Electrical Engineer - Substation Design
Hanson Professional Services Inc. · Indianapolis, IN · 3 mo ago
Engineering$147k–$175k/yrFull-time
About the role
Hanson Professional Services Inc. is seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer specializing in Substation Design to support power delivery projects for utility, municipal, and industrial clients. This senior-level role is ideal for a licensed Professional Engineer with extensive experience in high-voltage substations, including physical layout, protection and control coordination, and interdisciplinary design integration.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design of new, expanded, and upgraded electrical substations (typically 69kV through 500kV).
- Develop and review substation designs including: Physical layouts and general arrangements, Bus configurations and equipment arrangement, Grounding systems and lightning protection, Raceway and cable schedules, Equipment foundations and integration with civil/structural designs.
- Perform and review electrical calculations, including: Ground grid analysis, Short-circuit and relay coordination support, AC/DC system design.
- Prepare construction drawings, technical specifications, design reports, and material lists.
- Coordinate substation design with protection and control engineers, SCADA, and communications teams. Support breaker, transformer, relay, and protection scheme selection and integration. Ensure designs comply with applicable utility standards and power system requirements.
- Serve as lead engineer or technical authority on substation projects. Provide quality control reviews of drawings, calculations, and specifications. Collaborate with civil, structural, geotechnical, transmission line, and environmental teams. Support project managers with: Scope development, Cost estimating, Scheduling and risk identification, Mentor junior engineers and designers.
- Apply applicable industry codes and standards, including: IEEE NESC, NFPA (including NEC), ANSI, Utility-specific design criteria. Utilize industry-standard software and tools, such as: AutoCAD or MicroStation, SKM, ETAP, or EasyPower, Ground grid and fault analysis tools. Maintain awareness of current substation construction methods, safety requirements, and materials.
- Work directly with electric utilities, power providers, and industrial clients. Support construction activities through: Review of contractor submittals, Responses to RFIs, Site visits and field observations. Ensure design intent is effectively communicated and implemented in the field.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or related field.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license (required at hire).
- Minimum 8 years of experience in substation or power delivery engineering.
- Prior experience working with: Electric utilities, Transmission and distribution companies, Power industry clients.
- Strong understanding of substation equipment, protection philosophies, and utility standards.
- Proven ability to lead technical tasks and coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with EPC or owner engineer utility project delivery models.
- Experience with HV/EHV substations (230kV and above).
- Familiarity with relay protection concepts and SCADA integration.
- Experience developing proposals, cost estimates, and schedules.
- Prior experience mentoring junior staff or acting in a technical lead role.
Soft Skills & Competencies
- High level of technical judgment and attention to detail.
- Strong leadership and collaboration skills.
- Client focused mindset.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
Benefits
- Competitive compensation
- Performance bonuses
- 401(k) with matching contribution
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan
- Comprehensive health & well-being plans
- Financial wellness plans
- Work-life balance programs
Culture
- Monthly educational webinars
- Lecture training
- Lunch & learn development sessions
- 24/7 access to thousands of skill-building courses
- Mentorship opportunities
- Award-winning internship program
- Employee recognition