Interview Prep for Physical Design
I'm getting back into the power industry and have a technical interview in a few days for a Physical Design position (Lead).
Problem is, I did Physical design only for about a year as an intern 10+ years ago. I did enjoy it, but I've spent the vast majority of my time in the control house with relays/SER/SCADA/Metering and that type of thing.
I'm very aware of bus configurations and operations and that sort of thing, but I guess I'm having trouble with studying for the interview. I've been in countless substation yards, but never really focused on things like 'how would I replace this transformer' type questions.
I don't think they're expecting me to be an expert, but with how much things have changed over the years, in addition to being a consulting firm vs utility, I don't have a great handle on what the job even entails like day to day responsibilities and stuff.
I read through Electric Power Substations Engineering by McDonald, but I didn't find that to be super relevant. Like I know all the types of substations and the basics, but I'm talking more nuts and bolts type problems that only a Physical Engineer would think of like 'make sure the road can take the weight of the larger transformer' or 'in order to get this breaker replaced, all the busses in this substation are too low, so you'll have to basically de-energize half the station for no reason. You know, like practical stuff.
What would you study? I'm not expecting to be an expert, but I just don't want to come off like I know nothing either.
Posted Jun 4, 2026, 1:05 AM UTC