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Substation Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

HDR

Substation Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$97K - $124K/yr

HDR is looking for a Substation Engineer to join our growing and nationally ranked team of Power Delivery professionals. The primary duties of the Substation Engineer include physical substation ...

HDR

Substation Engineer

Detroit, MI

$97K - $124K/yr

HDR is looking for a Substation Engineer to join our growing and nationally ranked team of Power Delivery professionals. The primary duties of the Substation Engineer include physical substation ...

FindTalent

Substation Project Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$97K - $124K/yr

Substation Project Engineer Location: MI, and other States Work Schedule: Hybrid Job Summary: FindTalent is seeking an experienced and motivated Substation Project Engineer on behalf of our client.

Apply Early

WSP

Intermediate Substation Design Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$97K - $124K/yr

This Opportunity WSP is currently initiating a search for an Intermediate Substation Design Engineer for our Ann Arbor, MI office. Be involved in projects with our Power & Energy Substation Team and ...

WSP

Intermediate Substation Design Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$97K - $124K/yr

This Opportunity WSP is currently initiating a search for an Intermediate Substation Design Engineer for our Ann Arbor, MI office. Be involved in projects with our Power & Energy Substation Team and ...

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All JobsSubstation Engineer JobsSubstation Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Substation Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$54.5K

$99K

$130.3K

How much do substation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for substation engineer in Michigan is $99,036.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,900.00 and $109,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 leadership roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in large corporations or high-demand industries.

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

Substation engineers, a specialized role within electrical engineering, typically earn salaries below $200,000 annually, with top earners in senior positions or with extensive experience possibly reaching higher figures. Achieving a $500,000 salary generally requires advanced roles, management positions, or working in high-paying industries or regions, often supplemented by bonuses or profit sharing.

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 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 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 does a substation engineer do?

A substation engineer designs, maintains, and oversees the operation of electrical substations that distribute power. They ensure equipment such as transformers, circuit breakers, and protective relays function correctly, often using specialized tools and adhering to safety standards. The role requires technical knowledge of electrical systems and may involve troubleshooting, inspections, and compliance with industry regulations.

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 in electrical systems and project management can earn higher salaries, especially in regions with high demand for power infrastructure expertise.
More about Substation Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Substation Engineer jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Substation Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Substation Engineer jobs in Michigan? For Substation Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Substation Engineer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Substation Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Substation Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Substation Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Substation Engineer jobs in MI? For Substation Engineer jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Substation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substation Engineer job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 89% Full Time, 5% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 10% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,036 per year, or $47.6 per hour.
Substation Engineer

Substation Engineer

HDR

Detroit, MI • On-site

$97K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 357 rated engineering

Job description

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. That's why we believe diversity is our greatest strength. HDR is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer.
Watch Our Story: https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story
We believe that the way we work can add meaning and value to the world. That ideas inspire positive change. That coloring outside the lines can illuminate fresh perspectives. And that small details yield important realizations. Above all, we believe that collaboration is the best way forward.
HDR is looking for a Substation Engineer to join our growing and nationally ranked team of Power Delivery professionals.
The primary duties of the Substation Engineer include physical substation, protection, and control engineering for High Voltage Electric Utility projects, 12 kV through 500 kV. Projects range in size, complexity, and voltage class from small distribution equipment upgrades to large transmission substation projects across the globe.
Specific duties of the Substation Engineer include:
  • Support preparing scopes, schedules, and budgets, and ensure that schedules and budgets are met
  • Understands physical substation design including yard layouts, plans, sections and details, grounding, lightning protection, control building arrangements, interior and exterior raceways, auxiliary AC/DC power systems, and associated bills of material
  • Understands protection and control design including panel arrangements, one lines/single lines, three lines, AC/DC schematics, equipment wiring and relay panel wiring
  • Prepare calculations for studies and reports (grounding, lighting protection, AC/DC load studies, etc.)
  • Prepare equipment specifications for procurement and/or factory acceptance testing
  • Coordinate design activities with other departments (Civil/Structural, Networks, Transmission Line, etc.)
  • Effectively communicate and coordinate project activities with manager, clients, and others as needed
  • Works independently and may direct, mentor, train, and/or supervise efforts of less-experienced EIT's and/or Designers.
  • Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Preference given to local candidates.
  • Experience working for an A/E/C consulting firm.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Architectural Engineering with an Electrical emphasis
  • Previous experience in electrical design of buildings (lighting/power/systems)
  • Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
  • Strong computer skills using AutoCAD and Microsoft Office, Revit, SKM, AGI and Easy Power
  • 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

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

HDR logo

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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