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Substation Civil Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Serve as engineer of record on substation site design projects, sealing civil drawings, reports, and permit applications. * Lead project-level civil engineering efforts from conceptual design through ...

Substation Engineering Manager

CA · Remote

$139K - $191K/yr

Relay Engineer, Substation Physicals Engineer, Substation Civil Engineer experience * Proficiency in relevant software tools, including CAD software (AutoCAD, MicroStation) and electrical simulation ...

New

Substation Engineering Manager

CA · Remote

$139K - $191K/yr

Relay Engineer, Substation Physicals Engineer, Substation Civil Engineer experience * Proficiency in relevant software tools, including CAD software (AutoCAD, MicroStation) and electrical simulation ...

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Substation Civil Engineer information

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$38K

$82.7K

$123K

How much do substation civil engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for substation civil engineer in the United States is $82,674.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Substation Civil Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering principles, structural analysis, and a relevant bachelor's degree, often accompanied by a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Proficiency with design software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and knowledge of industry standards like IEEE and NESC are typically required. Strong project management, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and handle project challenges. These qualifications and skills are crucial for ensuring the safe, reliable, and cost-effective design and construction of electrical substations.

What are some common challenges a Substation Civil Engineer faces during project execution?

Substation Civil Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple disciplines (electrical, structural, and environmental), managing project timelines amidst permitting or weather delays, and ensuring strict adherence to safety and regulatory standards. Balancing fieldwork with design and documentation responsibilities can also be demanding, especially when adapting plans to unforeseen site conditions. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential to efficiently address these issues and keep projects on track.

What are substation civil engineers?

Substation civil engineers are professionals who design, plan, and oversee the construction and maintenance of the civil aspects of electrical substations. Their work includes the layout of foundations, structural supports for equipment, site grading, drainage systems, access roads, and fencing. They ensure that the substation’s physical infrastructure meets regulatory, safety, and operational standards, and they often collaborate closely with electrical engineers and utility companies. Substation civil engineers play a key role in ensuring the reliability and safety of power distribution systems.

What is the difference between Substation Civil Engineer vs Electrical Substation Engineer?

AspectSubstation Civil EngineerElectrical Substation Engineer
Primary FocusDesign and construction of civil infrastructure for substationsDesign and maintenance of electrical systems within substations
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, civil design officesElectrical design labs, substation sites
Industry UsagePower utilities, infrastructure projectsPower utilities, electrical contractors

While both roles are essential in substation projects, the Substation Civil Engineer focuses on civil infrastructure, such as foundations and structures, whereas the Electrical Substation Engineer concentrates on electrical systems. Understanding these differences helps in selecting the right career path or job role within the power industry.

More about Substation Civil Engineer jobs
What states have the most Substation Civil Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Substation Civil Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Substation Civil Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $82,674 per year, or $39.7 per hour.
Civil Engineer

$92K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 137 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

The devices we make at SEL are embedded in the power grid. They prevent blackouts. They make outages safer and shorter in duration; they add cybersecurity, automation, and communication. They use cutting-edge technologies and operate at speeds that push other pieces of the grid to go faster. As Substation Civil/Structural Engineer in Engineering Services, you'll provide solutions and services that help our customers protect and control critical electrical infrastructure and power systems worldwide

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead, coordinate, and develop civil engineering designs and reports for Substation greenfield and brownfield projects.

  • Assist with proposal development and serve as the Technical Lead

  • Perform QA reviews and provide mentorship to less experienced engineers and designers.

  • Estimate labor, material, and construction costs for projects.

  • Conduct field inspections, investigations, and provide construction support

  • Create construction bid documents, review contracts, specifications, bids, and offer recommendations

This job might be for you if you posses the following -

  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited engineering program

  • 5+ years of civil engineering design experience in the electric utility industry.

  • P.E. license

  • Proficiency in substation civil engineering design, including:

    • Site grading, drainage systems, and site development.

    • Topographical specifications, surveying, and geotechnical site boring identification.

    • Knowledge of permitting procedures, right-of-way, property lines, and easements.

    • Steel structure analysis and design.

    • Foundations and oil containment design.

    • Development of Spill Prevention Countermeasures and Control (SPCC), Preparedness Prevention and Contingency Plan (PPC), and Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP).

    • Substation access and roadways design.

  • Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

  • Capable of supervising and training new team members.

  • Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

  • Experience with structural analysis software, such as RISA Foundation, MATHCAD, LPile, Hilti PROFIS, and RISA 3D.

  • Familiarity with design codes and standards, including ASCE 7, AISC, ACI 318, EPRI, ASTM, NESC, IBC, RUS 1724E-200, and IEEE.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Proficiency in additional structural analysis software, such as STAAD Pro and SAG10.

  • Experience with design software like AutoCAD, MicroStation, and Civil 3D.

  • Familiarity with project management software (e.g., Primavera P6).

Irvine, CA- This position is located in Irvine, CA, where you will enjoy the perfect balance of city living and preserved natural spaces. Located just forty miles from Los Angeles, adjacent to the John Wayne/Orange County airport and only a short drive to the beautiful Southern California beaches. You can enjoy a variety of great shopping, entertainment, sports, and access to great schools and universities. Irvine is known as the center of Orange County, culturally diverse and has an enjoyable climate, making it the perfect location to call home.

Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.

People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.

  • We're 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.

  • We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.

  • We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.

  • We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.

  • Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.

Pay Range Data

Project Engineer II $92,000- $142,000 per year. Our pay ranges are determined by job, responsibility, and location. We base our starting pay offer and title on location and job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills. #INDD2

Communication with Applicants

We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAMfilteror reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.

SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.


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