The Substation Engineer is responsible for the design and development of medium and high voltage (MV/HV) power distribution systems. This position is essential in leading the design and optimization of complex MV/HV power systems, including substations, transformers, switchgear, protective relaying, and grounding schemes. This role requires a strong understanding of electrical system protection, power distribution, and load management principles, as well as the ability to drive large-scale power infrastructure projects from conceptual design through commissioning, ensuring strict adherence to industry standards and regulatory compliance.
- Establish specific goals, budgets, and timelines for substation projects that align with the Power Market’s objectives.
- Conduct due diligence, feasibility, conceptual design studies, and inverter-based resource (IBR) interconnection studies; prepare utility master plan reports.
- Participate in system design coordination and equipment selection for major power infrastructure.
- Measures
- Accuracy of project budget forecasts.
- Timely completion of feasibility and master plan reports.
- Alignment of project outcomes with department growth goals.
- Function as a primary client contact, ensuring all technical and project needs are met.
- Maintain strong relationships by maximizing value delivered to clients and actively participate in marketing and business development activities.
- Participate in client meetings to gather requirements, present technical substation solutions, and provide project updates.
- Client retention and satisfaction ratings.
- Success rate of technical presentations in securing new contracts.
- Contribution to the expansion of the Power Market client base.
Project Administration. Coordinate, organize, and support projects to ensure they are complete, on time, within scope, and on budget. Focuses on administrative, documentation, and communication that enable teams to work efficiently and achieve objectives.
- Design medium- and high-voltage power distribution systems for renewable energy projects (solar, wind, BESS, EV) and traditional transmission/distribution (underground and overhead).
- Prepare specifications, calculations, drawings, and full construction packages for complex electrical systems (15kV to 200kV), including three-line diagrams, substation layouts, grounding design, and protection studies.
- Perform electrical studies including short-circuit, arc flash, load flow, power factor, relay coordination, and capacity analysis.
- Provide construction administration, including shop drawing review and technical support to field personnel for systems up to 200kV.
- Project completion within established scope and budget.
- Quality and accuracy of construction packages and technical drawings.
- Efficiency in troubleshooting and resolving field equipment issues.
- Utilize and maintain proficiency with engineering software: AutoCAD, MicroStation, GIS, PLS-CADD, EasyPower, ETAP, SKM Power Tools, EDR, CDGES, and Synergi.
- Apply knowledge of power analysis software for various electrical studies and calculations.
- Maintain proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite for project documentation and reporting.
- Proficiency levels in required engineering software suites.
- Integration of new technology tools to improve design efficiency.
- Accuracy of power analysis results.
- Conduct quality assurance and quality control reviews to ensure compliance with corporate, national, and client standards.
- Contribute to the development and refinement of technical specifications and design standards.
- Reduction in design errors or revisions following QA/QC reviews.
- Compliance with NERC/FERC and other regulatory standards.
- Adherence to internal corporate documentation standards.
- Mentor engineering and design personnel within the Power team.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (civil and structural) and coordinate remotely across multiple offices.
- Professional growth and performance of mentored staff.
- Effectiveness of cross-departmental collaboration.
- Contribution to a positive and productive office environment.
- Pursue and maintain licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE).
- Stay current with industry trends in renewable energy and HV power distribution.
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.
- Licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) or the ability to obtain licensure within six months.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in consulting with a focus on medium- and high-voltage power system/substation design.
- Demonstrated experience preparing electrical construction drawings, specifications, submittal reviews, and construction administration.
- Preferred: Graduate degree, professional registrations, technical research, or publication experience.
The characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. When properly requested and when feasible, reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
- This job is essentially a sedentary role; however, standing, walking, sitting, reaching with hands and arms, stooping or kneeling, talking, and hearing are required.
- Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
- This job operates in a professional office environment.
- Overtime may be necessary as workloads dictate. This may include weekdays, weekends, and/or holidays.
- Due to the collaborative nature of this position and accessibility for in-house and on-site client meetings, it is essential that the work be performed in the office and during regular business hours.
- Some travel may be required for client meetings, field reviews, and project assignments. The employee may occasionally be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, high places, fumes, or airborne particles, outside weather conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, and the risk of electrical shock.
Mentors engineering and design personnel within the Power group.