Substation Engineer-in-Training (Summer 2027)

About the role

KCI Technologies, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned engineering, consulting and construction firm serving clients throughout the United States, currently ranked #50 on Engineering News-Record's list of the Top 500 design firms. KCI is hiring a Substation Engineer-in-Training to join the team in Ridgeland, MS. This opportunity is intended for Spring 2027 graduates, with the position starting in Summer 2027. As a Substation Engineer-in-Training, you will support transmission and distribution substation projects under the guidance of experienced engineers and technical staff. Based on your education and interests, your initial focus may be in Substation Physical, Protection & Control, Substation Studies, and/or Settings/SCADA. You will assist with engineering calculations, design documents, models, technical data, and project coordination from conceptual design through construction and commissioning. The role provides structured development and progressively increasing technical responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Develop foundational skills in one or more substation specialties:
  • Substation Physical: Equipment layouts, one-line diagrams, grounding, clearances, cable routing, auxiliary systems, equipment specifications, and basic design calculations.
  • Protection & Control: One- and three-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, relay and control panels, wiring, control logic, telecom/SCADA interfaces, and commissioning support.
  • Substation Studies: Power-system modeling and assigned studies such as load flow, short circuit, grounding, arc-flash, and protection coordination.
  • Settings/SCADA: Protective relay settings, relay logic, RTU/IED integration, HMI/alarm configuration, communications, IEC 61850, and testing/commissioning support.
• Learn and apply applicable industry standards, client requirements, and KCI procedures under technical guidance.
• Develop an understanding of how substation specialties coordinate with other disciplines, vendors, contractors, and clients.
• Use engineering, design, modeling, and document-control tools applicable to your assigned specialty.
• Support project execution through calculations, drawings, models, reports, technical documentation, data collection, and other assigned deliverables.
• Collaborate with Engineers, Designers, and project team members and participate in meetings, field activities, construction support, and commissioning as assigned.
• Communicate professionally, ask questions, maintain accurate documentation, and apply feedback to assigned work.

Requirements

• 0–2 years of experience
• Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-Accredited Program
• General knowledge of MicroStation, AutoCAD, or Revit
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Good communication and technical writing skills
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to think critically
• Valid Driver's License
• Ability to maintain required certifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous internships or work experience in the Engineering field
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification

Certifications & Licenses

• Required: Valid Driver's License; ability to maintain required certifications
• Preferred: Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification

Pre-employment drug screening and background check are conditions of employment. Motor vehicle checks may be required based upon position.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Family-friendly benefits
• Collaborative working environment
• Training, mentoring, and resources to advance your career

KCI is committed to building a diverse and inclusive staff, and encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and individuals with disabilities to apply.