Substation Physical Design Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 3, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 29, 2026. Kimley-Horn scores A on the Alion truth index.
Overview
Kimley-Horn's Chicago, Illinois (IL) office is seeking a Substation Physical Design Engineer with 4+ years of experience to join the Power Delivery team. This is not a remote position.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will support the design, and execution of high-voltage and medium-voltage substation projects for utility, renewable energy, and industrial clients. Responsibilities include developing physical layouts, equipment arrangements, grounding systems, lightning protection systems, and construction drawing packages while coordinating closely with protection and control, civil, structural, and electrical disciplines. The ideal candidate is a self-driven engineer with strong technical skills, experience in substation design standards and industry practices, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Perform conceptual and detailed HV and MV substation physical/electrical design for utilities and substations, including basic layout, electrical arrangement, one-line diagrams, three-line drawings, plan-section drawings, and grounding.
- Perform engineering studies and calculations.
- Perform quality control reviews on substation physical design projects.
- Assume the role of technical lead on projects with limited guidance.
- Create and review bills of materials for substation physical projects.
- Develop and review proposals and scopes of work for smaller substation physical projects.
- Plan and lead client meetings, or meeting sections, related to physical design as required.
- Support the continued professional development of less experienced engineers, including technical guidance and training recommendations.
- Communicate effectively with internal teams and clients to meet project objectives.
- Develop leadership skills in preparation for future roles on the team.
Qualifications
- 4+ years of relevant engineering experience in substation design.
- Preferred (but not required): Professional Engineering (P.E.) license, or ability to obtain within 12 months.
- Proficiency with industry-standard design software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation and inventor.
- Experience with grounding studies, lightning protection studies, and lighting studies.
Salary Range: $100,000-$160,000
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.