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Substation Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

HDR

Substation Design Manager

Sacramento, CA · On-site

As a Substation Design Manager in an established Power Delivery practice, you'll draw upon your broad technical knowledge and experience in design and construction of high voltage substation projects ...

HDR

Substation Design Manager

Sacramento, CA · On-site

As a Substation Design Manager in an established Power Delivery practice, you'll draw upon your broad technical knowledge and experience in design and construction of high voltage substation projects ...

HDR

Substation Design Manager

Sacramento, CA · On-site

As a Substation Design Manager in an established Power Delivery practice, you'll draw upon your broad technical knowledge and experience in design and construction of high voltage substation projects ...

Jobtailor

Senior Substation Design Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Leads substation P&C and/or physical design, including the preparation of field notes, drawings, specifications, and estimates. * Performs careful QA/QC review activities submitted by junior ...

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Substation Design information

See California salary details

$53.3K

$82.7K

$115.5K

How much do substation design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for substation design in California is $82,651.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,600.00 and $92,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is substation design?

Substation design is the process of planning and creating the layout, specifications, and systems for electrical substations, which are critical facilities in the power grid that transform voltage and distribute electricity. This involves selecting and arranging equipment like transformers, circuit breakers, busbars, and protection systems to ensure safe and reliable electricity flow. Substation designers must consider factors such as safety, regulatory standards, electrical load requirements, and future expansion when developing these plans. Effective substation design is essential for maintaining grid stability and meeting the energy demands of homes and businesses.

What are some common challenges faced by engineers working in substation design, and how can they be addressed?

Engineers in substation design often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple disciplines (like civil, electrical, and protection teams), adhering to strict regulatory and safety standards, and managing evolving project requirements. Effective communication, strong project management skills, and staying updated with the latest industry codes are essential for overcoming these challenges. Collaborating closely with team members and stakeholders ensures design accuracy and helps prevent costly revisions, making adaptability and proactive problem-solving key assets in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substation design engineer?

To thrive as a Substation Design Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, understanding of power systems, and typically a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, and knowledge of industry standards like IEEE or NESC, as well as experience with protective relays and SCADA systems, are often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help ensure safe, efficient, and accurate project delivery. These competencies are essential for creating reliable substations that support electrical grid stability and meet regulatory and safety standards.

What is the difference between Substation Design vs Substation Engineering?

AspectSubstation DesignSubstation Engineering
Primary FocusCreating detailed layouts, schematics, and specifications for substation structures and equipmentOverseeing the technical aspects, ensuring design compliance, and integrating systems
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, relevant certificationsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, professional engineering license often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD software, collaboration with project teamsDesign offices, site visits, coordination with construction teams
Industry UsageUsed during the initial design phase of substationsInvolved throughout the project, from design review to commissioning

While both roles require electrical engineering knowledge and similar credentials, Substation Design focuses on creating detailed plans and layouts, whereas Substation Engineering involves overseeing and ensuring the technical integrity of the design during implementation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Substation Design jobs in California? The most popular types of Substation Design jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Substation Design jobs in California? For Substation Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Substation Design jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Substation Design jobs in California are:
Substation Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substation Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,651 per year, or $39.7 per hour.

Substation Design Engineer

E2 Consulting Engineers, Inc.

Emeryville, CA

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

E2 Consulting Engineers, LP (E2) is a professional services firm established in 1988 specializing in a full spectrum of engineering services including, project engineering and design, federal base operations and infrastructure support services, gas pipeline construction and inspection services, environmental consulting and remediation, and information technology services. At E2, we value safety, innovation and collaboration, and we are dedicated to excellence.


The Substation Design Engineer will join our Power Delivery team in support of Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) infrastructure projects. Working under the direction of a Lead Substation Design Engineer, you will perform essential engineering activities for the design and construction of high-voltage electric substation facilities (4kV to 500kV). This role focuses on developing technical drawings and specifications while ensuring all designs conform to both PG&E utility standards and broader industry codes.


  • Design Activities: Perform substation physical and/or Protection & Control (P&C) design activities, including the preparation of field notes, drawings, specifications, and bills of materials (BOM).
  • Engineering Calculations: Conduct foundational calculations for substation auxiliary systems, including conduit and bus sizing, grounding grid analysis, and AC/DC load studies.
  • Drawing Production: Utilize 2D/3D CAD software to create detailed construction drawings, such as general arrangements, one-line diagrams, and raceway layouts.
  • Quality Assurance: Conduct thorough self-checking of work products to ensure technical accuracy and neatness before submission to senior reviewers.
  • Project Coordination: Coordinate project activities with the Lead Engineer and Project Manager, utilizing E2's internal systems to track progress.
  • Field Engagement: Assist senior engineers during site visits to gather scope information and help resolve construction-phase Requests for Information (RFIs).

Required

  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from an ABET approved college or university.
  • 4 - 8 years of experience working in substation design or similar with utility or consulting engineering firm.
  • Proficient using Microsoft Office suite (e.g., Excel, Word, and Outlook).
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.
  • Basic written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred

  • An active Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or a Professional Engineer (PE) license.
  • Experience with substation design for Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E).
  • Experience with AutoCAD and/or MicroStation.

E2 Consulting Engineers, LP offers an excellent benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, 401(k) with employer match, paid time off.


Salary range for this position is $120,000 - $160,000. The starting salary will be commensurate with skill, education, experience, and working environment.


Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment and uses standard office equipment such as computers and phones.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Ability to sit/stand for up to 8 hours per day.
  • Ability to move freely for up to 8 hours per day.

25%


Yes

E2 Consulting Engineers, LP is a Drug Free Workplace. After accepting an offer of employment, applicants may be required to undergo background checks, drug testing, and/or fit-for-duty physical examination.  Drug screens will include, but not be limited to, Amphetamines, Cocaine Metabolites, Marijuana Metabolites (THC), Opiates, and Phencyclidine (PCP). As a federal contractor, E2 cannot permit employees in certain positions to use medical marijuana, even if prescribed by an authorized physician.


Please no solicitation of any kind from agencies, staffing, or recruiting firms.


All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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