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Substation Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Substation Design Manager

Fresno, CA · On-site +1

$160K - $210K/yr

CBI is seeking hiring an experienced Substation EPC Design Manager to lead multi-discipline engineering execution across our substation portfolio from early pursuit and estimating through detailed ...

Design Engineer, Substation

Fresno, CA · Hybrid

$44.70 - $74.42/hr

Prepare Electrical Substation design drawings using Bentley 3D software for indoor and outdoor equipment (e.g., RTUs, relays, meters, batteries, annunciators, structures, circuit breakers ...

Senior Substation Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$104K - $133K/yr

Execute detailed design of medium to extra high voltage utility substations including one-line ... Experience in 15kV through 500kV substation design and IEEE/ANSI standards. * Experience in ...

Serve as the subject matter expert for substation and high-voltage engineering, including physical ... Develop design criteria and technical specifications; prepare / review internal engineering ...

New

Substation Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$104K - $133K/yr

You will contribute to the planning and design of substations, transmission interconnections, and site electrical infrastructure while supporting fast-paced projects that demand innovation, technical ...

Substation Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$104K - $133K/yr

You will contribute to the planning and design of substations, transmission interconnections, and site electrical infrastructure while supporting fast-paced projects that demand innovation, technical ...

Showing results 21-40

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:
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.

Electrical Substation Design engineer

US IT Solutions Inc

Sacramento, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Company Description

We are from US IT Solutions, an ISO Certified, E-Verify, WMBE Certified organization established in 2005 in CA. Our company is serving various State, Local and County Departments for over 10 years. USITSOL has been helping clients innovate across all phases of the application lifecycle for over a decade. Some of our prestigious clients are State of CA, State of OR, State of FL, State of NC, State of GA, State of CO, State of VA, State of AR, State of MI, State of OH, State of IL, State of MO, State of MS, California State University, Sacramento Area Sanitation Department, SMUD, Sound Transit, LA Superior Courts, District of Columbia, UMAS, University of Central Florida and Hennepin County and many more.

Job Description

Mandatory Skills:

  • must have three plus years electrical power industry experience with demonstrated utility background or contractor experience.
  • shall have substation design and technical coordination experience (including proficient competencies in 500kV substation equipment/components/ design/layout experience).
  • must have the ability to communicate effectively in verbal or written form.
  • is required to have the necessary AutoCAD skills to develop cost effective substation design drawings.


Qualifications

License/Certifications:

 Required: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.

Desired: California Professional Registration as an Electrical Engineer.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.