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Substation Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Substation Design Engineer

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$94K - $120K/yr

Job Title: Substation Design Engineer This role focuses on designing and supporting the installation of new and replacement substation equipment to enhance grid reliability, resiliency, and ...

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Substation Design Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$62K - $210K/yr

The Substation Design Engineer is responsible for the engineering, coordination, and execution of medium- and high-voltage air and gas-insulated substation projects, including new installations and ...

Substation Design Engineer

Akron, OH · On-site

$94K - $120K/yr

Substation Design Engineer FirstEnergy at a Glance We are a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers' lives brighter, the environment ...

Substation Design Engineer

Enfield, CT · On-site

$99K - $127K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY The Substation Design Engineer is responsible for the electrical design and engineering of substations supporting utility-scale solar and renewable energy projects. This role ...

Substation Design Engineer

Greensburg, PA · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

The job of Substation Design Engineer requires an individual to be self-directed with an interest and / or ability to create and manage engineering designs, equipment and standards for the Substation ...

Substation Design Engineer

Akron, OH

$94K - $120K/yr

Directing technical personnel to gather and record data for substation design projects. * Working with outside engineering firms, vendors, equipment manufacturers and consultants. * Providing ...

Substation Design Engineer

Reading, PA · On-site

$94K - $120K/yr

The job of Substation Design Engineer requires an individual to be self-directed with an interest and / or ability to create and manage engineering designs, equipment and standards for the Substation ...

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Substation Design information

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$54K

$83.7K

$117K

How much do substation design jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for substation design in the United States is $83,748.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,500.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is substation design?

Substation design is the process of planning and creating the layout, specifications, and systems for electrical substations, which are critical facilities in the power grid that transform voltage and distribute electricity. This involves selecting and arranging equipment like transformers, circuit breakers, busbars, and protection systems to ensure safe and reliable electricity flow. Substation designers must consider factors such as safety, regulatory standards, electrical load requirements, and future expansion when developing these plans. Effective substation design is essential for maintaining grid stability and meeting the energy demands of homes and businesses.

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

Engineers in substation design often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple disciplines (like civil, electrical, and protection teams), adhering to strict regulatory and safety standards, and managing evolving project requirements. Effective communication, strong project management skills, and staying updated with the latest industry codes are essential for overcoming these challenges. Collaborating closely with team members and stakeholders ensures design accuracy and helps prevent costly revisions, making adaptability and proactive problem-solving key assets in this role.

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

To thrive as a Substation Design Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, understanding of power systems, and typically a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, and knowledge of industry standards like IEEE or NESC, as well as experience with protective relays and SCADA systems, are often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help ensure safe, efficient, and accurate project delivery. These competencies are essential for creating reliable substations that support electrical grid stability and meet regulatory and safety standards.

What is the difference between Substation Design vs Substation Engineering?

AspectSubstation DesignSubstation Engineering
Primary FocusCreating detailed layouts, schematics, and specifications for substation structures and equipmentOverseeing the technical aspects, ensuring design compliance, and integrating systems
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, relevant certificationsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, professional engineering license often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD software, collaboration with project teamsDesign offices, site visits, coordination with construction teams
Industry UsageUsed during the initial design phase of substationsInvolved throughout the project, from design review to commissioning

While both roles require electrical engineering knowledge and similar credentials, Substation Design focuses on creating detailed plans and layouts, whereas Substation Engineering involves overseeing and ensuring the technical integrity of the design during implementation.

