HV Substation Engineer
Overview
We are seeking a Physical Substation Engineer to support the design and execution of high-voltage substation projects ranging from 69kV to 500kV. This role is responsible for developing physical substation design deliverables, coordinating with multidisciplinary engineering teams, and supporting projects through planning, detailed design, construction, and commissioning.
This position is ideal for engineers with 2-15 years of substation physical design experience looking to work on utility, transmission, renewable energy, and grid modernization projects.
Key Responsibilities
Substation Physical Design
Develop and support engineering deliverables including:
- Substation general arrangements
- Electrical equipment layouts
- Bus configurations and interconnection schemes
- Grounding system design and studies
- Lightning protection design
- Cable routing and conduit design
- Cable trench and raceway layouts
- Yard layouts and equipment elevations
- Foundation loading coordination with civil and structural teams
- Bill of materials development
- Equipment specifications and procurement support
Engineering Analysis & Design
- Perform and review engineering calculations related to:
- Grounding systems
- Conductor sizing
- Bus design
- Voltage drop
- Equipment clearances
- Lightning protection
- Support selection and application of:
- Circuit breakers
- Disconnect switches
- Instrument transformers
- Surge arresters
- Power transformers
- Ensure compliance with utility, IEEE, NESC, and client standards.
- Support development of construction drawing packages.
Project Execution & Coordination
- Collaborate with civil, structural, transmission, protection & controls, SCADA, and project management teams.
- Support projects through:
- Conceptual design
- Feasibility studies
- Detailed engineering
- Procurement support
- Construction support
- Commissioning and energization
- Participate in interdisciplinary design reviews.
- Assist with field support activities, RFIs, and design modifications.
- Support project schedules, budgets, and quality requirements.
Client Interaction
Depending on experience level, responsibilities may include:
- Participating in client meetings and design reviews.
- Coordinating with utilities regarding design standards and requirements.
- Supporting technical discussions related to substation layouts and equipment selection.
- Presenting engineering solutions and recommendations.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering required.
Experience
- 2-15 years of experience in substation physical design engineering.
- Experience supporting utility, consulting, EPC, renewable energy, or power delivery projects.
- Experience designing high-voltage substations ranging from 69kV to 500kV preferred.
- Experience with renewable energy interconnections, transmission, or distribution projects is a plus.
Technical Skills
Experience with some or all of the following:
Physical Design
- Substation layouts
- General arrangements
- Equipment elevations
- Bus design
- Grounding design
- Lightning protection systems
- Cable routing and conduit design
- Raceway and trench design
- Yard expansion projects
- Brownfield and greenfield substation projects
Engineering Tools
- AutoCAD
- MicroStation
- AutoCAD Electrical
- Bentley Substation
- Bluebeam
- ETAP (preferred)
- CDEGS (preferred)
- CYMCAP (preferred)
Industry Standards
- IEEE standards
- NESC requirements
- Utility design standards
- Client design specifications
Preferred Qualifications
- EIT certification preferred.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred for senior-level candidates.
- Experience providing construction support and field engineering.
- Experience working directly with utility clients.
- Familiarity with renewable energy, battery energy storage (BESS), or interconnection projects.
Key Competencies
- Strong technical understanding of substation physical design.
- Ability to coordinate with multidisciplinary project teams.
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Detail-oriented with a focus on engineering quality.
- Ability to work independently while contributing to larger project teams.
FAQs
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