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Substation Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior Substation Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$100K - $128K/yr

The Senior Substation Engineer will support the overall design and execution of QTS utility infrastructure. This role will support the delivery of utility capacity at each campus for data center ...

Knowledge of substation design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical drawings and models. * Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and ...

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Substation Design Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$62K

$112.7K

$148.2K

How much do substation design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for substation design engineer in Virginia is $112,652.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,700.00 and $124,400.00 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.

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 roles in high-demand industries or with executive responsibilities may also reach this compensation level.

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 earn lower salaries, but those in executive or highly specialized positions may reach or exceed this level with bonuses and profit sharing.

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.

What does a substation design engineer do?

A substation design engineer is responsible for planning and developing electrical substations, including creating detailed layouts, selecting equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety and industry standards. They use design software and collaborate with project teams to ensure efficient and reliable power distribution systems. The role often requires knowledge of electrical engineering principles and relevant certifications.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Substation Design Engineers, a specialized role within electrical engineering, typically earn salaries below $200,000 annually, with top earners in senior positions or with extensive experience potentially reaching higher figures. Achieving a $500,000 salary usually requires advanced roles, management positions, or significant bonuses and incentives in the industry.
What are the most commonly searched types of Substation Design Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Substation Design Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Substation Design Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Substation Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Substation Design Engineer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,652 per year, or $54.2 per hour.

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

About Us

QISG leverages Quanta's comprehensive resources to deliver collaborative solutions for our partners' energy infrastructure needs. We use in-house talent, expertise and resources to plan, design, engineer, manage, conduct maintenance on and construct projects.

Our turnkey service capabilities provide our customers with efficiency, consistency, attention to detail and safe execution. The QISG team brings together Engineering, Safety, Quality, Material Procurement, QA/QC, Right-of-Way Acquisition, Scheduling, Environmental Planning, Permitting, Title and Land Management expertise that ensure outstanding results for our clients.

About this Role

QISG is a rapidly growing interdisciplinary engineering company within the Quanta Services (Quanta) family of companies. Quanta Services ranks #1on the ENR 2024 Top 600 Specialty Contractors list, designing and building some of the largest infrastructure projects in North America. QISG is seeking project level structural engineering professionals interested in working to support large-scale engineering and construction projects throughout North America by providing structural design solutions to our construction partners and clients.

A Project Substation Structural Engineer within QISG is involved in a variety of engineering projects with a focus on structural aspects of energy related infrastructure and design-build delivery methods for large-scale energy and substation-related projects.  Collaborating with an in-house, multi-disciplinary engineering and construction team - including civil, structural, geotechnical, construction management, and construction experts - the Project Substation Structural Engineer plays a crucial role in providing structural design solutions; responsibilities include overseeing and supporting design production, contributing to the development of construction drawings and specifications, and engineering support during construction.

This role is an office-based position with a primary focus on executing pre-construction design, development of construction plans, and construction support services during construction and erection.  Typical activities involve structural engineering calculations and modeling, design document development, and coordination of civil construction specifications related to substations.  A successful candidate is able to utilize sound engineering judgement, data collected by themselves or others, and digital technologies to develop economical engineering solutions while working both independently and collaboratively.  He/she will receive guidance and mentoring from senior level professionals, as well as provide guidance and mentoring to junior engineers.   The Project Substation Structural Engineer will develop leadership skills and will take on increasing responsibilities to communicate with project management, technical, construction, and company personnel as well as company leadership and to keep the project in scope, on schedule, and within budget.

What You'll Do
  • Execute assignments requiring application of standard and advanced engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria to carry out structural related engineering tasks to support substation design.
  • Perform structural engineering analyses for design of energy infrastructure buildings & building components, substation auxiliary support structures, deep foundations, retaining structures, protective blast walls, and other heavy civil and energy related structural systems.
  • Perform finite element modeling for various concrete or steel structures and develop associated reports for client and permit review.
  • Interface closely with other project-level and senior leadership personnel within the company, including geotechnical, geological, structural, transmission line, and civil engineering, GIS, and construction management team members.
  • Develop written reports and/or provide verbal communication of information in a professional and appropriate manner.
  • Participation in sector focused professional organizations, and attendance and presentations at industry events.
  • Work under supervision of Engineering Director, Engineering Manager, and/or a Senior Engineer in a professional office setting.
What You'll Bring
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET accredited university
  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensure  
  • Minimum 5 years design experience in the structural engineering field working with concrete and steel materials to support substation design
  • Familiarity with the use of the following computer software: RISA, SPColumn, and AutoDesk INVENTOR
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams
  • Ability to work with moderate supervision and maximum efficiency in a small or medium size office setting
  • Substation structure design experience
  • Experience in structural design of various foundation types include mat foundations, pile foundations (helical, driven, bored), and drilled shaft foundations  
  • Familiarity with the use of the following computer software: AutoCAD (with or without the Advanced Steel Extension), Revit, LPILE, GROUP, FAD,  SHAFT, APILE

Travel Requirements

Varies based on seasonal and project requirements: estimated as 15 to 25% of the work year.

What You'll Get
  • Competitive Compensation
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Holiday Pay
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage
  • Pet Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Professional Development
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Employee Discount Program
Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company's Human Resources department.

Employment Type: OTHER