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Substation Electrical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Substation Electrical Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$143K - $175K/yr

Arcadis is currently seeking a highly motivated Principal Substation Electrical Engineer to join our Power Delivery & Renewable team. Arcadis' Power Delivery group partners with clients to provide ...

Lead Substation Electrical Engineer

Reno, NV · On-site

$159K - $166K/yr

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Lead Substation Electrical Engineer for our Reno, NV office. Be involved in projects with our Power & Energy Substation Team and be a part of a growing ...

Lead Substation Electrical Engineer

Reno, NV

$159K - $166K/yr

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Lead Substation Electrical Engineer for our Reno, NV office. Be involved in projects with our Power & Energy Substation Team and be a part of a growing ...

Lead Substation Electrical Engineer

Reading, PA · On-site

$153K - $160K/yr

Vacancy Overview Lead Substation Electrical Engineer - Reading, PA Our client is seeking a Lead Substation Electrical Engineer t o work remotely or within their facilities located in Reading, PA, for ...

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Experienced Substation Electrical Engineer for our Billings, MT office. Be involved in projects with our Power & Energy Substation Team and be a part of a ...

Electrical Substation Engineer II (Mid-Level) About the Opportunity We are seeking a motivated Electrical Substation Engineer II to join our growing Power Delivery team in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Experienced Substation Electrical Engineer for our Boise, ID office. The following locations will also be considered: Reno, NV . Be involved in projects ...

Experienced Substation Electrical Engineer

Billings, MT · On-site

$97K - $123K/yr

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Experienced Substation Electrical Engineer for our Billings, MT office. Be involved in projects with our Power & Energy Substation Team and be a part of a ...

Senior Substation Electrical Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110K - $144K/yr

Arcadis is currently seeking a highly motivated Senior Substation Electrical Engineer to join the Power Delivery team. Arcadis' Power Delivery group partners with clients to provide comprehensive ...

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Substation Electrical Engineer information

See salary details

$40.5K

$86.4K

$142.5K

How much do substation electrical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for substation electrical engineer in the United States is $86,381.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $103,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior electrical engineers, especially those working in specialized fields like power systems or substation design, can earn $300,000 or more annually with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles. High-level roles in industries such as energy, utilities, or consulting firms often offer such compensation packages.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Substation electrical engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills can potentially earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in senior roles or in high-cost-of-living areas. However, such high earnings are uncommon and typically require leadership positions, project management, or consulting work in the electrical power industry.

How much money do substation engineers make?

Substation electrical engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior engineers or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in regions with high demand for electrical infrastructure expertise.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and bonuses. High-level roles often require advanced degrees, certifications, and leadership responsibilities.

What is the difference between Substation Electrical Engineer vs Power Systems Engineer?

AspectSubstation Electrical EngineerPower Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, PE license common
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and maintain electrical substationsAnalyze and optimize electrical power systems and grid integration
Industry UsageUtilities, power generation, transmission companiesUtilities, consulting firms, energy sector

Substation Electrical Engineers focus on designing and maintaining electrical substations, while Power Systems Engineers analyze and optimize entire electrical grids. Both roles require similar credentials and often work within the same industry, but their specific responsibilities differ based on scope and focus.

What does a Substation Electrical Engineer do?

A Substation Electrical Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining electrical substations, which are critical components in the transmission and distribution of electricity. Their duties include creating electrical schematics, selecting appropriate equipment, ensuring compliance with safety and industry standards, and troubleshooting issues within substations. They often collaborate with other engineers, utility companies, and construction teams to ensure substations operate safely and efficiently. This role is essential in ensuring the reliability and stability of the power supply.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Substation Electrical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Substation Electrical Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, power systems, and a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, ETAP, and knowledge of industry standards like IEEE and NESC, as well as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and address complex technical challenges. These skills are crucial for ensuring reliable, safe, and efficient operation and maintenance of substations in the power grid.

What are some typical challenges faced by Substation Electrical Engineers in their daily work?

Substation Electrical Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing multiple projects with tight deadlines, ensuring compliance with evolving safety and regulatory standards, and troubleshooting complex equipment failures under time pressure. They also coordinate with diverse teams, including design, construction, and utility operations, which requires strong communication and collaboration skills. Staying current with new technologies and integrating them into existing systems is another ongoing demand in this dynamic field.
More about Substation Electrical Engineer jobs
What states have the most Substation Electrical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Substation Electrical Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Substation Electrical Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,381 per year, or $41.5 per hour.
Principal Substation Electrical Engineer

Principal Substation Electrical Engineer

Arcadis

Chicago, IL • On-site

$143K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Arcadis rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

