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Principal Substation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GFT.

Principal Substation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$147K - $175K/yr

GFT is seeking experienced Principal Substation Engineers (Electrical Engineers) to join our expanding Power Group. As a substation engineer, you will lead or support utility and power substation ...

GFT.

Principal Substation Engineer

Kansas City, KS · On-site

$147K - $175K/yr

GFT is seeking experienced Principal Substation Engineers (Electrical Engineers) to join our expanding Power Group. As a substation engineer, you will lead or support utility and power substation ...

GFT.

Principal Substation Engineer

Boise, ID

$147K - $175K/yr

GFT is seeking experienced Principal Substation Engineers (Electrical Engineers) to join our expanding Power Group. As a substation engineer, you will lead or support utility and power substation ...

GFT.

Principal Substation Engineer

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$147K - $175K/yr

GFT is seeking experienced Principal Substation Engineers (Electrical Engineers) to join our expanding Power Group. As a substation engineer, you will lead or support utility and power substation ...

GFT.

Principal Substation Engineer

Columbus, OH · On-site

$147K - $175K/yr

GFT is seeking experienced Principal Substation Engineers (Electrical Engineers) to join our expanding Power Group. As a substation engineer, you will lead or support utility and power substation ...

GFT.

Principal Substation Engineer

Madison, WI

$147K - $175K/yr

GFT is seeking experienced Principal Substation Engineers (Electrical Engineers) to join our expanding Power Group. As a substation engineer, you will lead or support utility and power substation ...

GFT.

Principal Substation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$147K - $175K/yr

GFT is seeking experienced Principal Substation Engineers (Electrical Engineers) to join our expanding Power Group. As a substation engineer, you will lead or support utility and power substation ...

GFT.

Principal Substation Engineer

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$147K - $175K/yr

GFT is seeking experienced Principal Substation Engineers (Electrical Engineers) to join our expanding Power Group. As a substation engineer, you will lead or support utility and power substation ...

GFT.

Principal Substation Engineer

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$147K - $175K/yr

GFT is seeking experienced Principal Substation Engineers (Electrical Engineers) to join our expanding Power Group. As a substation engineer, you will lead or support utility and power substation ...

GFT.

Principal Substation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$147K - $175K/yr

GFT is seeking experienced Principal Substation Engineers (Electrical Engineers) to join our expanding Power Group. As a substation engineer, you will lead or support utility and power substation ...

GFT.

Principal Substation Engineer

$147K - $175K/yr

GFT is seeking experienced Principal Substation Engineers (Electrical Engineers) to join our expanding Power Group. As a substation engineer, you will lead or support utility and power substation ...

GFT.

Principal Substation Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$147K - $175K/yr

GFT is seeking experienced Principal Substation Engineers (Electrical Engineers) to join our expanding Power Group. As a substation engineer, you will lead or support utility and power substation ...

GFT.

Principal Substation Engineer

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$147K - $175K/yr

GFT is seeking experienced Principal Substation Engineers (Electrical Engineers) to join our expanding Power Group. As a substation engineer, you will lead or support utility and power substation ...

Jacobs Engineering Group Inc.

$72K - $92K/yr

As a Principal Substation Engineer, you will be working closely with our regional and global Transmission & Distribution (T&D) delivery teams to support our utility/developer clients and operations ...

Leidos

Principal Substation Engineer

We are looking for a Principal Substation Engineer to join our team. *Candidates must be located in the United States and be willing to travel to client site or in office as needed. (10% Travel) At ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrincipal Substation Engineer Jobs

Principal Substation Engineer information

See salary details

$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal substation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal substation engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal substation engineer?

Principal Substation Engineers are senior-level professionals responsible for overseeing the design, development, and maintenance of electrical substations. They lead engineering teams, ensure compliance with industry standards, and manage projects from conception through completion. Their expertise is crucial in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of power transmission and distribution systems. Principal Substation Engineers often collaborate with utilities, contractors, and regulatory agencies to deliver reliable electrical infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal substation engineer?

To excel as a Principal Substation Engineer, you need deep expertise in electrical engineering, substation design, and project management, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with industry software such as AutoCAD, ETAP, and protection relay settings, as well as knowledge of relevant codes and standards, is crucial. Outstanding leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for coordinating multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of complex substation projects critical to power system performance.

What are some common challenges faced by principal substation engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Principal Substation Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing multiple complex projects, coordinating with cross-disciplinary teams, and staying current with evolving industry standards. Effective communication and strong project management skills are essential for managing timelines and ensuring alignment between design, construction, and operations teams. Regular professional development and collaboration with regulatory bodies also help address technical and compliance-related challenges, supporting successful project delivery and career growth.

