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Substation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

HDR

Senior Substation Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$105K - $134K/yr

As an integral part of a team, you will prepare engineering designs on substation projects ranging in scale from simple device replacements to large greenfield substation sites. You'll be given the ...

Sargent & Lundy

Substation Engineer 3 - Grid

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$74K - $113K/yr

As a Substation Engineer, you will: * Take an active role in project conceptualization, work planning, and project execution. * Support challenging assignments that include investigating, trouble ...

Sargent & Lundy

Substation Engineer 3 - Grid

Pasadena, CA · Hybrid

$74K - $113K/yr

As a Substation Engineer, you will: * Take an active role in project conceptualization, work planning, and project execution. * Support challenging assignments that include investigating, trouble ...

Sargent & Lundy

Substation Engineer 3 - Grid

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$74K - $113K/yr

As a Substation Engineer, you will: * Take an active role in project conceptualization, work planning, and project execution. * Support challenging assignments that include investigating, trouble ...

Sargent & Lundy

Substation Engineer 3 - Grid

Santa Ana, CA · Hybrid

$74K - $113K/yr

As a Substation Engineer, you will: * Take an active role in project conceptualization, work planning, and project execution. * Support challenging assignments that include investigating, trouble ...

Sargent & Lundy

Substation Engineer 3 - Grid

Santa Ana, CA · Hybrid

$74K - $113K/yr

As a Substation Engineer, you will: * Take an active role in project conceptualization, work planning, and project execution. * Support challenging assignments that include investigating, trouble ...

K&A Engineering

Substation Engineering Lead

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$180K - $230K/yr

The Substation Engineering Lead will perform but are not limited to the following duties: * Overseeing design of multiple Electrical Substations projects - Includes both execution/detailed design ...

Verdantas

Substation Engineer III

San Diego, CA

$95K/yr

Verdantas is seeking a talented Substation Engineer III to join our team in San Diego . Join our team, and your career will be amplified by a culture of empathy, innovation, and life balance ...

Sargent & Lundy

Substation Engineer 3 - Grid

Pasadena, CA · Hybrid

$74K - $113K/yr

As a Substation Engineer, you will: * Take an active role in project conceptualization, work planning, and project execution. * Support challenging assignments that include investigating, trouble ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsSubstation Engineer JobsSubstation Engineer Jobs in California

Substation Engineer information

See California salary details

$61.7K

$112.1K

$147.5K

How much do substation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for substation engineer in California is $112,139.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,200.00 and $123,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a substation engineer do?

Substation engineers create design plans for power substations and collaborate with the project team and other stakeholders to finalize schematics. As a substation engineer, your job duties include generating design drawings and documents, determining the appropriate size and type of cables and conduits for each substation, facilitating tasks using engineering application software, and coordinating efforts with team members. The qualifications for a career as a substation engineer are a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, several years of experience in electrical engineering jobs, and excellent problem-solving skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Substation Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, power systems, and a relevant engineering degree, often with a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with software like AutoCAD, ETAP, and SCADA systems, as well as knowledge of national electrical codes and safety standards, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help engineers manage complex projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure safe, reliable, and efficient design, operation, and maintenance of electrical substations critical to power delivery.

What are some common challenges faced by substation engineers in coordinating with multiple project stakeholders?

Substation Engineers often collaborate with project managers, utility companies, contractors, and regulatory bodies. A frequent challenge is ensuring clear communication and alignment among all stakeholders, especially when project timelines or design specifications change. Managing documentation, adhering to safety standards, and addressing unforeseen technical issues require effective coordination. Building strong relationships and using project management tools can help Substation Engineers navigate these complexities and keep projects on track.

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

AspectSubstation EngineerPower Systems Engineer
CertificationsPE license, IEEE certificationsPE license, IEEE certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, construction, and maintenance of substationsPower system analysis, planning, and optimization
Industry UsageElectric utilities, transmission companiesUtilities, consulting firms, manufacturers
Common Search IntentDesign and operation of substationsPower system analysis and planning

Substation Engineers focus on the design, construction, and maintenance of electrical substations, ensuring reliable power delivery. Power Systems Engineers work on analyzing and optimizing entire electrical networks, often involving system-wide planning. While both roles require similar credentials and work within the electric utility industry, their specific responsibilities differ, with Substation Engineers concentrating on physical infrastructure and Power Systems Engineers on system performance and analysis.

How much does a substation engineer make?

A substation engineer's salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills can earn higher wages, often with opportunities for overtime and project bonuses.

How much money do substation engineers make?

Substation 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.
More about Substation Engineer jobs

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Substation Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Substation Engineer job openings:

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

Substation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substation Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,139 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Senior Substation Engineer

HDR

Irvine, CA • On-site

$105K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

HDR rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 451 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.
You will be part of a rapidly growing team working on a variety of exciting projects that will test your engineering skills and set you on a path for career growth. As an integral part of a team, you will prepare engineering designs on substation projects ranging in scale from simple device replacements to large greenfield substation sites. You'll be given the flexibility and freedom to seek and acquire knowledge and experience in both the Protection and Control and Physical aspects of high-voltage substation design. This is an excellent growth opportunity for a self-directed individual who is eager to learn and take on new challenges.
The primary duties of the Senior Substation Engineer include:
  • Responsible for knowledge and execution of the technical aspects and deliverables of projects assigned and is an experienced, competent engineer who generally understands and can complete all technical requirements of projects of basic to moderate complexity.
  • Develop a partnership with the PM. Whereas the PM is responsible for scope, schedule, budget, and client management - the SE is responsible for technical execution of the project.
  • Develop and implement a project execution plan for the technical aspect of projects.
  • Assign project tasks and provide technical guidance to project team members.
  • Support the technical aspects of scope, schedule, and budget - including proposal development, work breakdown structure development and implementation, progress assessment, risk assessment/mitigation, change management, and schedule management.
  • Coordinate and perform 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. Perform quality checks and reviews of projects from other teams on an as-needed basis.
  • Work independently and also direct, mentor, and train Electrical Engineers, Graduate Engineers, and Drafters/Designers.
  • Lead multiple projects concurrently, utilizing teams in different locations.
  • Work with senior engineers and technical leaders to identify and develop specific technical expertise and attend training and seminars focused on further development and understanding of complex concepts related to your discipline.
  • Assist with developing technical papers and/or presentations that showcase HDR's technical capabilities at industry conferences or other events.
  • Perform other duties as needed

Due to client contract requirements: US Citizenship - US naturalizes citizen (foreign born) required.
#LI-JF1
Keywords: Senior Substation Engineer, substation
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with an Electrical emphasis.
  • A minimum of 10 years of technical design experience with high voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects of varying complexity up to 765kV preferred, including at a minimum, conceptual knowledge of physical, electrical, civil, and structural design components as well as knowledge of IEC, IEEE, ANSI, and other applicable design and equipment standards.
  • Specific experience performing aspects associated with substation design including substation layouts, plans, sections and details, grounding, lightning protection, control building arrangements, conduit plans and details, auxiliary AC/DC power systems, and associated bills of material.
  • Strong computer skills, AutoCAD, Microstation, Microsoft Office and electrical design software (e.g., CDEGS).
  • Prior experience doing distribution systems, substation, and power facilities design and engineering is required.
  • Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm desired.
  • Some travel may be required.
  • Preference will be given candidates local to the Irvine, CA area.
  • Prior experience consulting or working for an electric utility considered a plus.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering
  • A minimum of 10 years of experience
  • Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
  • 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)
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture

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

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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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

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