Substation Designer

Atwell, LLC is a bold leader in the consulting, engineering, and construction services industry, delivering a broad range of creative solutions to clients in the real estate & land development, and energy markets. We have a strong national presence and a diverse, award-winning project portfolio. Atwell is a privately owned company, with 1,800+ passionate team members across 55+ locations and growing!

Atwell, LLC is a proud recipient of the following 2024 awards:

• • Nine consecutive years in a row as a “Best Place to Work” (#16) by Zweig Group

• • Recognized as #10 in the “Top 100 Fastest Growing AEC Firms” in the U.S. by Zweig Group

• • Recognized as #71 in the ENR Top 500 Design Firms, ranked in every region.

• • Recognized in Crains “Fast 50” as one of the fastest-growing firms based in Michigan.

• • Recognized in Crains Magazine as one of Michigan’s largest privately held companies.

Atwell is seeking experienced Substation Physical Designers and Substation Protection & Controls (P&C) Designers to play key roles in the development of utility-scale solar, BESS, and high-voltage substation projects. These positions offer the opportunity to contribute to both brownfield and greenfield designs and play an essential role in shaping the future of sustainable energy. Remote work options are available.

Key Responsibilities – Substation Physical Designer

• • Develop detailed physical layout designs for high-voltage substations, including equipment arrangement, bus work, and grounding systems.

• • Produce plan and elevation drawings, section views, and conduit routing using industry-standard CAD tools.

• • Support physical design of structures such as steel supports, equipment pads, and foundations for substation infrastructure.

• • Coordinate with electrical engineers and civil/structural teams to ensure integrated project design.

• • Revise and update drawings based on redlines, project feedback, and engineering changes.

• • Ensure all drawings meet project specifications, client standards, and applicable codes.

Key Responsibilities – Substation Protection & Controls (P&C) Designer

• • Develop protection and control schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts for substation systems.

• • Design control wiring for relays, SCADA, metering, alarms, and other protection devices.

• • Assist with creating single-line diagrams, AC/DC elementary diagrams, and connection drawings.

• • Perform revisions based on markups, design changes, and client-specific standards.

• • Ensure compliance with NESC, IEEE, and utility-specific standards.

Qualifications & Experience

• • 3+ years of experience in substation design—physical layout, protection & controls, or both.

• • Proficiency in AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar CAD platforms.

• • Experience working on utility-scale renewable energy or substation projects.

• • Strong understanding of substation components, wiring, and electrical schematics.

• • Familiarity with NESC, IEEE, and utility drafting standards is preferred.

• Effective communication skills and the ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.