What is the difference between Principal Substation Engineer vs Substation Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Substation EngineerSubstation Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in electrical engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's degree in electrical engineering; PE license may be preferred but less common
Work EnvironmentLead design, project management, and oversight of substation projectsAssist in design, construction, and maintenance of substations
Industry UsageUsed in large utilities, engineering firms, and project leadership rolesCommon in utility companies and engineering teams

The Principal Substation Engineer typically holds a senior, leadership role overseeing substation projects, requiring advanced credentials and experience. In contrast, the Substation Engineer focuses on technical execution and support. Both roles are vital in the electrical power industry, but the Principal Substation Engineer has broader responsibilities and higher-level oversight.

What are popular job titles related to Principal Substation Engineer jobs?

For Principal Substation Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Principal Substation Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Principal Substation Engineer

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

GFT.
Construction • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about GFT.external

$147K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead or support utility and power substation projects and clients.

  • Develop substation layout drawings, schematics, and system designs for new and existing substations.

  • Manage the technical, financial, and scheduling aspects of substation projects.

Job description

GFT is seeking experienced Principal Substation Engineers (Electrical Engineers) to join our expanding Power Group. As a substation engineer, you will lead or support utility and power substation projects and clients. If you are in Chicago, IL, Phoenix, AZ, Charlotte, NC, St. Louis, MO, Marlton, NJ, Roanoke, VA, or Monroeville, PA this position would be Hybrid. However for the right candidate, this would be a remote position.
Joining the power team at GFT means engaging in cutting-edge projects that drive the future of energy infrastructure. Our team excels in providing solutions for power transmission, distribution, and renewable energy, utilizing advanced technologies and creative problem-solving to meet today's diverse energy needs. Be part of a dynamic group dedicated to enhancing system reliability, sustainability, and efficiency while shaping the energy landscape for a resilient and sustainable future. Discover some of our signature power and energy projects here.
What you'll be challenged to do:
As a Principal Substation Engineer, you will lead or support utility and power substation projects and clients.
You will have need to have experience supporting or leading various substation projects from 34.5kV up through 500kV. In addition, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to build effective relationships with clients and key stakeholders in the Power & Utility industry.
In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
  • Develop substation layout drawings including, plan and elevations, yard layouts, grounding, grounding details, raceway, raceway details, control building layouts, cable lists, and material lists on new and existing substations.
  • Develop substation one lines, three lines, Aux AC Power Systems, DC Power Systems, DC Schematics, SCADA and Communications Systems, Relay Panel Layouts, Equipment Wiring, and Cable Schedules for new and existing substations.
  • Prepare calculations and reports presenting the calculations to clients.
  • Prepare equipment specifications, for substation equipment, components, and construction.
  • Responsible for managing the technical, financial, and scheduling aspects of substation projects.
  • May act in th capacity of project manager, client manager or capture/proposal manager.
  • Build, maintain, and manage the necessary skills, resources, and expertise to develop and deliver strategic services, partnerships, programs, and projects.
  • Collaborate internally to pursue power substation projects regionally and nationally with the objective of increasing GFT presence in the power delivery business.
  • Provides QA/QC reviews.
  • Mentor or lead a staff of engineers and other technical specialist
    Develop and nurture client relationships and work across multiple disciplines in other offices.
  • Assume an active role in the preparation of proposals bids, reports and presentations

What you will bring to our firm:
  • Minimum Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
  • Professional Engineer License
  • 15 +years progressive experience in design, engineering and project management within power and utility industry.
  • Interest in or direct experience working in the consulting engineering profession.
  • Demonstrated ability with project management software and tools (Microsoft Project or similar) for scope, schedule, and budget management.
  • Design experience in high voltage substation, and distribution projects.
  • Experience in the creation of quality technical solutions and the design delivery of major power delivery projects.
  • Commitment to driving strong business performance, continuous improvement, and best practices.

What we prefer you bring:
  • Advanced Degree strongly preferred.
  • Experience with AutoCAD, MicroStation or Inventor

Compensation:
The salary range for this role is $147,000-$175,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.
Featured Benefits:
  • Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
  • Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
  • Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
  • Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
  • Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
  • Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships - that's why we're the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry's brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.
Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives. GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™
GFT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status or other characteristics protected by law.
Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.
Location: Remote
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time
#LI-NA1
#LI-REMOTE
"California Applicants"
Applicants in the County of Los Angeles - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
Applicants in the City of San Francisco - Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Applicants in the State of California - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.
Gannett Fleming does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.
Application deadline 9/20/2026

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