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Substation Design Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Kimley-Horn's Houston, Texas (TX) office is seeking a Substation Physical Design Engineer with 4+ years of experience to join the Power Delivery team. This is not a remote position. The successful ...

Design Engineer - Substation

Houston, TX

$85K - $108K/yr

Position Overview The Design Engineer - Substation will perform substation design assignments including physical layout and protection & control systems while ensuring compliance with safety and ...

Design Engineer - Substation

Houston, TX

$85K - $108K/yr

Position Overview The Design Engineer - Substation will perform substation design assignments including physical layout and protection & control systems while ensuring compliance with safety and ...

We use in-house talent, expertise and resources to plan, design, engineer, manage, conduct ... The Designer - Substation is responsible for supporting substation design projects across the QISG ...

Electrical Substation Engineer

Houston, TX

$94K - $119K/yr

Electrical Substation Engineer This Substation Engineer role focuses on delivering detailed ... You will design and support projects that operate at voltages above 138 kV, collaborate closely ...

The Substation Design Engineer develops and reviews utility substation drawings, including General Arrangements, Elevations, Cable and Conduit Plans, Grounding Plans, AC/DC Schematics, panel ...

Substation Senior Project Engineer

Spring, TX · On-site

$90K - $114K/yr

This Opportunity Provides technical and design leadership within our Power & Energy Substations Business Unit to ensure substation electrical engineering subject matter expertise (SME), substation ...

Substation Project Engineer

Round Rock, TX · On-site

$91K - $117K/yr

Having developed foundational expertise in high voltage substation design, including physical and protection & controls design for 12 kV thru 500kV projects, you will be ready to undertake a more ...

Sr. Substation Designer

Houston, TX · On-site

$112K - $136K/yr

In this role you will support the delivery of substation design projects from the conceptual phase through design completion for electric utilities, contractors and developers. This position can be ...

Substation Senior Project Engineer

Spring, TX · On-site

$90K - $114K/yr

This Opportunity Provides technical and design leadership within our Power & Energy Substations Business Unit to ensure substation electrical engineering subject matter expertise (SME), substation ...

Showing results 21-40

Substation Design information

See Texas salary details

$50.3K

$78K

$109K

How much do substation design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for substation design in Texas is $78,024.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,600.00 and $87,600.00 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 Texas? The most popular types of Substation Design jobs in Texas are:
Infographic showing various Substation Design job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,024 per year, or $37.5 per hour.

Substation Physical Design Engineer

Kimley-Horn

Houston, TX

$94K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


Kimley-Horn rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

54th of 446 rated engineering


Job description

Kimley-Horn's Houston, Texas (TX) office is seeking a Substation Physical Design Engineer with 4+ years of experience to join the Power Delivery team. This is not a remote position.


The successful candidate will support the design, and execution of high-voltage and medium-voltage substation projects for utility, renewable energy, and industrial clients. Responsibilities include developing physical layouts, equipment arrangements, grounding systems, lightning protection systems, and construction drawing packages while coordinating closely with protection and control, civil, structural, and electrical disciplines. The ideal candidate is a self-driven engineer with strong technical skills, experience in substation design standards and industry practices, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

  • Perform conceptual and detailed HV and MV substation physical/electrical design for utilities and substations, including basic layout, electrical arrangement, one-line diagrams, three-line drawings, plan-section drawings, and grounding.
  • Perform engineering studies and calculations.
  • Perform quality control reviews on substation physical design projects.
  • Assume the role of technical lead on projects with limited guidance.
  • Create and review bills of materials for substation physical projects.
  • Develop and review proposals and scopes of work for smaller substation physical projects.
  • Plan and lead client meetings, or meeting sections, related to physical design as required.
  • Support the continued professional development of less experienced engineers, including technical guidance and training recommendations.
  • Communicate effectively with internal teams and clients to meet project objectives.
  • Develop leadership skills in preparation for future roles on the team.

  • 4+ years of relevant engineering experience in substation design.
  • Preferred (but not required): Professional Engineering (P.E.) license, or ability to obtain within 12 months.
  • Proficiency with industry-standard design software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation and inventor.
  • Experience with grounding studies, lightning protection studies, and lighting studies.

At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it— that’s why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn’s placement on the Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work” list for 19 years!

Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn

  • Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
  • Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
  • Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
  • Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.

What Kimley-Horn employees say

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About Kimley-Horn

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a full-service consulting firm that provides a wide range of infrastructure and land development planning and engineering services to both public and private clients. Though we have more than 6,000 employees in 100+ offices, we pride ourselves on our small company feel. At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People--clients and employees--are at the forefront of our business. Clients know we are laser-focused on their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to see our staff flourish, one and all. Both groups know that with Kimley-Horn, they can expect more and experience better.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1967