Substation Physical Designer 1

BLOC Resources is seeking a Substation Physical Designer to support Southern Company’s Transmission & Distribution engineering team in Birmingham, AL. This position is responsible for creating detailed 2D drawings and 3D models for electrical substation projects while supporting design standards, safety requirements, and project execution.

The Designer will contribute to the development of substation physical layouts, material specifications, and engineering documentation, working closely with engineers, project managers, construction teams, and field personnel.

This role requires strong CAD skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced utility environment supporting critical infrastructure projects.

BLOC Resources is seeking a Substation Physical Designer to support Southern Company’s Transmission & Distribution engineering team in Birmingham, AL. This position is responsible for creating detailed 2D drawings and 3D models for electrical substation projects while supporting design standards, safety requirements, and project execution.

The Designer will contribute to the development of substation physical layouts, material specifications, and engineering documentation, working closely with engineers, project managers, construction teams, and field personnel.

This role requires strong CAD skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced utility environment supporting critical infrastructure projects.

Substation Physical Designer

Company: BLOC Resources
Pay Rate: $30.00-$32.30/hour
Location: The Energy Center – 3535 Colonnade Parkway, Birmingham, AL
Employment Type: Contract
Travel: Up to 25% (including occasional overnight travel)

Job Description

BLOC Resources is seeking a Substation Physical Designer to support Southern Company’s Transmission & Distribution engineering team in Birmingham, AL. This position is responsible for creating detailed 2D drawings and 3D models for electrical substation projects while supporting design standards, safety requirements, and project execution.

The Designer will contribute to the development of substation physical layouts, material specifications, and engineering documentation, working closely with engineers, project managers, construction teams, and field personnel.

This role requires strong CAD skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced utility environment supporting critical infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and modify 2D drawings and 3D models for electrical substations

• Develop detailed designs including:

• Foundation layouts

• Grounding systems

• Conduit layouts

• Switchgear and equipment layouts

• Substation and switch house layouts

• Electrical bus systems

• Utilize AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, and Autodesk Map 3D (P4A)

• Interpret and develop designs from single-line and three-line diagrams

• Prepare engineering drawing packages, specifications, and material requirements

• Generate bills of material (BOM) including stock, non-stock, and fabricated materials

• Transmit drawings and documentation using internal engineering systems

• Coordinate with engineers, project managers, and field teams

• Collaborate with vendors and stakeholders to resolve design issues

• Support construction, field services, and maintenance teams

• Participate in site visits (pre-construction, construction, and post-construction)

• Ensure all designs meet safety, quality, schedule, and cost requirements

Required Qualifications

• Education (one of the following):

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology

• Associate Degree + 5+ years of relevant experience

• High School Diploma + 8+ years of relevant industry experience

• Experience creating and modifying 2D drawings and/or 3D models

• Proficiency in AutoCAD or similar CAD software

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and diagrams

• Strong organizational and time management skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to work independently and within a team environment

Technical Skills

• AutoCAD (required)

• Autodesk Inventor / 3D modeling software (preferred)

• Autodesk Map 3D (P4A) (preferred)

• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)

• Experience with engineering document control systems

• Familiarity with Primavera P6 or scheduling tools (preferred)

• Ability to develop drawings from single-line and three-line diagrams

• Experience producing 2D construction drawings and 3D models

Knowledge & Competencies

• Understanding of electrical substation design and equipment

• Knowledge of transmission and distribution systems

• Familiarity with:

• National Electric Safety Code (NESC)

• National Electric Code (NEC)

• OSHA safety standards

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

• Ability to visualize equipment and systems in 3D space

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy

• Ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines

• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills

• Ability to communicate technical information clearly

• Customer-focused mindset and responsiveness to stakeholder needs

• Ability to mentor and support team members

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform site visits in construction and field environments

• Ability to walk construction sites and navigate uneven terrain

• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) on job sites

• Ability to work at a computer workstation for extended periods

• Ability to lift and carry materials or equipment (typically up to 25 lbs) when required

• Ability to travel approximately 25%, including occasional overnight travel

Work Environment

• Onsite at The Energy Center (CHQ013) in Birmingham, AL

• Collaborative engineering and project-based environment

• Exposure to both office and field environments

• Fast-paced utility engineering setting

Compensation & Benefits

• $30.00-$32.30/hour

Additional benefits of working through BLOC Resources include:

• Contractor support, onboarding assistance, and dedicated recruiter support

• Hands-on experience with engineering and transmission documentation systems

• Exposure to utility industry operations and large-scale infrastructure projects

• Potential for contract extension or long-term placement based on performance

• Ongoing support from the BLOC Resources recruiting and operations team