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Senior Substation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Substation Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$101K - $129K/yr

HDR Engineering is looking for a Substation Senior to join our growing Colorado Power Delivery program. The primary duties of a Substation Senior Engineer include managing the execution of all ...

Senior Substation Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$101K - $129K/yr

HDR Engineering is looking for a Substation Senior to join our growing Colorado Power Delivery program. The primary duties of a Substation Senior Engineer include managing the execution of all ...

Senior Substation Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$101K - $129K/yr

HDR Engineering is looking for a Substation Senior to join our growing Colorado Power Delivery program. The primary duties of a Substation Senior Engineer include managing the execution of all ...

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We have an immediate opportunity for a Senior Substation Engineer in Orange County. This is an excellent growth opportunity for a self-directed Electrical Engineer who is eager to take on new ...

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Senior Substation Engineer information

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$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior substation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior substation engineer in the United States is $126,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $143,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Substation Engineers during large infrastructure projects?

Senior Substation Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, managing tight project timelines, and ensuring compliance with evolving safety and regulatory standards. They must also address unexpected site conditions, integrate new technologies with legacy systems, and maintain clear communication across stakeholders. Proactive problem-solving and strong organizational skills are essential to navigate these complexities and deliver successful projects.

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

To thrive as a Senior Substation Engineer, you need a deep understanding of electrical engineering principles, strong experience in substation design, and a relevant engineering degree—often complemented by a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Proficiency with design software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, and power system analysis tools like ETAP or SKM is typically required. Excellent project management, leadership, and communication skills help you coordinate complex projects and mentor junior engineers. These skills ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient design and operation of substations that are critical to power distribution networks.

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

AspectSenior Substation EngineerSubstation Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in electrical engineering, PE license often preferred, relevant certificationsBachelor's degree in electrical engineering, some roles may require or prefer PE license
Work EnvironmentDesign, project management, oversight of substation projects, leadership rolesDesign, construction, testing, and maintenance of substations, more hands-on work
Employer & Industry UsageUtilities, power generation, transmission companies, often in senior or lead rolesUtilities, construction firms, engineering consultancies, entry to mid-level positions

The main difference between a Senior Substation Engineer and a Substation Engineer lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership. Senior Substation Engineers typically have more experience, hold leadership roles, and oversee complex projects, while Substation Engineers focus on technical design and implementation tasks. Both roles require similar technical credentials, but the senior position involves greater project management and decision-making responsibilities.

What are Senior Substation Engineers?

Senior Substation Engineers are experienced electrical engineers who specialize in the design, maintenance, and operation of electrical substations. They oversee projects involving the installation and upgrading of substation equipment, ensure systems meet safety and regulatory standards, and often lead teams of engineers and technicians. Their expertise helps ensure the reliable transmission and distribution of electricity in power grids. Senior Substation Engineers also troubleshoot complex issues and play a key role in planning for future energy needs.
More about Senior Substation Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Substation Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Substation Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Substation Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Substation Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Substation Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Substation Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Senior Substation Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 10% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.
Senior Substation Engineer

Senior Substation Engineer

HDR

Denver, CO • On-site

$101K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday


HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 356 rated engineering


Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
We believe electricity powers modern life. As part of our Power sector, you'll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted and delivered as global energy demands grow. From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry-recognized engineers and scientists have been at the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century. You'll work side-by-side with these experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to drive infrastructure forward, power innovation and leave your mark on our energy future.
HDR Engineering is looking for a Substation Senior to join our growing Colorado Power Delivery program.
The primary duties of a Substation Senior Engineer include managing the execution of all aspects of substation projects of all sizes and complexity, including scope and proposal development, project execution, project closeout, quality control, schedule, and budget management. Experience with at least one of the following substation design components; physical, protection/controls, relaying, communication is required, and associated strategic services aspects (i.e. permitting, land acquisition) of projects is preferred, with strong technical experience.
Specific duties include:
  • Perform and direct others in the detailed design of medium to extra high voltage utility substations including one-line diagrams, elementary and wiring diagrams, SCADA, communications, conduit and cable sizing/routing, substation physical layouts, and the selection of substation equipment.
  • Interface with clients, including utilities, developers, manufacturers, and other consultants for executing project requirements, including design reviews, construction support, technical recommendations, change management.
  • Develop and manage non-technical project requirements, including project schedule, project budgets, change orders, and contract agreements. May also be responsible for overseeing non-engineering components of projects, including environmental permitting, land acquisition, construction management, and other services.
  • Act as lead design engineer on multiple projects simultaneously and able to guide and teach supporting production design engineers, with capability to stamp projects as required.
  • Leads the QA/QC process on projects and is committed to delivering world class quality. Coordinate with marketing and technical leadership for business development. Leverage and/or develop client relationships to develop new substation opportunities.
  • Works independently and may direct, mentor, train, and/or supervise one or more PM's, Project Engineers, EIT's, CADD/Designers, and administrative staff.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Minimum of 5 years of substation design experience required and understanding each role in substation design and can coordinate properly.
  • Minimum of 5 years of overall experience including project leadership and staff management experience preferred.
  • Experience managing multiple engineering assignments concurrently
  • Experience in 15kV through 345kV substation design and IEEE/ANSI
  • Track record of working cooperatively with diverse teams and project staff and work-sharing with staff in other locations preferred
  • Committed to quality, improvement and HDR values.
  • Preference given to candidates local to Colorado.

#LI-MV3
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering
  • A minimum of 10 years of experience
  • Professional Engineers (PE) license
  • Extensive experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector
  • Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office as well as standard Power Market Sector design software (examples include PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, AutoPipe, and Revit)
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917