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Grid Modernization Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

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Grid Modernization information

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How much do grid modernization jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for grid modernization in Washington, DC is $58.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50.62 and $66.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is grid modernization?

Grid modernization refers to the process of updating the electrical grid with advanced technologies, equipment, and practices to improve its reliability, resilience, and efficiency. This includes integrating renewable energy sources, deploying smart meters, enhancing grid automation, and increasing cybersecurity. Modernizing the grid helps meet growing energy demands, supports clean energy goals, and ensures the grid can quickly respond to outages or disruptions. It is essential for supporting the transition to a more sustainable and flexible energy system.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in grid modernization?

To excel in Grid Modernization, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, power systems, and energy infrastructure, often supported by a relevant degree and industry experience. Familiarity with SCADA systems, smart grid technologies, and certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) or related credentials are typically required. Strong project management, problem-solving, and communication skills help professionals coordinate complex upgrades and collaborate across teams. These competencies ensure the successful integration of advanced technologies into the electric grid, improving reliability, sustainability, and efficiency.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in grid modernization, and how can job seekers prepare to address them?

Professionals in grid modernization often encounter challenges such as integrating renewable energy sources, ensuring grid reliability, and managing legacy infrastructure alongside new technologies. These roles typically require strong collaboration with engineers, IT specialists, and regulatory bodies to implement smart grid solutions. Job seekers can prepare by gaining experience with power systems, staying current on emerging energy technologies, and developing strong project management and communication skills to navigate the complexities of modernizing the grid.

What is the difference between Grid Modernization vs Substation Engineer?

AspectGrid ModernizationSubstation Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, relevant certificationsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentField and office, focusing on system upgrades and smart grid techFieldwork at substations, design, and maintenance of substation equipment
Employer & IndustryUtilities, energy companies, government agenciesUtilities, power generation, transmission companies

Grid Modernization professionals focus on upgrading and integrating new technologies across the entire electrical grid, including smart grid systems. Substation Engineers specialize in designing, maintaining, and improving substations. While both roles require electrical engineering expertise and work within the utility industry, Grid Modernization has a broader scope involving system-wide upgrades, whereas Substation Engineers concentrate on substation-specific projects.

What are popular job titles related to Grid Modernization jobs in Washington, DC?

For Grid Modernization jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Grid Modernization job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 77% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,320 per year, or $58.8 per hour.

Partner, Power, Transmission & Distribution

ERM

Bethesda, MD โ€ข On-site, Remote

$220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Join us as a Partner in our Power Sector, Transmission & Distribution practice to shape the future of energy infrastructure in the U.S.-leading environmental and regulatory strategy for major energy infrastructure projects across transmission, renewable energy, grid modernization, and related power sector developments. Ideally, we are looking for someone with experience in construction oversight as well.

This role offers true partnership: equity ownership, strategic influence, and a platform to create market-defining impact at a global consulting firm.

Location: preference is for the role to be based in the Northeast, out of one our offices - Boston, Manhattan, Syracuse, Minneapolis, Rolling Meadows, Milwaukee, Pittsburg, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Holland, Novi, Rochester.

But we are open to other locations and hybrid working arrangements.

Why This Role Matters

The U.S. energy system is undergoing the most significant transformation in decades. As demand grows for renewable integration, longrange transmission, and grid modernization, utilities and developers need trusted advisors who can navigate siting, permitting, regulatory complexity, and stakeholder engagement at scale.

ERM delivers more than $250M in powerrelated projects annually, and we are expanding our leadership bench to meet the accelerating need for new transmission infrastructure.

This role sits squarely at the center of that transformation.

Your Impact
  • Lead major renewables and transmission projects from concept to construction.

  • Shape regulatory strategies and secure CPCNs and other state-level approvals.

  • Expand ERM's market presence in the Midwest and Northeast.

  • Mentor and grow high-performing, multidisciplinary technical teams.

  • Drive innovation and thought leadership in transmission siting and permitting.

  • Build and deepen strategic client relationships that fuel long-term growth.

What You Bring

Required

  • BA/BS/MS in environmental science, engineering, or a related field.

  • 15+ years of experience in environmental permitting, siting and routing, or stakeholder engagement, or construction oversight of energy infrastructure developments.

  • Established relationships with utilities, developers, and power-sector leaders.

  • Experience securing environmental and regulatory approvals for major infrastructure projects, including state, federal, provincial, or local permitting processes

  • Leadership experience guiding large capital projects.

  • Strong business acumen with a track record of multi-million-dollar delivery.

  • Demonstrated ability to mentor and lead cross-functional teams.

Preferred

  • Experience in the upper Midwest or Northeast markets.

  • Familiarity with renewable integration, grid modernization, or interconnection strategy.

  • Prior equity or leadership experience within a consulting environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Grow and manage a portfolio of energy sector clients aligned with ERM's strategy.

  • Deliver high-value consulting services across routing, permitting, environmental assessments, and compliance.

  • Ensure project excellence on safety, quality, financials, and regulatory outcomes.

  • Contribute to ERM's North America leadership agenda.

  • Drive business development and create long-term client partnerships.

Why ERM?

As a Partner, you'll gain:

  • Equity ownership with significant financial upside.

  • A seat at the table to influence ERM's strategic direction.

  • A platform to amplify your voice as a thought leader in the power sector.

  • Access to a global network of experts and resources to scale your impact.

For the Partner, Power Sector, Transmission & Distribution position, the anticipated annual base pay is $175,000 -$220,000 (USD). Actual pay will depend on factors such as education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business needs. In some cases, pay may fall outside this range. This role may be eligible for bonus pay (casual and fixed term/flex force employees are not bonus eligible).

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, AD&D insurance, 401(k) or RRSP/DPSP, and other applicable benefits to eligible employees.

Note:Bonuses, commissions, and other forms of additional compensation are not guaranteed and subject to the sole discretion of ERM and its policies and procedures.

Who We Are:
As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world's leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainabilitychallengesand unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations.

At ERM we know that creating a diverse,equitableand inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our companya great placeto build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world-class expertssupportsclients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technicalexpertisein addressing theirenvironmental, health, safety,riskand social issues. We call this capability our "boots to boardroom" approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advanceobjectiveson the ground or at the executive level.

Pleasesubmityour resume and brief cover letter.

ERM does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do notforwardresumes to ourjobsalias, ERM employees or any other company location. ERM is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Thank you for your interest in ERM!


#LI-Hybrid


ERM logo

About ERM

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world's leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations. At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our "boots to boardroom" approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

City of London, Greater London, GB

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