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Freelance Substation Automation System Jobs in Iowa

A.Y. McDonald Mfg.

Electrician - 3rd Shift

Asbury, IA · On-site

$25.25 - $32.50/hr

McDonald Mfg. Co. is a leading manufacturer of water works brass, plumbing valves, water systems ... Experience with power distribution to include switchgear, substation, and other related high ...

McDonald Mfg. Co.

Electrician - 3rd Shift

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$34.23/hr

McDonald Mfg. Co. is a leading manufacturer of water works brass, plumbing valves, water systems ... Experience with power distribution to include switchgear, substation, and other related high ...

A.Y. McDonald Mfg.

Electrician - 3rd Shift

Asbury, IA · On-site

$25.25 - $32.50/hr

McDonald Mfg. Co. is a leading manufacturer of water works brass, plumbing valves, water systems ... Experience with power distribution to include switchgear, substation, and other related high ...

Mc Donald

Electrician - 3rd Shift

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$34.23/hr

McDonald Mfg. Co. is a leading manufacturer of water works brass, plumbing valves, water systems ... Experience with power distribution to include switchgear, substation, and other related high ...

All JobsSubstation Automation System JobsFreelance Substation Automation System JobsFreelance Substation Automation System Jobs in Iowa

Freelance Substation Automation System information

What does a freelance substation automation system professional do?

A Freelance Substation Automation System professional specializes in designing, implementing, configuring, and maintaining automation solutions for electrical substations. Their work often involves integrating hardware and software to monitor, control, and protect power systems, ensuring reliability and efficiency. They may work with protocols like IEC 61850, configure protection relays, and assist utilities or industrial clients with remote monitoring and diagnostics. As freelancers, they typically handle multiple projects and clients, providing flexible expertise on a contract basis.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance substation automation system professional?

To thrive as a Freelance Substation Automation System Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, power systems, and automation, usually supported by a relevant degree and experience in substation projects. Familiarity with SCADA systems, IEC 61850 protocols, PLC programming, and certifications like PMP or vendor-specific credentials are highly valued. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and adaptability help freelancers work independently and collaborate with clients remotely. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering reliable automation solutions, ensuring system integrity, and meeting client expectations in a specialized and evolving field.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance professionals working in substation automation systems, and how can they be managed?

Freelance professionals in Substation Automation Systems often encounter challenges such as coordinating with remote teams, managing diverse project requirements from multiple clients, and staying updated with evolving industry standards and technologies. Effective communication and proactive scheduling are essential for collaborating with utility engineers, protection specialists, and IT teams. Additionally, investing time in continuous learning and certification can help freelancers remain competitive and deliver high-quality automation solutions.

What is the difference between Freelance Substation Automation System vs Substation Automation Engineer?

AspectFreelance Substation Automation SystemSubstation Automation Engineer
CredentialsVaries; often self-taught or with specialized certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, certifications like IEEE or CIGRE
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, remote or on-siteTypically employed by utilities or engineering firms, on-site or office-based
Industry UsageFreelance projects, consulting, custom solutionsDesign, implementation, and maintenance of automation systems

Freelance Substation Automation Systems focus on independent project work, often requiring self-directed skills and certifications. Substation Automation Engineers are employed by organizations to design and maintain automation systems, usually with formal education and industry certifications. Both roles are essential in the power industry but differ mainly in employment type and scope of work.

What job categories do people searching Freelance Substation Automation System jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Substation Automation System jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Freelance Substation Automation System jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Freelance Substation Automation System job openings:

Freelance Substation Automation System jobs near you

Substation Design Engineer, Intermediate or Senior

ITC Holdings

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$102K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develops, reviews, and/or leads the development of physical and electrical substation design packages.

  • Performs and reviews engineering calculations related to bus and cable sizing, fault current, grounding, conduit/cable routing, and lightning protection.

  • Provides technical support during installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and turnover activities, including coordinating field visits.

Job description


As a Substation Design Engineer (Intermediate/Senior), you will lead and contribute to the design and development of high-voltage substations within the transmission system. You will prepare detailed design packages, perform technical analyses, and ensure compliance with utility standards, industry codes, and regulatory requirements. At the Senior level, you will oversee more complex design efforts, guide engineering standards and best practices, and provide advanced technical leadership, mentoring, and project coordination.
At ITC, our people bring the power-building a reliable, resilient grid that makes a real impact. If you're ready to grow your career and do meaningful work in a future-focused industry, this could be your power move.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
BOTH LEVELS
  • Develops, reviews, and/or leads the development of physical and electrical substation design packages (e.g., layouts, one-line diagrams, grounding plans, equipment specifications).
  • Performs and reviews engineering calculations (e.g., bus and cable sizing, fault current and grounding analysis, conduit/cable routing, lightning protection).
  • Provides technical support to field personnel and contractors during installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and turnover activities; coordinates field visits as needed.
  • Prepares and/or oversees cost estimates, material requisitions, and construction specifications for capital and maintenance projects.
  • Coordinates protection and control interface elements (e.g., protection schemes, relay settings coordination, SCADA integration) with system protection and related engineering teams.
  • Collaborates with internal departments and external stakeholders to manage schedules, resources, and deliverables; participates in design reviews and client/stakeholder meetings.
  • Mentors and guides junior engineers and interns; provides technical oversight, quality assurance, and support for professional development.
  • Applies applicable standards and requirements (e.g., IEEE, NESC, NEC) and utility practices to ensure designs meet regulatory, environmental, and safety expectations.

SENIOR LEVEL ONLY
  • Leads design reviews and contributes to the development, refinement, and governance of engineering standards, tools, and best practices.
  • Manages or significantly influences project scope, budget, and delivery for complex substation design initiatives, coordinating with internal teams, external consultants, and stakeholders.
  • Stays current with emerging technologies and regulatory changes; applies insights to improve design efficiency, reliability, and lifecycle performance.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical Engineering preferred) or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Minimum Experience Required:
    • Intermediate: Minimum of two (2) years of related engineering experience in a relevant area.
    • Senior: Minimum of six (6) years of related engineering experience in a relevant area.
  • Power systems coursework preferred for electrical engineering majors.
  • Utility and/or transmission/substation experience preferred.
  • Sound analytical, problem-solving, and documentation skills.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with individuals inside and outside the Company.
  • Ability to multi-task and work under minimal supervision in a team environment.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
  • Ability to learn and utilize job-specific engineering/design software.
  • Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer. ITC does not sponsor employment visas, such as H-1B or TN visas.

About Us
Make a Power Move - For the Greater Grid: Reliable. Resilient. Ready.
As AI innovation, automation and economic growth reshape the way we live and work, the demand on our power infrastructure is growing fast. At ITC, we're building the greater grid that's ready for today's technology and tomorrow's possibilities.
Our people bring the power - fueling innovation and strengthening the grid every day. We're looking for individuals who are ready to make a power move and help us build a greater grid for a more reliable and affordable energy future.
ITC offers industry-leading compensation, benefits and opportunities to channel your energy into solutions. We foster a culture of belonging - where every voice is valued, differences are celebrated and everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Make a power move today.

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