More about Substation Design jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Substation Design jobs? The most popular types of Substation Design jobs are:
What states have the most Substation Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Substation Design jobs include:
Substation Design Engineer

Substation Design Engineer

Actalent

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$94K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Title: Substation Design Engineer Job Description This role focuses on designing and supporting the installation of new and replacement substation equipment to enhance grid reliability, resiliency, and modernization. The Substation Design Engineer performs detailed physical and civil substation design, applies industry standards, and collaborates with multidiscipline teams to deliver safe, costeffective, and constructible solutions. This position offers longterm project ownership, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to contribute directly to the energy transition, including renewable integration and advanced digital substations. Responsibilities
  • Conduct engineering studies and perform design calculations for the installation of new and replacement substation equipment.
  • Perform physical substation engineering design, including general arrangement drawings, electrical plan and section views, cable and conduit plans, grounding plans, raceway plans, shielding plans, and bus work calculations.
  • Create or review foundation and structural designs to support substation equipment and structures.
  • Develop detailed bills of materials based on engineering designs and project requirements.
  • Evaluate geotechnical analysis information and incorporate it into substation designs to ensure safe and reliable foundations and structures.
  • Design or evaluate site civil plans, including site grading, access roads, drainage, soil erosion, and sediment control measures specific to substation sites.
  • Create material lists and takeoffs from engineering designs to support procurement and construction planning.
  • Understand, follow, and apply relevant industry standards and best practices to all engineering designs.
  • Iteratively refine designs to achieve optimal outcomes that balance cost, project scope, constructability, and consistency with existing practices.
  • Coordinate design activities with other multidiscipline project team members, including planning, protection, construction, and field personnel.
  • Manage project documents and records to ensure accuracy, traceability, and compliance with internal procedures and regulatory requirements.
  • Communicate complex technical information clearly to engineers, operations staff, construction crews, and nontechnical stakeholders.
  • Collaborate crossfunctionally with internal teams and external contractors and vendors to support successful project delivery.
  • Support the implementation of advanced protection systems and digital substations as part of broader grid modernization initiatives.
  • Contribute to projects that support reliability, resiliency, and load growth driven by electrification, electric vehicles, and data centers.
Essential Skills
  • At least 1 year of applicable experience in substation, industrial PLC/electrical, transmission line (tline), or protection and controls engineering.
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering.
  • Handson experience with AutoCAD for creating and modifying engineering drawings.
  • Ability to conduct engineering studies and perform design calculations for substation equipment and systems.
  • Ability to perform physical substation design, including layouts, plans, sections, and associated calculations.
  • Ability to interpret and apply geotechnical analysis information to substation and foundation designs.
  • Ability to design or review civil site plans related to grading, access, drainage, and erosion and sediment control.
  • Strong understanding of industry standards relevant to substation and utility design, and ability to apply them in practice.
  • Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly and effectively to engineers, operations teams, construction crews, and nontechnical stakeholders.
  • Ability to work crossfunctionally with planning, protection, construction, and field personnel, as well as external contractors and vendors.
  • Strong organizational skills to manage project documents and records accurately.
  • Collaborative mindset with the ability to coordinate work within multidiscipline project teams.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
  • EngineerinTraining (EIT) certification or Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is a plus.
  • Interest in supporting advanced protection systems and digital substation implementations.
  • Desire to grow into areas such as protection engineering, transmission planning, asset management, or leadership roles.
  • Motivation to pursue professional development opportunities, including preparation for PE licensure.
  • Interest in longterm project ownership and following projects through their full lifecycle.
Work Environment This role is based in an office located in Indianapolis, Indiana, with work performed on site five days per week. The position follows a standard 40hour work week in a collaborative engineering environment that values safety, planning, and sustainable work-life balance. The work primarily involves officebased engineering design using tools such as AutoCAD and other utilityfocused design and documentation systems. Team members benefit from a stable, utilitybased capital program that provides consistent, yeartoyear project work and fewer lastminute changes than typical consulting or EPC roles. Engineers occasionally visit field sites with coworkers for site assessments and coordination, traveling in a company vehicle. The organization combines a local focus-serving the Indianapolis community-with access to strong technical resources and best practices from a broader global energy network. The culture emphasizes individual contributions, clear career paths, support for professional licensure, and opportunities to develop into technical specialist, project leadership, or people leadership roles, all within an environment designed to avoid constant burnout and support longterm career sustainability. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Indianapolis, IN. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $60.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Indianapolis,IN. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 1, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

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About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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