be provided by the company.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with engineers, project managers, and fellow designers are integral to the collaborative aspect of the role.

Work Schedule: Ulteig emphasizes flexibility, allowing employees to build a workday that suits their strengths and needs, while still meeting the demands of a full-time role and project deadlines. This flexibility supports efficient design work and personal well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a flexible and collaborative hybrid environment suggests a modern work culture that values both individual productivity and team synergy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications against the core requirements, with particular attention to years of experience and specific software proficiency.

• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: This is a critical stage where candidates will likely present their portfolio. Expect to discuss specific projects, your role in them, design choices, and how you utilized various software (AutoCAD, 3D modeling tools). Be prepared to explain your approach to substation design challenges.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Questions may focus on your experience working independently, collaborating in a team, handling design challenges, and applying company standards.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager and potential team members to assess cultural fit, communication style, and overall suitability for the Lead Designer role within the Ulteig team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest projects directly relevant to substation electrical design.

• Detail Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, not just the team's overall achievements.

• Highlight Software Proficiency: Demonstrate your mastery of AutoCAD and relevant 3D modeling software through examples of complex drawings and models.

• Explain Design Rationale: Be ready to discuss the "why" behind your design decisions, especially concerning equipment layout, conduit routing, grounding, and safety features.

• Showcase Constructability: Include examples where you considered site logistics and ease of construction in your designs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential technical questions about electrical design principles, drafting standards, and software functionality.

• Practice articulating your design process clearly and concisely.

• Think about how you would approach a hypothetical design problem given a set of constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates must be prepared to thoroughly present and defend their design work, demonstrating not just technical skill but also an understanding of practical application and collaboration.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for detailed 2D drafting of electrical schematics, one-line diagrams, and interconnection wiring diagrams. Proficiency is a must.

• 3D Modeling Software: Demonstrated experience with programs like Inventor, Bentley, Solidworks, Revit, and SketchUp for creating accurate 3D models of substation layouts and components.

• MicroStation: Preferred but not mandatory; familiarity is a plus.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicit, the ability to interpret project requirements and design specifications is key. Understanding how designs translate to project scope and potential cost implications is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) is required for communication, documentation, and project coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on CAD and 3D modeling software, reflecting the core technical nature of the role. Proficiency in AutoCAD is non-negotiable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Purpose-Driven: Contributing to a sustainable future by designing critical infrastructure.

• People-Focused: Valuing clients and employees, fostering a supportive environment.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across teams and disciplines to achieve common goals.

• Innovation: Embracing new ideas and approaches to design and problem-solving.

• Efficiency: Striving for optimized designs and processes that facilitate ease of construction and project delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Hybrid Teamwork: Balancing in-office collaboration with remote work flexibility.

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with engineers, project managers, and other technical staff.

• Technical Mentorship: Sharing knowledge and providing guidance to junior team members.

• Open Communication: Encouraging clear and constructive dialogue to ensure design accuracy and project alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Ulteig's stated values align with a modern, responsible engineering firm that prioritizes people, purpose, and performance. The collaborative style is adapted to a hybrid work model.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Design Requirements: Meeting intricate design specifications for substation electrical systems while adhering to stringent industry standards and client needs.

• Software Proficiency Evolution: Staying current with updates and advanced features of multiple CAD and 3D modeling software packages.

• Balancing Collaboration and Independence: Effectively managing individual design tasks while contributing to team goals and providing guidance to others in a hybrid work environment.

• Constructability Optimization: Ensuring designs are not only technically sound but also practical and efficient for on-site construction.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of substation design or related infrastructure domains.

• Software Certifications: Pursuing certifications in key CAD and 3D modeling software.

• Project Diversity: Exposure to a wide range of infrastructure projects, offering varied design challenges and learning experiences.

• Mentorship Roles: Developing leadership and coaching skills by guiding junior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities for deep technical growth and the refinement of design processes, particularly in the context of complex infrastructure projects and evolving technologies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Design Approach: Be prepared to discuss your systematic approach to designing substation electrical layouts, including how you prioritize elements like equipment placement, conduit routing, grounding, and safety.

• Software Application: Expect questions about how you leverage specific features in AutoCAD, Inventor, or other 3D software to enhance design accuracy and efficiency. Be ready to explain how you use layering, blocks, or modeling techniques.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: "Describe a time you encountered a design challenge related to constructability or a technical constraint. How did you resolve it, and what was the outcome?"

• Collaboration in a Hybrid Setting: "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration with team members when working in a hybrid environment?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Understanding Ulteig's Mission: "What interests you about Ulteig's focus on sustainable infrastructure and its purpose-driven approach?"

• Fit with Values: "How do your personal work values align with Ulteig's emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and people-focus?"

• Independent Work: "Describe your experience working independently on complex design tasks. How do you manage your workload and ensure deadlines are met?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project in your portfolio, clearly outline the project's objective, your specific role and responsibilities, the design challenges faced, the solutions you implemented (including software used), and the final outcome.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, highlight how your design contributed to efficiency, safety, or cost savings.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, software techniques, and adherence to standards.

• Showcase Versatility: Present a range of work that demonstrates your mastery of various design aspects (layout, schematics, 3D modeling).

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating technical depth, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of how design contributes to broader project success and company goals. The portfolio presentation is a critical component.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 10+ years of infrastructure design experience, specific proficiency in AutoCAD and other 3D modeling software, and detailed experience with substation electrical components and layouts. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Assemble a digital portfolio that showcases your best work in substation electrical design. Include examples of AutoCAD drawings (one-line diagrams, schematics, wiring diagrams) and 3D models. Be ready to walk through your projects and explain your design process and technical decisions.

• Research Ulteig: Familiarize yourself with Ulteig's mission, values, and the types of infrastructure projects they undertake. Understand their commitment to sustainability and their "purpose-driven" culture.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for technical and behavioral questions, focusing on your ability to work independently, collaborate effectively, and apply design standards. Practice articulating your portfolio projects concisely and impactfully.

⚠️ 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.