Engineer - Substations Engineering

Core Responsibilities

• Supports the planning, design, construction, and commissioning of new substations and major substation modifications (4 kV to 345 kV).
• Collaborates with internal staff and contractors in construction, maintenance, and modification of substations.
• Develops detailed technical specifications for major substation equipment; evaluates proposals, oversees manufacturing inspections, and coordinates delivery and installation.
• Supports substation protection, control, monitoring, and communication systems, including microprocessor-based technologies.
• Affords assistance with vendor, contractor, and consultant negotiations; evaluates bids and provides recommendations for procurement of equipment and services.
• Manages capital projects, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and execution.
• Affords assistance in creating project budgets and forecasts for substation capital projects.
• Collaborates with system planning teams on conceptual design, layout, and long-range substation and system expansion planning.
• Prepares and reviews construction and maintenance work orders, ensuring accuracy and compliance with standards.
• Provides troubleshooting and resolution of substation control and system issues.
• Researches, evaluates, and implements emerging technologies, design practices, and equipment to enhance system performance and reliability.
• Mentors and provides technical guidance to engineers and engineering support staff.

Behavioral Competencies

• Manages Complexity – Makes sense of complex, high-quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• Decision Quality – Makes sound, timely decisions even in ambiguous or high-impact situations.
• Plans and Aligns – Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Collaborates – Builds partnerships and works effectively across teams, functions, and external stakeholders.
• Drives Results – Consistently achieves results, even under challenging circumstances.
• Instills Trust – Gains the confidence of others through honesty, integrity, and technical credibility.

Skills

• Knowledge of substation design principles and practices (4 kV–345 kV)
• Experience in substation protection, control, and monitoring systems
• Proficiency in developing technical specifications and evaluating vendor proposals
• Project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and risk management
• Understanding of utility industry standards, safety codes, and regulatory requirements
• Analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Effective communication skills (technical and non-technical audiences)

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution
• Desire to obtain professional Engineer (PE) license

Experience

• 3+ years of progressively responsible experience in electric utility engineering
• Significant experience in substation design and project leadership
• Demonstrated experience leading complex engineering projects and influencing technical decisions across functions

Work Location

This hybrid role is based at our Madison, WI headquarters. While three days onsite is the minimum, team collaboration and business needs may require additional in-office presence.