Physical Substation Engineer
Location: United States - Remote
Work Arrangement: Remote
Industry: Power & Utilities / Transmission & Distribution
Employment Type: Full-Time
Position Summary
We are seeking a Physical Substation Engineer to support high-voltage substation and transmission projects across the United States.
This remote position will focus on detailed engineering and design for utility substations and transmission facilities up to 500 kV. Depending on experience, the successful candidate will prepare, review, or provide technical guidance on engineering deliverables while collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering and project management teams.
The position can accommodate different levels of engineering experience and offers opportunities to take on technical leadership, client-facing responsibilities, and mentoring as experience develops.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform detailed engineering and design for high-voltage substations and transmission projects up to 500 kV
- Prepare and review substation engineering drawings, calculations, specifications, and technical documentation
- Develop one-line and three-line diagrams, schematics, wiring diagrams, and equipment layouts
- Support protection and control design, including panel arrangements, AC/DC schematics, wiring design, and associated documentation
- Develop control and relaying panel layouts, specifications, and equipment wiring diagrams
- Support SCADA and communications interfaces, including RTUs and HMIs
- Design auxiliary electrical systems, including batteries, battery chargers, AC/DC load centres, conduit systems, and cable sizing
- Prepare calculations, engineering studies, equipment specifications, installation specifications, and bills of materials
- Apply relevant electrical codes, utility standards, and industry engineering practices to design activities
- Coordinate engineering activities with other disciplines, designers, project managers, and external stakeholders
- Participate in project planning, conceptual design, detailed design, and project execution
- Support pre-bid site walkdowns, project estimates, technical proposals, and constructability reviews
- Conduct field visits for site surveys, construction support, walkdowns, and project meetings as required
- Perform technical and quality reviews of engineering deliverables
- Work directly with clients and external partners to resolve technical issues and maintain project alignment
- Support continuous improvement of engineering processes, tools, and design practices
- Provide technical guidance, training, and mentoring to engineers and other team members
- Support project management teams with planning, progress reporting, and technical project updates
- Contribute to business development and technical proposal activities where required
- Additional responsibilities may include relay setting development, 3D substation design, and participation in industry technical committees
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline
- Relevant experience in electrical utility, substation, transmission, or power engineering
- Experience preparing or reviewing substation engineering and design drawings
- Knowledge of applicable high-voltage substation engineering codes, standards, and industry practices
- Understanding of electrical substation equipment, protection and control systems, auxiliary systems, and associated design requirements
- Ability to manage multiple assignments and competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and project deadlines
- Strong analytical, technical problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary and geographically distributed teams
- Ability to communicate professionally with clients and external project stakeholders
- Proficiency with relevant engineering and substation design applications
- Ability to work effectively in a remote environment
Experience Levels
Candidates may be considered at an appropriate engineering level based on relevant experience:
- Engineer I: Entry-level or relevant graduate experience
- Engineer II: Approximately 1+ years of relevant experience
- Engineer III: Approximately 3+ years of relevant experience
- Engineer IV: Approximately 5+ years of relevant experience
A relevant Master's degree may be considered towards experience requirements where appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications
- Professional Engineer (PE) registration or ability to obtain PE registration
- Strong knowledge of high-voltage substations and transmission systems up to 500 kV
- Experience with protection and control engineering