Substation Equipment Engineer (Circuit Breakers & Switches)

We are seeking an experienced Substation Equipment Engineer or Technical Specialist in Glen Allen, VA. This role provides technical leadership and support for transmission‑substation equipment, with an emphasis on circuit breakers and switches.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical subject matter expert (SME) for transmission substation equipment, particularly circuit breakers and switches.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with equipment manufacturers and suppliers.
• Act as technical liaison between internal stakeholders, field operations, and equipment manufacturers to ensure specifications, performance standards, and operational requirements are met throughout the equipment lifecycle.
• Develop, review, and maintain equipment design standards and technical specifications.
• Perform design reviews and Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) for domestic and international equipment suppliers.
• Support the evaluation, qualification, and onboarding of new equipment suppliers.
• Provide technical support throughout the equipment lifecycle, including commissioning, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning activities.
• Investigate equipment failures and conduct root cause analyses (RCA) to identify corrective actions and improve system reliability.
• Support emergency response efforts and troubleshoot equipment‑related operational issues.
• Collaborate with field organizations to develop maintenance strategies, technical guidance, and training materials.
• Ensure supplier compliance with engineering specifications, quality standards, and operational requirements.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and industry best practices to improve transmission equipment performance and reliability.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineers and cross‑functional teams as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship.
• Four‑year accredited engineering degree (Engineer) or four‑year engineering/engineering‑technology degree (Technical Specialist).
• Minimum of 5 + years of relevant engineering experience.
• Strong understanding of engineering principles, standards, and problem‑solving methodologies.
• Experience with transmission or substation equipment, preferably circuit breakers and switches.
• Ability to interpret technical specifications, engineering standards, and industry regulations.
• Experience conducting root cause analyses and supporting equipment troubleshooting efforts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical writing.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in both independent and team environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and engineering analysis tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working for or directly with equipment manufacturers.
• Knowledge of high‑voltage transmission and electric power systems.
• Experience with Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), commissioning, and equipment qualification processes.
• Familiarity with major transmission equipment manufacturers such as Siemens, Mitsubishi Power (MEPPI), HICO, or similar organizations.
• SAP experience.
• Previous experience serving as a technical lead or subject matter expert.

Work Environment

• Approximately 75 % office‑based with periodic travel to vendor facilities, manufacturing locations, and field sites as needed.
• Opportunity to work closely with both domestic and international equipment suppliers.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Circuit breakers
• Transmission engineering
• Substation equipment
• Electrical power systems
• Switchgear
• Vendor management
• Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
• Commissioning
• Decommissioning
• Root cause analysis (RCA)
• Equipment troubleshooting