Job Description:

This is a professional position responsible for developing and providing engineering support and design for Engineers including detailing the physical layout, materials, design standards, specifications, applicable codes, and procedures needed for the development of new or modified substation facility utilizing computer-aided design (CAD) software to complete related technical design work. Perform basic related engineering analysis and design calculations. Checks, verifies, and provides quality control for own designs as well as the designs of other designers and engineering staff, as required.

Note : There is one position available, and this position will be filled at one of four job grade levels: CAD Designer I, job grade 5; CAD Designer II, job grade 6; CAD Designer III; job grade 7 or CAD Designer IV, job grade 8. This decision will be based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate and Tri-State business needs at the time of hire.

Tri-State recognizes the value of a highly engaged and committed workforce and provides an excellent benefits program that includes : Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Flexible Work Schedules including compressed work week and telecommuting opportunities to work remotely up to 40%, Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Tuition Reimbursement, Life Insurance, Retirement Option, Long Term Disability (LTD), Short Term Disability (STD), Employee Assistant Program (EAP) and Paid Leave Benefits.

CAD Designer IV

Hiring Salary Range: $88,000-$111,000

CAD Designer III

Hiring Salary Range: $80,000-$99,000

CAD Designer II

Hiring Salary Range: $72,000-$88,000

CAD Designer I

Hiring Salary Range: $64,000-$79,000

Actual compensation offer to candidate may vary outside of the posted hiring salary range based upon work experience, education and/or skill level.

Responsibilities:

Responsible for identifying civil/structural design criteria and following applicable engineering design codes, standards, and specifications for the development of new or modified substations.

Create/Customize new or existing civil/structural drawings to meet the design criteria for new or existing substation facilities.

Develop and perform basic related engineering analysis and design calculations.

Develop bill of material sheets for new or existing facilities, and order materials as necessary for assigned projects.

Check, verify, and provide quality control for own designs as well as the designs of other designers and engineering staff.

Interface between Drawing Control and technical areas to coordinate project activities, and to provide training and direction on design standards.

Provide end users with accurate and accessible information in support of facility planning, operation and maintenance.

Work with Engineering, operations, and maintenance personnel to assess, consolidate, organize, and correct deficiencies in existing facility design drawings, data, and other related documentation.

Responsible for maintaining functional area drafting, CAD, and design standards.

Develop processes and procedures to improve efficiency and quality of CAD designs for assigned projects and facilities.

Prepare time to complete estimates to inform work load, resource availability, and budgets.

Coordinate/Contribute to the preparation and modifications of project schedules.

Conduct CAD design activities on special projects, as requested.

Prepare reports for design projects as required.

Assist with training of personnel.

Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures and attain knowledge and remain knowledgeable of regulations, laws, standards, and best practices applicable to functional area.

Because Tri-State is an electric utility with continuous service obligations to its customers, regular, reliable, and predictable performance of the essential functions and responsibilities is an essential function of the job.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Education:

Associate degree in Drafting, Engineering Technology including, Electrical, Electronic, Civil, Mechanical or other related engineering technology area or technical discipline or equivalent combination of related education and/or experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Ability:

Knowledge of engineering principles and practices, design standards, codes, rules and regulations affecting the electric utility industry.

Ability to read and understand civil/structural drawings and develop reports, physical arrangements, details, and diagrams for electric substations.

Broad knowledge of engineering principles and practices, analysis, design, electrical theory, and substations through 345kV.

Ability to coordinate and work closely with Electrical/Civil/Telecommunications Engineers, Designers, Drafters, Technicians, Contractors, Member System Personnel, and others.

Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Ability to develop and perform basic related engineering calculations.

Ability to work independently and be self-motivated.

Ability to coordinate work for others.

Proficient in the subject matter and be able to work independently with limited support from Engineering to complete the assignment.

Ability to work in accordance with department policies, programs, and procedures.

Experience:

Eight (8) years of progressive experience in electrical/electronic/civil/mechanical engineering design work in an industrial/commercial environment, including CAD experience.Experience with electric utility transmission and generation facilities preferred. Note : The above requirements describe the experience and education qualifications for the CAD Designer IV. Those with less experience will be hired at the I, II or III job grade level.

Other:

Ability and willingness to travel as required. (Must possess a valid driver's license.)

Must be able to demonstrate that he/she can perform all of the essential functions of the position. DESIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Two (2) years lead/supervisory experience

About Us:

Tri-State is a wholesale power supply cooperative, operating on a not-for-profit basis, with electric distribution cooperatives and public power district members in four states: Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming. Together with its members, Tri-State delivers reliable, affordable and responsible power and energy services to nearly a million electricity consumers across roughly 200,000 square miles of the West.

Founded in 1952 by its member systems to provide a reliable, cost-based supply of electricity, Tri-State is now headquartered in Westminster, Colo., employing approximately 1,000 people across five states.

Tri-State's electricity is generated from coal, natural gas, hydropower, wind, and solar. This power reaches members via a transmission system that includes substation facilities, telecommunications sites and almost 6,000 miles of high voltage transmission lines.

As a member-owned and -governed cooperative, every member has a voice and an equal vote in the future of Tri-State.

Job Identification: 679

Job Category: Engineering

Posting Date: 2026-06-29T19:15:15+00:00

Job Schedule: Full time

Hiring Salary Range: $64,000-$111,000

Locations: 1100 W 116th Ave, Westminster, CO, 80234, US

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status.

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. jobs

CAD Designer I, II, III or IV