Structural Designer | Substations

Overview

Kimley-Horn’s Woodstock, Georgia (GA) office is seeking a Senior Structural Designer to join our Power Delivery team. This position will provide design leadership for the development and delivery of structural designs and construction documents for electric utility substation projects, including structural steel systems, equipment support structures, foundations, and other substation infrastructure. The successful candidate will bring significant structural design experience, strong technical judgment, and the ability to lead complex design efforts while coordinating with engineers, designers, clients, and other disciplines. This is not a remote position.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and direct structural design efforts for larger and more complex electric utility substation projects and deliverables.
• Lead the development and production of detailed structural plans, sections, elevations, details, and construction documents for substation projects.
• Provide design leadership for substation steel structures and foundation systems, including equipment support structures, bus supports, disconnect structures, lightning/static structures, drilled piers, spread footings, slabs, retaining walls, and other structural components.
• Translate engineering calculations, design criteria, sketches, vendor information, client standards, and project requirements into accurate, coordinated, and constructible designs.
• Coordinate structural designs with electrical, civil, physical substation, and other Power Delivery disciplines to identify conflicts, resolve complex design issues, and support integrated project delivery.
• Direct and review the work of designers supporting structural project deliverables while maintaining responsibility for drawing quality, coordination, schedules, and project requirements.
• Provide technical oversight and quality review of structural drawings and design packages for completeness, accuracy, consistency, and constructability.
• Apply and maintain client-specific, project, and industry design and drafting standards throughout project development.
• Coordinate and communicate design requirements with engineers, project managers, clients, vendors, fabricators, and construction teams.
• Support the resolution of complex design and construction issues, including incorporating revisions associated with vendor information, shop drawings, construction questions, and RFIs.
• Develop and improve structural design standards, details, templates, workflows, and production practices for Power Delivery projects.
• Serve as a technical resource and mentor for structural designers, providing training and sharing technical knowledge beyond the immediate project team.
• Support project managers with project planning, scope development, scheduling, coordination, and project delivery activities.
• Build and maintain positive relationships across multiple disciplines, offices, and project teams.
• Participate in client interactions and support business development efforts through technical expertise, project delivery, and collaboration across services.
• Demonstrate accountability, sound judgment, and proactive communication when identifying and resolving project or design challenges.

Qualifications

• 14+ years of relevant experience with an Associate or Bachelor’s degree, or 16+ years of relevant experience with a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Extensive experience developing and coordinating structural construction drawings and design packages for structural, utility, industrial, energy, or similar infrastructure projects.
• Advanced knowledge of structural steel and reinforced concrete detailing, including foundations, reinforcing steel, anchor bolts, structural framing, equipment support structures, sections, elevations, and construction details.
• Advanced proficiency with structural engineering and design software. Experience with programs such as STAAD, RISA3D, SAP2000, Mathcad, LPILE, or similar tools is beneficial.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and experience developing detailed structural engineering and construction drawings.
• Experience interpreting and implementing engineering calculations, design criteria, specifications, sketches, vendor drawings, client standards, and other technical information.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex structural design efforts involving multiple disciplines and project stakeholders.
• Experience reviewing structural drawings and design packages for quality, coordination, constructability, and adherence to project requirements.
• Previous experience with electric utility substations, transmission and distribution, power generation, or industrial structural projects is strongly preferred.
• Ability to provide technical direction, mentorship, and training to other designers and project team members.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to engineers, designers, project managers, clients, and other project stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining quality and meeting project deadlines.
• Experience supporting project management activities such as project planning, team coordination, scope and schedule management, and project delivery.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and committed to contributing to a positive and collaborative work environment.

Why Kimley-Horn?

At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it- that’s why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn’s placement on the Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work” list for 19 years!

Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn

• Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
• Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
• Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.