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Substation Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This Opportunity WSP is currently initiating a search for an Intermediate Substation Design Engineer for our Fort Worth, TX office. The following locations will also be considered: Overland Park, KS

Experienced Substation Design Engineer

Spring, TX · On-site

$90K - $114K/yr

This Opportunity WSP is currently initiating a search for an Experienced Substation Design Engineer for our Houston, TX office. The following locations will also be considered: Fort Worth, TX ; ...

Experienced Substation Design Engineer

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$92K - $117K/yr

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Experienced Substation Design Engineer for our Saint Louis, MO office. Be involved in projects with our Power & Energy Substation Team and be a part of a ...

Experienced Substation Design Engineer

Spring, TX · On-site

$90K - $114K/yr

This Opportunity WSP is currently initiating a search for an Experienced Substation Design Engineer for our Houston, TX office. The following locations will also be considered: Fort Worth, TX ; ...

Experienced Substation Design Engineer

Saint Louis, MO · On-site +1

$92K - $117K/yr

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Experienced Substation Design Engineer for our Saint Louis, MO office. Be involved in projects with our Power & Energy Substation Team and be a part of a ...

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Substation Design Engineer information

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$62.5K

$113.6K

$149.5K

How much do substation design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for substation design engineer in the United States is $113,627.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $125,500.00 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.
More about Substation Design Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Substation Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Substation Design Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Substation Design Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Substation Design Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Substation Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Substation Design Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Substation Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,627 per year, or $54.6 per hour.
Intermediate Substation Design Engineer

Intermediate Substation Design Engineer

WSP

Fort Worth, TX

$94K - $120K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 22 hours ago


WSP rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Intermediate Substation Design Engineer for our Fort Worth, TX office. The following locations will also be considered: Overland Park, KS. Be involved in projects with our Power & Energy Substation Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients' objectives and solves their challenges.

Provides support to technical staff, engineers, and project managers for the due diligence, investigation, remediation, impact assessment, permitting, design, development, and construction of utility, industrial, and commercial scale projects in the public and private sector. Tasks may include assistance with the research, design, concept development, and construction of transmission and distribution substations, power distribution, power regulation, renewable energy, as well as protection and control systems in a wide variety of contexts (utilities, transportation, building, and Federal, State, and local government projects). Generates accurate and concise reports and documentation regarding assigned material, installations, and construction specifications.  Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, and functionality.
 

Your Impact
  • With minimal supervision, assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data relating to substation components, equipment specifications for procurement package development and pricing, IFR/IRC design and review processes, and IEEE/NESC Standards/NERC regulations for design work.     
  • Perform basic professional electrical engineering work relating to the design of single line, three line, wiring diagrams, general arrangement, substation layout and bus arrangement, grounding grid design and lightning protection in conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.
  • Provides technical assistance on various design requirements, equipment sizing and cabling, AC/DC panel design, and conduit and trenching design strategies to account for the safety and functionality of end-users, systems, and infrastructure. 
  • Support senior engineers with research and recommendations of fundamental components identified in design requirements, as well as field equipment applications and operations.
  • Assist with verifying the characteristics of a site and providing technical assistance on engineering, design, testing, maintenance, and construction procedures and issues. 
  • Under minimal supervision, develop electrical calculations for loads, equipment sizing, feeder sizing, voltage drop, grounding, lighting circuits and controls, facility and electrical service, and power distribution.
  • Write technical reports summarizing research with findings and conclusions, generating complete, accurate, and concise documentation using sketches, calculations, electronic systems, spreadsheets, and software.
  • Assist technical staff and project managers with risk identification and assessment, offering input and analysis with design concepts, construction, mitigation and improvement activities, and remediation projects.
  • Work with cross-functional teams in executing project work, including project controls, business deployment, construction, procurement, document control, and permitting teams.
  • Assist with work plan preparation and coordination of field/site work and permitting.
  • Complete training on assigned tasks.
  • Work collaboratively with other engineers and planners on projects with electrical infrastructure authorities on Federal, State, regional, and locally funded improvement and development projects. 
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering.
  • 1 to 3 years of relevant post education experience in a substation design capacity.
  • Exposure to operations and project controls experience for purposes of reporting.
  • Knowledge of electrical engineering principles, practices, process, design/build, and the application to  project work-related issues.
  • Familiarity with substation planning, design, and construction management; including greenfield and brownfield design.
  • Highly familiar with relevant engineering and electrical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
  • Analytical mindset with an ability to exercise sound judgement in evaluating situations and making decisions.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
  • Capable self-leadership with attention to detail, accuracy, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
  • Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, technology, math principles, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
  • Experience with discipline-specific design software.
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
  • Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
  • Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Engineer in Training Certification.
  • Prior substation or electric utility design experience.

Disclaimer:

  • Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

#LI-AN2
 

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.

www.wsp.com

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand.  Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service. 


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