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Contract Substation Engineer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Paul J. Ford and Company

Substation Engineer

Columbus, OH

$95K - $121K/yr

The Substation Engineer is responsible for the design and development of medium and high voltage ... Success rate of technical presentations in securing new contracts. * Contribution to the expansion ...

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Contract Substation Engineer information

What does a Contract Substation Engineer do?

A Contract Substation Engineer is responsible for designing, maintaining, and overseeing the installation of electrical substations on a project or temporary basis. Their duties often include preparing technical drawings, specifying equipment, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and coordinating with other engineers and contractors. They may also troubleshoot operational issues and provide technical support throughout the construction and commissioning phases. This role is typically project-based, allowing engineers to work with various clients in the power and utilities sector.

What are common challenges faced by Contract Substation Engineers, and how can they be managed?

Contract Substation Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, adhering to strict project deadlines, and ensuring compliance with evolving safety and regulatory standards. Managing these challenges typically involves strong communication skills, meticulous documentation, and proactive project management. Additionally, contract engineers must quickly adapt to new teams and project environments, making flexibility and the ability to quickly learn site-specific protocols essential for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Substation Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Substation Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, power systems, and substation design, typically supported by a bachelor's degree and relevant engineering licensure. Familiarity with AutoCAD, protection and control systems, and industry standards such as IEEE or NESC is important, as are certifications like a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial for coordinating with clients, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure safe, compliant, and efficient substation projects that meet technical and regulatory requirements.

What is the difference between Contract Substation Engineer vs Contract Power Systems Engineer?

AspectContract Substation EngineerContract Power Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentSubstation construction sites, utility companiesPower plants, utility companies, consulting firms
Industry UsageDesign, construction, and commissioning of substationsDesign, analysis, and optimization of power systems
Common Search IntentProject-specific substation roles, site workPower system analysis, grid integration

Contract Substation Engineers focus on the design, construction, and commissioning of electrical substations, often working on-site at utility or construction projects. Contract Power Systems Engineers typically work on the analysis, planning, and optimization of electrical power systems across various environments. While both roles require electrical engineering credentials and industry experience, their daily tasks and project focus differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Substation Engineer jobs in Ohio? The most popular types of Substation Engineer jobs in Ohio are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Substation Engineer jobs in Ohio? For Contract Substation Engineer jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Substation Engineer jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Substation Engineer jobs in Ohio are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Contract Substation Engineer jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Contract Substation Engineer job openings:
Contract Substation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Substation Engineer job openings in Ohio as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution.

