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Substation Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Project Engineer - Substation

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$89K - $114K/yr

Project Engineer - Substation Every moment of every day, people all over the world rely on electricity provided by Quanta Services and its customers. With its highly skilled and innovative workforce ...

Project Engineer - Substation

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$89K - $114K/yr

Project Engineer - Substation Every moment of every day, people all over the world rely on electricity provided by Quanta Services and its customers. With its highly skilled and innovative workforce ...

Design Engineer - Substation

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$89K - $114K/yr

The Design Engineer - Substation will perform substation design assignments including physical layout and protection & control systems while ensuring compliance with safety and construction standards.

Engineer III - Substation

Chattanooga, TN

$89K - $114K/yr

Position Overview Power your future with Qualus as a Substation Engineer III. Substation Design Engineers are responsible for designing substations utilizing applicable codes and client standards (if ...

Showing results 21-40

Substation Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$56.7K

$103.1K

$135.7K

How much do substation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for substation engineer in Tennessee is $103,129.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,400.00 and $113,900.00 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.

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 supplemented by overtime and project bonuses.

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.

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 or specialized engineers with additional skills in power systems or project management can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually.
What are the most commonly searched types of Substation Engineer jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Substation Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Substation Engineer jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Substation Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Substation Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,129 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

Physical (Outdoor) Substation Engineering Specialist

Mesa Associates Inc.

Knoxville, TN • Hybrid

$87K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

PDS 5 / Power Delivery Substation

Disclaimer: Be cautious and only respond to emails from our “mesainc.com” domain. We will never ask for sensitive information, such as bank account details, SSN, etc., via email. If you receive any communication asking for such information, it is not from Mesa. For any concerns, or to verify the authenticity of a message, please contact us through our official channels.

Mesa seeks a Physical (Outdoor) Substation Engineering Specialist to be responsible for the design and/or checking of deliverables associated with a high voltage substation. This person will be responsible for the design of deliverables associated with a high voltage substation. This typically includes, but is not limited to: One Line Diagrams, Substation Layouts, Foundation Plans, Conduit/Raceway Plans, Grounding Plans, Bills of Materials, and Cable Schedules. The design will be done using Autodesk products, mainly Inventor and AutoCAD. 3D substation models will be created using Inventor to produce a set of Plan Layout and Elevation Views. AutoCAD/Inventor will be used to develop all other drawings as part of the Physical Design package. The ideal candidate will be able to juggle several projects with competing timelines and deliver high quality design products on time, and detailed checking of projects designed by less experienced associates. 

Education/Experience Requirements:

  • 5+ years of relevant Electrical Substation Physical (Outdoor) Design experience
  • Experience performing scoping and estimating is desired
  • 4-year engineering degree.
  • Ability to obtain a Professional Engineering License is strongly preferred but not required

Responsibilities

  • Must be able to complete assignments within budget and schedule with a high degree of accuracy
  • Perform Physical (Outdoor) design with high degree of accuracy
  • Perform project scoping activities
  • Estimate project design efforts
  • Check and review other personnel work for accuracy and adherence to client and/or national standards 
  • Mentor junior engineers and designers 
  • Works under the direction of a Physical (Outdoor) Substation Engineering Group Lead
  • Utilize AutoCAD/Inventor based physical design standards
  • Performs technical preparation of deliverables and other project documents
  • Ensures deliverables comply with IEEE and/or client standards and meet applicable design requirements

    This opportunity is for a hybrid (home and office) arrangement located in Knoxville, TN.

    Notice to External Search Firms: Mesa Associates, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be obligated to pay a placement fee for unsolicited resumes. Mesa Associates, Inc. Talent Acquisition engages with approved search firms directly for specific hiring needs.