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Substation Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The Substation Design Engineer develops and reviews utility substation drawings, including General Arrangements, Elevations, Cable and Conduit Plans, Grounding Plans, AC/DC Schematics, panel ...

... Substation design. We also help clients with Long-Range and Capital Improvement Plans. The ... Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or equal * 2+ years' experience working in the ...

Substation Superintendent

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$135K - $155K/yr

... with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects ... Supervise construction efforts to ensure compliance with design, budget, and schedule. * Supervise ...

Substation Superintendent

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$135K - $155K/yr

... with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects ... Supervise construction efforts to ensure compliance with design, budget, and schedule. * Supervise ...

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Showing results 1-20

Substation Design Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$58.7K

$106.7K

$140.4K

How much do substation design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for substation design engineer in Iowa is $106,726.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,500.00 and $117,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Substation Design Engineer job?

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.

How much money do substation engineers make?

Substation design engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior engineers or those with specialized skills in power systems and CAD tools can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. Certain executive or managerial engineering positions also reach this salary level, often requiring advanced certifications and significant industry expertise.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. Substation Design Engineers typically have lower top-end salaries, but those in executive or consulting positions may reach high compensation levels depending on the industry and location.

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 in the Substation Design Engineer position, and why are they important?

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.

How much does a substation design engineer make?

A substation design engineer's salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills can earn higher wages, especially in regions with high demand for electrical infrastructure expertise.
What are popular job titles related to Substation Design Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Substation Design Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Substation Design Electrical Engineer

Substation Design Electrical Engineer

Ulteig

Hiawatha, IA • On-site, Remote

$91K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Ulteig rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 368 rated engineering


Job description

The Opportunity

Ulteig is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Substation Design Engineer to support Renewables/Utility/Power projects. The Substation Design Engineer develops and reviews utility substation drawings, including General Arrangements, Elevations, Cable and Conduit Plans, Grounding Plans, AC/DC Schematics, panel elevations, electrical equipment enclosure plans, wiring diagrams, specifications, and reports to ensure that they are complete, accurate, and in accordance with sound engineering practices and client standards.

What You'll Do

Be technically involved in detailed design work, development and review of design calculations, selection and design implementation of protective relay & automation equipment, as well as resolving design problems, which may include performing field investigations or observations. Additionally, the Substation Design Engineer coordinates specific design aspects of a project requiring the ability to plan, schedule, conduct, and communicate work with team members.

What We Expect from You

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering required. ABET accredited program or equivalent required.
  • Passed the EIT exam, preferred
  • At least 2 years of engineering experience required
  • Prior experience working with physical design or protection and control design of electrical power substations required
  • Capable of reviewing and producing design drawings, including General Arrangements, Elevations, Cable and Conduit Plans, Grounding Plans, Physical Connection Details, AC/DC schematics, and wiring diagrams
  • Ability to perform AC & DC substation studies
  • Experience using ground grid modeling software a plus
  • Knowledge of substation protection and control schemes a plus
  • Knowledge of basic relay settings a plus
  • Knowledge of National Electric Code (NEC) a plus
  • Knowledge of National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) a plus
  • Knowledge of Rural Utilities Service (RUS) design guide a plus
  • Proven experience in Microsoft Software Applications (Word, Excel, Power Point)
  • Demonstrates openness to innovation by embracing and applying evolving technology and AI tools to enhance workflows, solve problems, and drive continuous improvement
  • Up to 15% travel required
  • Valid driver’s license preferred 
  • Must have permanent authorization to work in the US

As you consider applying for a position at Ulteig, we encourage you to think outside the box – because we do! You might not meet 100% of the skills listed in a description, but we are committed to hiring people with exceptional talent, ability and potential, and then creating an environment where they can become the best versions of themselves. We don’t want to miss out on the possibility of speaking with the next outstanding Ulteig team member, so please apply if you think this role is a great match for your unique skills and strengths. And, yes, relevant military experience is absolutely considered for transitioning service members.

What You Can Expect from Ulteig

Ulteig is a purpose driven organization that has built a culture focused on people – both our clients and our employees –for over 80 years. Working at Ulteig is more than a job, opening opportunities to make an impact by creating and solving for a sustainable future. We recognize our success relies heavily on the dedication and focus of our workforce; this is why we make investing in our employees a top priority. We prioritize flexibility and staying connected to meet your needs and help you achieve your goals. We value your unique perspective, respect your individuality and celebrate your contributions. At Ulteig, we take our own success and the success of our clients personally.

We offer our team members:

  • Flexible Workplace
  • Employee Ownership
  • Competitive Pay
  • Comprehensive Benefits Package
  • Collaborative Environment
  • Innovative Culture

Our vision is to be the most trusted partners transforming our world’s critical infrastructure. Ulteig connects people and resources to develop compelling, integrated solutions across multiple Lifeline Sectors®, including Power, Renewables, Transportation and Water. Ulteig is a trusted partner in engineering North America’s essential infrastructure and leverages its expertise with a wide range of public and private clients. 

At Ulteig, we care deeply about our team, listening to their needs and ensuring they have the tools necessary to be productive whether they choose to work remotely, hybrid or in office. Regardless of where you work, you are empowered to build a workday that best suits your strengths. We strive to ensure a balance and separation between home and work life. We support a flexible working schedule so employees are able to focus on what's important to them.

If you would like to be a part of a company that empowers their employees, apply today! 

Ulteig is a Drug Free Workplace

 ACHIEVE | GROW | COLLABORATE

Additional Opportunity Details:
Target Base Compensation Range for this role is $91,100 - $112,500
* Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary include your job specific skills, education, training, job location, number of years of experience related to this role and comparison to other employees already in this role

This position will be posted for a minimum of 3 days and will continue to be posted for an average of 60 days until a qualified applicant is selected or the position has been cancelled.

Notice to Recruiters and Staffing Agencies:  to protect the interests of all parties, Ulteig Engineers, Inc., will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate or an approved vendor that has a written and signed agreement in place with Ulteig. Please do not contact or forward resumes to our company employees or locations. Any unsolicited resumes will be considered Ulteig property. Ulteig is not responsible for any charges or fees related to unsolicited resumes.


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