Substation Engineer

Paul J. Ford and Company

Columbus, OH

$95K - $121K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
The Substation Engineer is responsible for the design and development of medium and high voltage (MV/HV) power distribution systems. This position is essential in leading the design and optimization of complex MV/HV power systems, including substations, transformers, switchgear, protective relaying, and grounding schemes. This role requires a strong understanding of electrical system protection, power distribution, and load management principles, as well as the ability to drive large-scale power infrastructure projects from conceptual design through commissioning, ensuring strict adherence to industry standards and regulatory compliance.
Corporate and Department Planning. Corporate planning contributes to or supports planning activities that affect the entire organization. Department planning entails establishing specific goals, budgets, staffing plans, and timelines that align with the department’s objectives.
  1. Establish specific goals, budgets, and timelines for substation projects that align with the Power Market’s objectives.
  2. Conduct due diligence, feasibility, conceptual design studies, and inverter-based resource (IBR) interconnection studies; prepare utility master plan reports.
  3. Participate in system design coordination and equipment selection for major power infrastructure.
  4. Measures
    1. Accuracy of project budget forecasts.
    2. Timely completion of feasibility and master plan reports.
    3. Alignment of project outcomes with department growth goals.
Business Development – Marketing and Sales. Process of identifying, creating, and expanding opportunities that drive growth.
  1. Function as a primary client contact, ensuring all technical and project needs are met.
  2. Maintain strong relationships by maximizing value delivered to clients and actively participate in marketing and business development activities.
  3. Participate in client meetings to gather requirements, present technical substation solutions, and provide project updates.
  4. Measures
  1. Client retention and satisfaction ratings.
  2. Success rate of technical presentations in securing new contracts.
  3. Contribution to the expansion of the Power Market client base.
Project Administration. Coordinate, organize, and support projects to ensure they are complete, on time, within scope, and on budget. Focuses on administrative, documentation, and communication that enable teams to work efficiently and achieve objectives.
  1. Design medium- and high-voltage power distribution systems for renewable energy projects (solar, wind, BESS, EV) and traditional transmission/distribution (underground and overhead).
  2. Prepare specifications, calculations, drawings, and full construction packages for complex electrical systems (15kV to 200kV), including three-line diagrams, substation layouts, grounding design, and protection studies.
  3. Perform electrical studies including short-circuit, arc flash, load flow, power factor, relay coordination, and capacity analysis.
  4. Provide construction administration, including shop drawing review and technical support to field personnel for systems up to 200kV.
  5. Measures
  1. Project completion within established scope and budget.
  2. Quality and accuracy of construction packages and technical drawings.
  3. Efficiency in troubleshooting and resolving field equipment issues.
Technology. Application of technical knowledge and the use of specialized tools, software, or systems are required to perform job tasks efficiently and meet organizational goals.
  1. Utilize and maintain proficiency with engineering software: AutoCAD, MicroStation, GIS, PLS-CADD, EasyPower, ETAP, SKM Power Tools, EDR, CDGES, and Synergi.
  2. Apply knowledge of power analysis software for various electrical studies and calculations.
  3. Maintain proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite for project documentation and reporting.
  4. Measures
  1. Proficiency levels in required engineering software suites.
  2. Integration of new technology tools to improve design efficiency.
  3. Accuracy of power analysis results.
Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC). The process and inspections used to ensure that all work meets established standards, specifications, and client requirements through the prevention, detection, and correction of errors.
  1. Conduct quality assurance and quality control reviews to ensure compliance with corporate, national, and client standards.
  2. Contribute to the development and refinement of technical specifications and design standards.
  3. Measures
  1. Reduction in design errors or revisions following QA/QC reviews.
  2. Compliance with NERC/FERC and other regulatory standards.
  3. Adherence to internal corporate documentation standards.
Human Resources and Office Management. Supports the organization's resources and facilitates smooth administrative operations, enabling efficient operations.
  1. Mentor engineering and design personnel within the Power team.
  2. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (civil and structural) and coordinate remotely across multiple offices.
  3. Measures
  1. Professional growth and performance of mentored staff.
  2. Effectiveness of cross-departmental collaboration.
  3. Contribution to a positive and productive office environment.
Continuing Education. Annual training programs that support company objectives and employee growth.
  1. Pursue and maintain licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE).
  2. Stay current with industry trends in renewable energy and HV power distribution.
Special Project and Assignments. 1.Assumes responsibilities for special assignments delegated by market principals and project managers. Education and Experience
  1. Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.
  2. Licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) or the ability to obtain licensure within six months.
  3. Minimum of 5 years of experience in consulting with a focus on medium- and high-voltage power system/substation design.
  4. Demonstrated experience preparing electrical construction drawings, specifications, submittal reviews, and construction administration.
  5. Preferred: Graduate degree, professional registrations, technical research, or publication experience.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
The characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. When properly requested and when feasible, reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
  1. This job is essentially a sedentary role; however, standing, walking, sitting, reaching with hands and arms, stooping or kneeling, talking, and hearing are required.
  2. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
  3. This job operates in a professional office environment.
  4. Overtime may be necessary as workloads dictate. This may include weekdays, weekends, and/or holidays.
  5. Due to the collaborative nature of this position and accessibility for in-house and on-site client meetings, it is essential that the work be performed in the office and during regular business hours.
  6. Some travel may be required for client meetings, field reviews, and project assignments. The employee may occasionally be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, high places, fumes, or airborne particles, outside weather conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, and the risk of electrical shock.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Mentors engineering and design personnel within the Power group.

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