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Entry Level Substation Design Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Substation Design information

What is entry level substation design?

Entry level substation design refers to the work performed by new engineers or technical professionals who assist in designing electrical substations. These roles typically involve preparing drawings, layouts, and supporting documentation under supervision, as well as learning industry standards and safety practices. Entry level designers help ensure substations are safe, reliable, and meet client specifications while gaining hands-on experience with electrical systems and design software.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level substation design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Substation Design Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering principles, familiarity with power systems, and typically a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard design software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, and knowledge of relevant codes and standards (e.g., IEEE, NEC) are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and clearly document your work. These skills and qualifications are critical for ensuring safe, reliable, and compliant substation designs that meet both technical and regulatory requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level professionals in substation design, and how can they be addressed?

Entry-level substation design professionals often face challenges such as learning complex industry standards, adapting to specialized design software, and understanding safety compliance requirements. Collaborating frequently with experienced engineers and multidisciplinary teams can help build practical knowledge and confidence. Proactively seeking mentorship, attending training sessions, and staying updated on the latest technologies are effective ways to overcome initial hurdles and grow in the role.

What is the difference between Entry Level Substation Design vs Entry Level Power Systems Engineering?

AspectEntry Level Substation DesignEntry Level Power Systems Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, basic knowledge of substation componentsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, foundational power systems knowledge
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, field visits to substationsDesign offices, system analysis labs, field sites
Industry UsagePrimarily in utility companies, substation construction firmsUtilities, consulting firms, power generation companies
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Substation Design focuses on creating detailed plans for electrical substations, including equipment layout and specifications. Entry Level Power Systems Engineering involves analyzing and designing broader power systems, including generation, transmission, and distribution. While both roles require electrical engineering fundamentals, substation design is more specialized in physical infrastructure, whereas power systems engineering covers a wider scope of electrical network analysis and planning.

Infographic showing various Entry Level Substation Design job openings in Maryland as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Substation Engineer 1 (Entry Level) - Grid (Summer 2027)

Sargent & Lundy

Elkridge, MD • On-site

$62K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

121st of 453 rated engineering


Job description

Description
This position has a target start date in summer 2027.
As a Substation Engineer, this position will offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your academic background in engineering.
  • You will work on project teams with other engineers involved in the design of new high voltage and extra-high voltage substations and transmission systems.
  • You will be involved in power transmission designs and the preparation of specifications for the procurement of major electrical power equipment and related installation services.
  • There is the potential for you to travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to site locations for construction coordination and field verification of designs.

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, with the expectation of spending three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.
Dependent upon your location, this opportunity offers a generous relocation package.
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
  • This position requires a Bachelor of Science engineering degree with strong preference in an Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace or Chemical Engineering degree, and/or coursework including Coding, 3D Modeling/Design, and experience using agentic AI.
  • An understanding of the practical application of electrical engineering and technology including applying systems, principles, techniques, and procedures to a project design.
  • Knowledge of design techniques, tools and principles involved in production of technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models with the ability to visualize parts in 3D without the aid of a computer.
  • Proficiency with MS Office applications.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Valued but not required skills and experience:
  • BSEE, MSEE, or equivalent degree from an ABET accredited engineering program.
  • Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and designation as an Engineer in Training.
  • Familiarity in designing or developing AI applications and/or agents.
  • Related engineering internship or co-op work experience.
  • Familiarity in designing or developing AI applications and/or agents.

AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy
In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to solve problems using modern tools:
  • You are expected to take engineering problems from issue to solution using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Many engineers in these roles build or use automation to create calculations, summarize technical documents, or draft design documentation, including appropriate use of agentic AI tools, with strong engineering judgment and verification of results.
  • Programming or scripting (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate calculations, design checks, reporting, or data transformation is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other training in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that helps you apply automation or agentic AI to real engineering problems.

Award-Winning Benefits
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements

Compensation Range
$62,998 - $90,586
Transparency Statement
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.
Equal Opportunity
Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.

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About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

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