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Substation Electrical Engineer Jobs in California

HDR is looking for new or recent electrical engineering graduates to join the Northern California ... In the role of Substation Electrical EIT, we'll count on you to: * Conduct analyses to develop ...

This Engineer is accountable for developing substation electrical drawings in accordance with RFQ scope of work, ensuring constructability of design. This individual provides leadership, mentorship ...

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Substation Electrical Engineer information

See California salary details

$40K

$85.2K

$140.6K

How much do substation electrical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for substation electrical engineer in California is $85,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $102,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much money do substation electrical 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 in power systems and project management can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually.

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.
Infographic showing various Substation Electrical Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,249 per year, or $41 per hour.

Early Career Substation Electrical Engineer

WSP

San Diego, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


WSP rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Early Career Substation Electrical Engineer for our San Diego, CA office. Be involved in projects with our Power & Energy Substation Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients' objectives and solves their challenges.

This Opportunity

Takes part in providing local technical assistance for the due diligence, investigation, remediation, impact assessment, permitting, design, development, and construction of utility, industrial, and commercial scale projects in the public and private sector.  Tasks may include basic assistance with the research, design, concept development, and construction of transmission and distribution substations, power distribution, power regulation, renewable energy, as well as protection and control systems in a wide variety of contexts (utilities, transportation, building, and Federal, State, and local government projects).  Generates accurate and concise documentation regarding assigned aspects of the project.  Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, and functionality.

Your Impact
  • Under general supervision, assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data relating to substation components, equipment specifications for procurement package development and pricing, IFR/IRC design and review processes, and IEEE/NESC Standards/NERC regulations for design work.    
  • Assist with performing basic professional electrical engineering work relating to the design of single line, three line, wiring diagrams, general arrangement, substation layout and bus arrangement, grounding grid design and lightning protection in conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.
  • Perform routine engineering functions and provide entry-level technical assistance on various design requirements, equipment sizing and cabling, AC/DC panel design, and conduit and trenching design strategies to account for the safety and functionality of end-users, systems, and infrastructure. 
  • Assist with verifying the characteristics of a site and providing basic technical assistance on engineering, design, testing, maintenance, and construction procedures and issues. 
  • Under close supervision, develop electrical calculations for loads, equipment sizing, feeder sizing, voltage drop, grounding, lighting circuits and controls, facility and electrical service, and power distribution.
  • Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems, drawings, and field/work site notebook/logs.
  • Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, location data, statistical documentation, engineering studies and surveys, and construction.
  • Complete training on assigned tasks.
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering.
  • 0 to 1 years of relevant post education experience.
  • Excellent research skills with analytical mindset.
  • General understanding of electrical engineering as applied in design engineering of large capital projects.
  • Familiarity with relevant engineering and electrical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
  • Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
  • Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
  • Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
  • Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, technology, and tools.
  • Familiarity with discipline-specific design software (i.e., CADD, Aspen, and CAPE), AutoCADD electrical.
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
  • Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
  • Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Engineer in Training Certification.
  • Prior internship related to the degree of study and the specific engineering discipline.
  • A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.

WSP Benefits:

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Compensation:

Expected Salary: $68,200 - $102,400

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and/or offer for this position within the state of California, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law. 

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About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.

www.wsp.com

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand.  Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service. 


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