Patterson & Dewar Engineers is seeking a motivated and self-driven Substation Engineer with experience in protection & control and physical substation design for electric cooperatives and municipal utilities. This position is ideal for someone who is eager to learn, takes initiative, and wants hands-on involvement in both engineering design and field implementation.
This is not a fully remote engineering role. Engineers are expected to work in the office regularly to collaborate, learn from experienced staff, and develop practical engineering skills. The role also includes field and substation work to gain real-world experience with the systems being designed.
Responsibilities
· Develop substation physical layouts, equipment arrangements, and detailed design packages
· Perform protection & control design including one-lines, schematics, wiring diagrams, relay settings coordination support, and panel layouts for both new construction and upgrades/retrofits
· Prepare drawings and documentation. These include one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, protection and control schematic development, wiring diagrams, panel elevations, SCADA, communications, AC & DC diagrams & calculations, equipment specifications and Bill of Materials.
· Coordinate with utility clients, field crews, manufacturers, and internal project teams
· Support substation construction, commissioning, and field troubleshooting activities
· Assist with wiring, testing, and installation activities within substations as needed
· Conduct site visits and field verification for existing and new substations
· Learn utility standards, client preferences, and industry best practices
· Work collaboratively with senior engineers and actively seek opportunities to grow technically and professionally
· Develop proposals (scope of work, estimate, etc.)
· Working knowledge of applicable codes and standards (i.e. NEC, NESC, IEEE)
Attributes of a Successful Candidate
· Integrity – both to the P&D/HPD way of doing business and as a professional engineer
· Knowledge – utility communication systems, automation, and electrical engineering
· Initiative, self-sufficiency, and a strong desire to learn new technologies and solutions
· Willingness to travel and work at non-standard times as necessary for the client or project
· Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both written and verbal, to clients and colleagues
· Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems using applicable test equipment and best practices
· Attention to safety and the welfare of co-workers and clients
Selection CriteriaEssential
· BS in Electrical Engineering from an ABET accredited university
· Experience with substation design for electric cooperatives and municipal utilities preferred
· Knowledge of protection & control design and substation physical layout
· Familiarity with relay schematics, AC/DC wiring, SCADA, and substation equipment
· Willing to work in-office alongside experienced engineers for mentoring and collaboration
· Willing to work in substations and support field activities, including wiring and equipment installation
· Comfortable asking questions and learning through hands-on experience
· Ability to communicate effectively and honestly, both written and verbal, to clients and colleagues
· Experience using AutoCAD, or similar design software
· Understanding of utility construction practices and safety requirements
· The ability and willingness to travel approximately 25% annually
· The ability and willingness to work extended hours to meet project deadlines
· Attention to detail
· Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems
· Strong organizational skills
Desirable
· experience with AutoCAD Electrical
· Registered Professional Engineer
About Patterson and Dewar Engineers
If you like the idea of working in an employee-owned consulting firm that has a 75 year reputation for integrity, client care, and quality services, and can “think and operate like an owner” this is the job for you, and we want you. We invest in our people through training and employee development and by fostering a culture of innovation, caring and collaboration. We are also committed to an unwavering delivery of high-quality services and results for our clients and reward those who delight our clients. We are a team that focuses on providing excellent customer service with a “can do” attitude and thrives on finding innovative ways to work both safer and more efficient.
We offer competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and the opportunity to learn, grow and contribute to a vibrant culture that stands the test of time.
· Competitive Compensation
· Group Medical Health Insurance Benefits
· Group Vision Health Insurance Benefits
· 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) Retirement Savings Plans help you save for your retirement for eligible employees. A range of investment options are available with a personal financial planner to assist you. The Plan is a pre-tax Safe Harbor 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a company contribution.
· Paid Time-Off (PTO) Benefits: Eligible employees use PTO for vacation, a doctor’s appointment, or any number of events in your life. Currently these benefits include Vacation/Sick days – 4 weeks | Holidays - 7
· Bonus program
· Flexible Spending Account: FSAs help you pay for eligible out-of-pocket health care and dependent day care expenses on a pre-tax basis. You determine your projected expenses for the Plan Year and then elect to set aside a portion of each paycheck into your FSA.
· Supplemental Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance: If you want extra protection for yourself and your eligible dependents, you have the option to elect supplemental life insurance. D&D covers death or dismemberment from an accident only.
· Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance: Disability insurance plans are designed to provide income protection while you recover from a disability.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Norcross, GA 30071
