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Substation Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

NEW YORK POWER AUTHORITY

Electrical Engineer I

Massena, IA · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Develop solutions for electrical power and control systems in generation, transmission, substation ... Provide lead engineer function in support of a limited range of design modification projects ...

PJM Interconnection, LLC

(Sr) Engineer I (II)

Audubon, IA · On-site

$95K - $131K/yr

... entities regarding design, and scheduling of new connections to the PJM bulk power system ... At least 0-5 years of experience Field experience with major substation and transmission line ...

Signal Energy

Site Manager

Coggon, IA

... Engineering, Procurement & Construction) company specializing in the design and delivery of solar ... Responsible for receipts of delivery and acceptance of all project HV Substation and Transmission ...

Signal Energy

Site Manager

Coggon, IA · On-site

... Engineering, Procurement & Construction) company specializing in the design and delivery of solar ... Responsible for receipts of delivery and acceptance of all project HV Substation and Transmission ...

Qcells

Commissioning Superintendent

Ankeny, IA · Hybrid

Communication with engineering parties to meet commissioning requirements * Regular attendance ... Experience reviewing electrical drawings and manuals of installation and design technical ...

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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 Sep 14, 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?

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.

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, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in regions with high demand for electrical infrastructure expertise.

How much money do substation design 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 with specialized skills or working in high-demand areas can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually.

What does a substation design engineer do?

A substation design engineer develops detailed plans for electrical substations, including layouts, equipment specifications, and safety features. They use design software and adhere to industry standards to ensure reliable power distribution and may coordinate with other engineering teams during project implementation.

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:

What job categories do people searching Substation Design Engineer jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Substation Design Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

Substation Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substation Design Engineer job openings in Iowa as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,726 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

Principal Engineer, SCADA Engineering (BESS)

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Invenergy LLC
Clean Energy Power Generation • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Invenergy LLCexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Invenergy rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Invenergy is North America's largest privately held developer, owner, and operator of power infrastructure. With 25 years of trusted execution, we deliver reliable, affordable energy through a diverse portfolio that includes natural gas, solar, land-based wind, energy storage, transmission, and domestic manufacturing. Headquartered in Chicago, we develop, own, and operate large scale projects that power communities and support the energy future.

This position will be open for application for at least 3 calendar days from the posting date. This position will remain open for application based on business need, which may be before or after the 3-day posting window.

Job Description

Position Overview

The Principal Engineer position will be part of the Construction team, with responsibility to serve as a senior technical leader responsible for engineering, procurement support, integration, and commissioning of SCADA systems and associated communications infrastructure across Invenergy generation projects, with primary focus on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and supporting coverage for solar and other technologies as needed.

This role is accountable for defining and documenting control strategies and data interfaces between substation devices, generation resources, data centers, remote operation centers, and external entities, and for driving reliable data connectivity and control readiness from design, commissioning, and turnover. Invenergy's fleet includes standalone and co located or hybrid applications, and this role will help ensure consistent SCADA and controls integration standards across BESS, solar, wind, and hybrid sites.

Responsibilities

Technical leadership and architecture (BESS primary)

  • Own SCADA and controls integration approach for BESS projects from concept through commissioning, including interface definitions, network architecture, time synchronization, and data models

  • Define and document control and data interfaces between BESS subsystems and site SCADA, PPC, substation systems, revenue metering, and remote operations connectivity.

  • Lead technical reviews of vendor submittals and drawings, including communications architecture, point mapping, cybersecurity alignment, and commissioning procedures.

  • Provide escalation level troubleshooting for complex integration issues involving protocols, network performance, data quality, and control interlocks during construction and commissioning.

Solar and other technologies support (secondary scope)

  • Provide technical support for solar and other technologies SCADA scope as needed, including standard interface definitions, data mapping, and commissioning readiness for plant SCADA across wind, solar, and or BESS.

  • Support projects with hybrid integration needs by ensuring SCADA requirements and deliverables align for standalone and co located PV and BESS applications.

Specifications, scope, and procurement support

  • Develop specifications and scope of work for EMS, BMS, SCADA, power plant controller, RTU, and IT and OT equipment networks and implementation

  • Provide requirements needed to procure telecom services and field communications solutions.

  • Support bid evaluations and supplier selection by providing clear technical requirements and contract exhibit language for SCADA and controls integration.

  • Support negotiation of Energy Storage Agreements (ESA) by defining and defending SCADA and controls requirements and serving as the technical interface with BESS suppliers and integrators.

  • Perform factory and equipment inspection, including witnessing factory acceptance tests for hardware and software

Project execution and commissioning support

  • Coordinate with cross functional teams to ensure SCADA deliverables align with overall project requirements and critical path schedules.

  • Track design schedules, communicate status and risks, and ensure critical dates are met on time.

  • Monitor construction progress remotely and via on site visits, support resolution of field issues, attend in person meetings with stakeholders, and provide on-site programming and field support during commissioning when required

  • Support operational plans to energize, commission, and turn over projects while adhering to NERC and other grid reliability requirements

  • Coordinate with independent engineers and project partners to effectively navigate technical due diligence for SCADA and controls scope.

  • Support Controls Hardware-in-the-Loop (CHIL) testing with suppliers in addition to establishing Invenergy CHIL lab

Continuous improvement and technical mentorship

  • Mentor engineers and managers by driving standards, lessons learned, and repeatable execution playbooks that improve commissioning quality and long-term operational reliability.

  • Maintain up to date knowledge of industry technology through training sessions and conferences.

  • Take on additional responsibilities as assigned by the manager, supporting team and project objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

  • BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related degree.

  • 8 + years of relevant experience with power generation SCADA and power plant control systems.

  • Demonstrated experience delivering BESS focused SCADA and controls integration through commissioning and turnover, with ability to support solar and wind projects as needed.

  • Ability to coordinate and manage multiple concurrent projects.

  • Strong oral and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.

  • Up to 25 % travel required

  • Must have a valid driver's license and be legally authorized to operate a motor vehicle.

  • Eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's in Engineering preferred.

  • Working knowledge of NERC compliance requirements.

  • Prior installation, commissioning, and site construction experience in renewable power generation.

  • Advanced knowledge and programming of EMS, BMS, SCADA, HMI, PLC, RTU platforms.

  • Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as OPC, CANBUS, DNP3, and Modbus.

  • Experience integrating SCADA and controls with Tier 1 BESS suppliers (e.g., Tesla, Fluence) and navigating vendor interface requirements through design, commissioning, and turnover.

Base Pay

$155,000.00 - $180,000.00 USD Annual
Bonus: 25% - 40%

The base pay range reflects the minimum and maximum target salary for the position. Invenergy considers a number of factors when determining base pay offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education and skills.
In addition to base pay, the total annual compensation package may also include eligibility to participate in our bonus program(s) which are designed to reward individual and company performance. Your recruiter can share more about bonus eligibility for this position during the hiring process.
Invenergy offers a variety of other benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401k, paid time off, etc.

Invenergy LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.

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