Substation Design Engineer

This is a permanent, fully remote position based in Troy, MI, with the option to work from an office location if preferred. Occasional, rare travel (approximately 5%) may be required for project kick-off meetings or construction site support.

About the role

The Substation Engineer will serve as a senior electrical design engineer lead, responsible for the end-to-end design and execution of electrical substation projects. This role functions as a technical expert and project leader, delivering safe, reliable, and cost-effective solutions while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical substation engineering projects from kick-off through closeout, taking ownership of technical execution, budget, schedule, and quality.
• Develop comprehensive substation design packages, including layouts, one-line diagrams, schematics, protection and control systems, and technical specifications.
• Specify and select major electrical equipment such as transformers, breakers, switchgear, relays, and related components to meet project and client requirements.
• Perform and oversee power system studies, including load flow, short circuit analysis, protection coordination, and arc flash analysis.
• Coordinate closely with project managers, contractors, utilities, and regulatory agencies to ensure smooth project execution and compliance with applicable standards.
• Provide construction support by responding to requests for information (RFIs), reviewing vendor and contractor submittals, and participating in commissioning activities.
• Review the work of engineers and designers, provide technical guidance, and support the growth and development of the engineering team.
• Prepare, review, and seal engineering documents as required, ensuring accuracy, safety, and adherence to industry and regulatory standards.
• Act as a technical expert for substation projects, offering guidance on complex engineering issues and ensuring best practices are applied.
• Lead substation project efforts, directing design activities and coordinating contributions from various disciplines to deliver integrated solutions.
• Collaborate on bids and RFIs for new work, contributing technical input and helping to define project approaches and scope.
• Engage in client-facing activities, working with clients to define project scope, clarify requirements, and maintain strong professional relationships.
• Manage and coordinate the efforts of individuals assigned to projects, even without direct supervisory responsibility, to ensure timely and high-quality deliverables.
• Support SCADA integration, relay coordination, arc flash studies, and commissioning activities as part of comprehensive substation project delivery.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred; ability to sign and stamp engineering work required. Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification required if PE has not yet been obtained.
• Approximately 8 or more years of experience in electrical substation design and engineering.
• Strong knowledge of high-voltage and medium-voltage substations, including protection and control systems, utility coordination, and power distribution.
• Demonstrated experience leading substation projects from initiation through completion as a technical expert and project lead.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD for developing substation layouts, one-line diagrams, schematics, and protection and control system drawings.
• Experience using ETAP or similar power system analysis software for load flow, short circuit, and related studies.
• Ability to prepare, review, and seal engineering documents in responsible charge, ensuring technical accuracy and compliance.
• Strong client-facing skills, with the ability to define scope, communicate technical concepts clearly, and build collaborative relationships.
• Proven ability to coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, project managers, contractors, utilities, and regulatory agencies.
• Capability to mentor and review the work of engineers and designers, supporting technical development and quality standards.

Skills

• Experience with SCADA integration, relay coordination, arc flash studies, and commissioning support is highly desirable.
• Experience managing substation projects as a project lead, directing design efforts and coordinating resources without formal supervisory authority.
• Ability to contribute to and collaborate on bids and RFIs for new work, including providing technical input for proposals.
• Comfort working in a highly visible, critical role where project performance and staffing decisions receive close attention.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with industry standards, codes, and best practices.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to balance multiple projects and deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for documentation, client interactions, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders.

Benefits

• Annual bonus opportunities.
• Employee ownership program.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid time off (PTO).
• Professional development support.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $130,000 - $170,000 per year.

Schedule

This role offers flexible work arrangements, with the option to work 100% remotely or from an office location. Occasional, rare travel (approximately 5%) may be required for project-related activities.