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Substation Designer information

See California salary details

$53.3K

$82.7K

$115.5K

How much do substation designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for substation designer 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 a substation designer?

A Substation Designer is responsible for creating technical drawings and plans for electrical substations, which are critical components of power distribution systems. They use CAD software to design layouts, wiring diagrams, and equipment arrangements while ensuring compliance with industry standards and safety regulations. Substation Designers collaborate with engineers, project managers, and utility companies to develop efficient and reliable substation designs. Their work supports power transmission and distribution, helping to maintain a stable and functional electrical grid.

What does a substation designer do?

A typical day for a Substation Designer involves developing and revising electrical and physical layout drawings, coordinating with engineers on technical requirements, and ensuring design compliance with industry standards. Substation Designers frequently collaborate with project managers, engineers, drafters, and construction teams to clarify project expectations and resolve design challenges. This role often requires balancing independent detailed work with team meetings to discuss project progress or address client feedback. Daily responsibilities also include updating documentation, reviewing specifications, and providing technical support during construction phases.

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

To thrive as a Substation Designer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering concepts, drafting, and utility standards, often supported by an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software (such as AutoCAD or MicroStation), industry-specific design tools, and knowledge of relevant codes and regulations is crucial. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills distinguish top candidates in this role. These competencies ensure accurate, safe, and efficient substation designs that meet regulatory requirements and facilitate smooth project delivery.

How much does a substation designer make?

A substation designer's salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced designers with specialized skills can earn higher wages, especially in utility or engineering firms working with high-voltage systems.

How to become a substation designer?

To become a substation designer, typically a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field is required. Gaining experience with power systems, electrical design software, and obtaining relevant certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure can enhance job prospects. Familiarity with industry standards and safety regulations is also important for this role.

What are the responsibilities of a substation designer?

A substation designer is responsible for creating detailed plans and layouts for electrical substations, including equipment placement, wiring diagrams, and safety features. They ensure designs comply with industry standards and client specifications, often using CAD software, and collaborate with engineers and construction teams throughout the project lifecycle.

What are the most commonly searched types of Substation Designer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Substation Designer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Substation Designer jobs in California?

For Substation Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Substation Designer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Substation Designer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Substation Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Substation Designer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Substation Designer jobs in CA?

For Substation Designer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Substation Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substation Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Contract. Highlights an 74% In-person, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,651 per year, or $39.7 per hour.

Substation Designer

E2 Consulting Engineers, Inc.

Emeryville, CA • On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

About the Organization
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.
Overview
The Substation Electrical Designer will join our Power Delivery team in Emeryville. Reporting to the Lead Substation Design Engineer, they will be responsible for drafting and detailing technical deliverables for PG&E high-voltage substation projects (4kV to 500kV). This role focuses on the high-quality production of design drawings and documentation, ensuring all project materials adhere to PG&E utility standards and federal/state engineering codes.
Responsibilities
  • Drafting & Design: Utilize AutoCAD and/or MicroStation to prepare detailed electrical construction drawings, including general arrangements, wiring diagrams, and schematics.
  • Documentation Development: Create technical deliverables such as conduit and cable schedules, bills of materials (BOM), and panel elevations.
  • Quality Control: Perform rigorous self-checking of drawings to ensure accuracy, neatness, and compliance with industry standards before senior review.
  • Project Coordination: Track design activities using client and internal systems and communicate progress effectively with senior engineers and project managers.
  • Technical Support: Assist the engineering team during site walks to gather scope information and provide support for construction-phase Requests for Information (RFIs).
  • Standard Alignment: Ensure all design products conform strictly to PG&E's Technical Standard Manuals (TSMs) and other client-specific requirements.

Qualifications
Required
  • Associate degree in Engineering Technology or a related field, or equivalent practical substation experience.
  • 5 - 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.

Benefits
E2 Consulting Engineers, LP offers an excellent benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, 401(k) with employer match, paid time off.
Wage Data Per State Requirements
Salary range for this position is $90,000 - $120,000. The starting salary will be commensurate with skill, education, experience, and working environment.
Work Environment/Physical Demands
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.

Travel
10%.
Local Candidates only
Yes
Drug Free Workplace
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.
Solicitation
Please no solicitation of any kind from agencies, staffing, or recruiting firms.
EEO Statement
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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