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Substation Design Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

QTS Realty Trust, Inc.

Substation Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$97K - $124K/yr

The Substation Engineer will support the overall design and execution of QTS utility infrastructure ... Design and develop electrical substation layouts, schematics, and wiring diagrams, focusing on ...

GFT.

Sr. Substation Engineer

Roanoke, VA

$107K - $165K/yr

Design experience in high voltage substation, and distribution projects. * Experience in the ... engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more. Our clients choose us for our ...

GFT.

Sr. Substation Engineer - Physical

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$107K - $165K/yr

GFT is seeking experienced Substation Physical Engineers (Electrical Engineers) to join our ... Responsible for working closely with other engineering and design team members to coordinate ...

GFT.

Sr. Substation Engineer - Physical

Roanoke, VA

$107K - $165K/yr

GFT is seeking experienced Substation Physical Engineers (Electrical Engineers) to join our ... Responsible for working closely with other engineering and design team members to coordinate ...

GFT.

Sr. Substation Engineer - Physical

Roanoke, VA

$107K - $165K/yr

GFT is seeking experienced Substation Physical Engineers (Electrical Engineers) to join our ... Responsible for working closely with other engineering and design team members to coordinate ...

GFT.

Sr. Substation Engineer

Roanoke, VA

$107K - $165K/yr

Design experience in high voltage substation, and distribution projects. * Experience in the ... engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more. Our clients choose us for our ...

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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 are popular job titles related to Substation Design Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Substation Design Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Substation Design Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for 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:
Substation Design Engineer jobs near you
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.
Substation Physical Designer 1 - Grid

Substation Physical Designer 1 - Grid

Sargent & Lundy

Glen Allen, VA • Hybrid

$58K - $84K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid schedule working some days in the office and some days from home.

As a Substation Physical Designer, you will be working in a project team environment with engineers and other designers involved in high and extra high voltage substation design. Responsibilities will include the preparation of the following substation drawings:

  • Substation General Arrangement
  • Substation Electrical Equipment Plans
  • Substation Section Views (Elevations)
  • Substation Detailed Bill of Material
  • Substation Lightning Stroke Shielding Plan
  • Substation Grounding Plan
  • Substation Conduit, Electrical Connection and Grounding Details
  • Substation Below Grade Conduit/Raceway Plan
  • Control Building Equipment, Cable Tray, Lighting, Grounding Plans and Section

Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Interpreting and incorporating vendor information into design deliverables.
  • Performing walkdowns at client facilities.
  • Applying Client's standards related to the work.

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Education/Experience Requirements:

  • A minimum of 3 years of substation physical design experience.
  • An Associate’s Degree in Drafting, or a high school diploma and 2 or more years drafting course work or equivalent technical experience.
  • Proficient with AutoCAD and MicroStation.
  • Ability to visualize parts in 3D without the aid of the computer. 

Valued Knowledge/Skills:

  • An Associate's Degree in Computer Aided Design.
  • Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology, including the ability to relate various equipment to a technical design.

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements

$58,925 - $84,728
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.

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About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

Social media

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