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Substation Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineer, Substation

Fresno, CA · Hybrid

$44.70 - $74.42/hr

This involves interfacing with other disciplines (such as civil and protection engineers) and reviewing existing facilities and developing conceptual designs. * Prepare Electrical Substation design ...

Substation Designer

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Reporting to the Lead Substation Design Engineer, they will be responsible for drafting and detailing technical deliverables for PG&E high-voltage substation projects (4kV to 500kV). This role ...

Substation Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$176K - $187K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

You will act as a technical authority, providing high-level guidance for substation design, grid stability, and capital project execution. This is a senior-level position for an engineer who has ...

Showing results 21-40

Substation Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$61.7K

$112.1K

$147.5K

How much do substation design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for substation design engineer in California is $112,139.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,200.00 and $123,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a substation design engineer?

A Substation Design Engineer is responsible for designing electrical substations that facilitate the transmission and distribution of electricity. They create detailed plans, specifications, and layouts for substation components, including switchgear, transformers, and protection systems. Their role involves ensuring compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and reliability requirements. They work closely with utility companies, project managers, and other engineering disciplines to develop efficient and cost-effective designs. This position requires expertise in electrical engineering, CAD software, and power system analysis.

What are the main challenges a substation design engineer faces during a typical project?

Substation Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, managing complex design requirements, and ensuring compliance with strict safety and regulatory standards. Balancing project schedules while addressing site-specific constraints and integrating new technologies can also pose difficulties. Effective communication with project managers, construction crews, and utility clients is essential to address issues quickly and keep the project on track. Successful engineers are proactive in problem-solving and adaptable to evolving project needs, which helps minimize delays and optimize design solutions.

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

A Substation Design Engineer requires a strong background in electrical engineering, knowledge of power systems, and a relevant engineering degree, often with a Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred. Proficiency in CAD software (such as AutoCAD or MicroStation), protective relay coordination tools, and familiarity with utility standards are important technical competencies. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help facilitate effective collaboration and ensure clarity during cross-disciplinary projects. These abilities are critical for delivering safe, efficient, and reliable substation designs that meet regulatory and operational standards.

Infographic showing various Substation Design Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,139 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Substation Design Engineer Intern -Part Time

E2 Consulting Engineers, Inc.

San Diego, CA

$22 - $32/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

About the Organization

E2 Consulting Engineers, LP (E2) is a professional services firm established in 1988 specializing in a full spectrum of engineering services including project engineering and design, federal base operations and infrastructure support services, gas pipeline construction and inspection services, environmental consulting and remediation, and information technology services.

Overview

E2 is looking for a Substation Design Engineer Intern to join our team in our greater Southwest region to support one of the largest electric utility clients.  The successful candidate will assist in developing physical or protection and control (P&C) substation design drawings and engineering calculations for electric utility clients. The position will work under the direction of a senior engineer and will report directly to the Substation Engineering Manager or Lead Engineer.

Responsibilities
  • Assist in developing physical or protection and control (P&C) substation design drawings and engineering calculations for electric utility clients.
  • Perform careful self-checking activities to ensure the quality of work before it is presented to senior design reviewers.
  • Communicate and coordinate project activities with senior engineer and/or project manager.
  • Utilize client and/or company information system to track and update design activities.
  • Assist senior engineers during job site meetings to gather scope of work.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications

Required

  • Pursuing a bachelor's in electrical engineering (ABET-approved), proficiency in AutoCAD/MicroStation and MS Office, with 1-3 years of related academic or project experience.
  • Proficient using Microsoft Office suite (e.g., Excel, Word, and Outlook).
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.
  • Basic written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred

  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Certification preferred but not required.
  • Experience with substation design and construction standards.
  • Experience with AutoCAD and/or MicroStation.
Benefits

E2 Consulting Engineers, LP offers an excellent benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, 401(k) with employer match, paid time off.

Wage Data Per State Requirements

Hourly rate for this position is $22.00 - $32.00/hour.  The starting rate will be commensurate with skill, education, experience, and working environment.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • The ability to sit/stand for up to 8 hours per day.
  • The ability to move freely for up to 8 hours per day.
Local Candidates onlyYesDrug Free Workplace

E2 Consulting Engineers, LP is a Drug Free Workplace. After accepting an offer of employment, applicants may be required to undergo background checks, drug testing, and/or fit-for-duty physical examination.  Drug screens will include, but not be limited to, Amphetamines, Cocaine Metabolites, Marijuana Metabolites (THC), Opiates, and Phencyclidine (PCP). As a federal contractor, E2 cannot permit employees in certain positions to use medical marijuana, even if prescribed by an authorized physician.

Solicitation

Please no solicitation of any kind from agencies, staffing, or recruiting firms.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Employment Type: PART_TIME