112th of 442 rated engineering


Job description

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets.
We are more than 36,000 people, in over 70 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world's most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.
Role description:
Arcadis is currently seeking a highly motivated Principal Substation Electrical Engineer to join our Power Delivery & Renewable team. Arcadis' Power Delivery group partners with clients to provide comprehensive plans that incorporate all aspects of their projects. You can see this in the work we do for our clients, the opportunities we create for our people, and in our efforts to enhance the communities in which we live and work. We bring together world-class resources and the latest innovative technologies to help define the cities and experiences of tomorrow.
This is a senior Lead Technical position within the Power Delivery & Renewable unit of Arcadis. The position requires candidate directly interface with Arcadis power delivery team specially with Substation Electrical Team with technical and project management assignments, project engineering, proposal management and business development. The candidate will also make sure day-to-day client engagement, project and proposal coordination, project execution, resource planning, and hands on technical solution role. The position is accountable to ensure project execution in accordance with all applicable codes and standards, including all of Arcadis's policies and procedures, such as Safety, Environmental, Quality Assurance and Quality Control. The incumbent will also work closely with other Power Delivery departments, including the Project Engineering, Protection & Control Engineering, Transmission Engineering, Distribution Energy, Renewables, and System Planning and Studies teams, as well as with other Arcadis business divisions and sectors.
The position consisting in the coordination of the Power Delivery & Renewables (PD&R) team and performing hands on substation electrical engineering, detail design and studies for utility and developer clients in North America. The incumbent will also work closely with other renewable energy team (e.g. wind, solar, green H2, etc.) with Arcadis business units. As part of the Power Delivery & Renewable team, you will help improve quality of life.
Role accountabilities:
  • Manage and grow Substation Electrical team working with Power Delivery & Renewables Leader and Manger of Substation Electrical group. You will also ensure resource planning and utilization of protection and control team on large/complex projects and perform quality reviews.
  • Support, develop, and deliver utility, developers, and all aspect of clients' projects from development conceptual layout/plan thru detailed design and completion of construction support.
  • Coordinate closely with civil, structural, protection & control, system planning and studies, SCADA/telecommunications, water, and geotechnical engineers to develop complete Issue For Construction design packages for all projects. Review, perform, and QA all engineering studies necessary to complete projects detailed engineering package.
  • Act as Project Manager, Proposal Manager, Program Manager, Account Manager and Technical Lead to support services and plan, develop, and grow power delivery clients goal and business growth for the region
  • Serve as a mentor to junior members of the team. Conduct quality assurance/quality control on the work of other electrical engineers, electrical designers, or technicians. Participate in meetings with clients, contractors, and vendors to support business development and project execution.
  • Work with Power Delivery & Renewables (PD&R) Leader to develop plans to client development, account growth, department growth, resource planning, winning and execution strategy, quality control improvement, and all project financial performance to meet PD&R team success.

We are seeking an individual with a strong team player mindset and excellent communication skills to join our team. In this role, you will have the opportunity to collaborate effectively with colleagues. Additionally, this position may involve travel of up to 20% to client sites and customer meetings, both within North America and potentially internationally.
Qualifications & Experience:
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering
  • Minimum 12 years of relevant experience in preparing substation physical layouts, sections & elevations, bus configurations, cable and conduit design & sizing, grounding, control building, lighting & lightning, and all aspects of HV and EHV substation engineering & design and studies and standards practice of transmission, substation, distribution, and generation system for both AIS and GIS substations in both utility-scale, developer, and/or large industrial facilities.
  • Must have experience within Power Delivery Substation Electrical consultancy businesses and understand power delivery, generation and renewables business.
  • PE License
  • Must be proficient in critical Engineering Software e.g., SKM, ASPEN, ETAP, CAPE, CDEGS, WinIGS and have design experience adhering to National Electrical Code, National Electric Safety Code, IEEE codes and standards, and county, city and state codes, ordinances and standards

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering

Why Arcadis?
We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best. We believe everyone's contribution matters. It's why we are pioneering a skills-based approach, where you can harness your unique experience and expertise to carve your career path and maximize the impact we can make together.
You'll do meaningful work, and no matter what role, you'll be helping to deliver sustainable solutions for a more prosperous planet. Make your mark, on your career, your colleagues, your clients, your life and the world around you.
Together, we can create a lasting legacy.
Join Arcadis. Create a Legacy.
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day which is why we take equality and inclusion seriously and hold ourselves to account for our actions. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people. We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Arcadis offers benefits for full time and part time positions. These benefits include medical, dental, and vision, EAP, 401K, STD, LTD, AD&D, life insurance, paid parental leave, reward & recognition program and optional benefits including wellbeing benefits, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement. We offer nine paid holidays and 20 days PTO that accrue per year. The salary range for this position is $122478 - $187,050.
Actual salaries will vary and are based on several factors, such as experience, education, budget, internal equity, project and location.
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About Arcadis

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our work with clients has a direct impact on people's lives and on the planet. We make moving, living and belonging in cities safer, more resilient and more sustainable. By partnering with our clients as responsible custodians of our earth's resources, we can create a sustainable planet. We continue to think of new ways to make positive impacts and create better experiences for people; data driven and digital solutions have become part of the Arcadis DNA. Working together with clients and using techniques like design thinking, we can get to the heart of our clients' most pressing challenges and work together to solve them.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Highlands Ranch, CO, US