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Substation Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Substation Design Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site +1

$97K - $124K/yr

WSP is currently initiating a search for a substation Design Engineer for our Richmond, VA office. Successful applicants may work from any mutually acceptable remote location within the United States.

New

Substation Design Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$97K - $124K/yr

WSP is currently initiating a search for a substation Design Engineer for our Richmond, VA office. Successful applicants may work from any mutually acceptable remote location within the United States.

New

Identifies substation equipment, layout requirements, plans, sections, panel elevations, and basic wiring design. * Reads, interprets, and applies information from manufacturer's drawings, catalogs ...

Intermediate Substation Design Engineer

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$94K - $120K/yr

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

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 ...

Intermediate Substation Design Engineer

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$94K - $120K/yr

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

Substation Design Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$95K - $122K/yr

AES Ohio is seeking a Substation Design Engineer to join our dedicated team. This is a fully on-site role at our Dayton Service Building, where you'll play a key part in delivering reliable energy ...

Design Engineer ** The preferred candidate will have utility experience directly related to electric substation, generation, and transmission line equipment control and fault protection systems.

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 ...

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 ...

New

$91K - $116K/yr

We're looking for a Substation Design Engineer to lead the engineering, design, and execution of substation modernization and brownfield upgrade projects. This role is ideal for an experienced ...

Showing results 41-60

Substation Design information

See salary details

$54K

$83.7K

$117K

How much do substation design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for substation design in the United States is $83,748.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,500.00 and $94,000.00 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.

More about Substation Design jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Substation Design jobs? The most popular types of Substation Design jobs are:
What states have the most Substation Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Substation Design jobs include:
Infographic showing various Substation Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,748 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

Substation Design Manager

HDR

Sacramento, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 7 days ago


HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 443 rated engineering


Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story' 
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. 
We believe electricity powers modern life. As part of our Power sector, you'll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted and delivered as global energy demands grow. From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry-recognized engineers and scientists have been at the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century. You'll work side-by-side with these experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to drive infrastructure forward, power innovation and leave your mark on our energy future.

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 to lead, guide, and advise clients, projects, and teams.  Having previously performed a leading technical role on increasingly complex substation projects, you'll be ready to undertake greater challenges and responsibilities.  You will develop a partnership with the Project Manager (PM), whereas the PM is responsible for scope, schedule, budget, and overall client management, you will be responsible for technical execution of the project. 

In the role of Substation Design Manager, we'll count on you to: 
 
  • Develops a partnership with a PM, whereas the PM is responsible for scope, schedule, budget, and client management, and the Design Manager is responsible for leading the technical team and execution of the project deliverables.
  • Develops and implements a project execution plan for the technical aspect of projects.

  • Assigns project tasks and provides technical guidance to project team members.

  • Supports the technical aspect of scope, schedule, and budget, including proposal development, work breakdown structure development and implementation, progress assessment, risk assessment/mitigation, change management, and schedule management.

  • Works independently and will direct, mentor, and/or train, one or more Project Engineers, EIT's, or CADD/Designers.

  • Coordinates and/or performs quality checks and reviews for all project deliverables per the HDR Quality Management Systems (QMS) requirements, processes, and procedures to deliver a world class quality product to the client. Performs quality checks and/or reviews of projects from other teams on an as needed basis. 

  • Ability to lead multiple projects concurrently, utilizing teams in different locations.

  • Works with senior engineers and technical leaders to identify and develop specific technical expertise and will attend training and seminars focused on further development and understanding of complex concepts related to their discipline.

  • May also assist with developing technical papers and/or presentations that showcase HDR's technical capabilities at industry conferences or other events.

  • Work with Project Manager and Project Controller on project reviews with management as needed.

  • Perform other duties as needed.

 
Preferred Qualifications
 
  • Professional Engineering licensure

  • Previous experience with an engineering consulting firm

  • Willingness to have a strong in office presence 4-5 days a week

  • Interest in engaging in technical and industry groups (IEEE, NAPE, EPRI, etc.)

  • Due to client contract requirements US Citizenship is required

  • Takes initiative and is flexible with embracing change in order to accomplish project goals

  • Extensive experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector

  • Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office as well as standard Power Market Sector design software (examples include PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, AutoPipe, and Revit)

  • A minimum of 10 years of experience

  • Thrives in a team environment and has strong communication, organizational and problem solving skills.

#LI-JM8

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in related field
  • 5 years related experience
  • Must have the ability to interact with various design teams, have excellent organizational, project management and communication (both written and verbal) skills
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.


What HDR employees say

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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917