Substation Designer - Birmingham, AL

What You'll Be Doing:

VPS is currently seeking a Substation Designer.  As a Substation Designer, you will work with VPS power company clients, facilitating their design and deployment of electric power distribution systems that meet their long-term goals.  The types of projects may include multi-year, phased construction projects; grant applications with tight deadlines; and other initiatives. This position will work as a bridge between onsite boots-on-the-ground staff, contractors, and technical engineering plans, helping bring projects from concept to fruition under the guidance and direction of a licensed Professional Engineer (PE).  

The Substation Designer is responsible for assisting in the design and oversight of the construction of power substations to meet our partner's needs. The Designer is responsible for properly developing control schemes including relay schematics, wiring diagrams, SCADA layouts, etc. 

The ideal candidate is organized, eager to learn, professional, and adaptable. Attention to detail and strong interpersonal communication skills are vital. The nature of the role requires a team player – meaning someone who can take ownership of assigned tasks, collaborate well with other members of the team, and proactively seeks to help team members push a project to the finish line. This position does not have supervisory responsibility. 

Skills and Requirements:

• Develop substation layout and physical design 

• Specify the required equipment, materials and assemblies to meet client needs   

• Assist in developing physical, electrical and control designs for construction, including bus and structural steel 

• Provide field support during construction as well as develop operating procedures for use after project completion 

• Assist team lead with development of control schemes including relay schematics, wiring diagrams, SCADA layouts, etc.  

• Perform modeling for utility development, coordination, balancing, automated restoration, voltage control demand response, etc. 

• Perform control setting for coordinated regulators, LTCs, capacitors, etc. 

• Create or modify all drawings and specifications used for design and construction  

• Initiate and support the required permitting processes 

• Develop substation grounding designs and reviewing existing grounding designs   

• Review substation structural designs for compatibility with substation electrical requirements  

• Stay up to date on applicable code requirements 

• Occasional field visits to project sites 

• Physical programming of elements and devices 

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients and VPS staff. 

Required Education & Experience:

• A BSEE or BSEET degree, from an ABET accredited university, preferably with a power option. 

• Experience working on multidisciplinary project teams  

• Experience working with modeling and coordination software 

• Engineer in Training certificate (EIT) or ability to obtain one upon hiring. 

• Internship or co-op experience with a utility. 

• Manage multiple tasks and work effectively with different personalities. 

• Travel should be expected. 

Desired Education & Experience:

• Engineering degree, from an ABET accredited university, preferably with a power option. 

• Experience designing electrical utility substations 

• Familiarity with engineering standards such as RUS, IEEE, ANSI and NESC 

• Effective oral and written communications 

• Ability to manage cross-department communication 

• Strong technical writing skills  

• Experience researching and applying codes and ordinances 

• The candidate must have strong command of the English language with good written and oral communication skills to work effectively with internal team members and external client personnel. 

• Strong knowledge and understanding of electrical engineering upon which to build. 

• Must be able to successfully pass clients' background screening process. 

• Must have a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. 

• The ability to pass a background check/drug test/driving record check. 

• Authorized to work in the United States. 

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers competitive pay and an attractive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability insurance, 401(k), and more.

About Vantage Point Solutions

Vantage Point Solutions was founded in 2002 by a team who believed in putting people – both employees and clients – first. VPS is a customer-focused, technology-driven engineering and consulting firm serving the broadband, power, and financial industries.

Vantage Point is employee-owned, and because client success means employee success, the entire team is driven by a commitment to client satisfaction. We work hard to foster a culture of teamwork, respect, and commitment (with a good mix of camaraderie and fun, too).

EEO

Vantage Point Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.”