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Substation Maintenance Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Avista

Substation Maintenance Engineer

Spokane, WA · Hybrid

$68K - $87K/yr

Open until filled The Substation Maintenance Engineer supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of substation equipment through maintenance program oversight, field support, technical ...

K&A Engineering

Substation Planner III

Greenville, SC · On-site

$40 - $46/hr

... Engineering, and Project Management teams. * Review and critique isolation procedures and project sequencing plans. * Provide peer-level technical support for substation maintenance and construction ...

Bartech Staffing

Substation Planner

Harrisburg, NC

Plan and sequence complex construction and maintenance activities, including equipment outage ... Working knowledge of line and substation engineering and equipment database systems of record

Bartech Staffing

Substation Planner

Matthews, NC

Plan and sequence complex construction and maintenance activities, including equipment outage ... Working knowledge of line and substation engineering and equipment database systems of record

CORE Electric Cooperative

Substation Manager

Sedalia, CO · On-site

$133K - $189K/yr

Review and maintain documentation of distribution and transmission substation maintenance activities. * Assist with developing engineering and construction standards and makes recommendations ...

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Substation Maintenance Engineer information

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$62.5K

$113.6K

$149.5K

How much do substation maintenance engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for substation maintenance engineer in the United States is $113,627.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $125,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Substation Maintenance Engineer vs Substation Technician?

AspectSubstation Maintenance EngineerSubstation Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in electrical engineering; certifications like PE or equivalent often preferredDiploma or technical certification in electrical or power systems
Work EnvironmentDesign, planning, troubleshooting, and overseeing maintenance activities in substationsPerforming routine inspections, repairs, and maintenance tasks on substation equipment
Employer & Industry UsageUtilities, power generation companies, and engineering firmsUtility companies, electrical contractors, and maintenance service providers

While both roles focus on substation equipment, the Substation Maintenance Engineer typically handles planning, troubleshooting, and overseeing maintenance projects, requiring higher education and certifications. The Substation Technician performs hands-on maintenance and repairs, often with technical diplomas. Both roles are essential for reliable power delivery but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

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

To thrive as a Substation Maintenance Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, knowledge of power systems, and relevant engineering qualifications such as a bachelor's degree and, often, a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with SCADA systems, protective relays, testing instruments, and industry standards like NETA or IEEE is essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for diagnosing issues and collaborating with teams. These competencies ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of substations, minimizing downtime and supporting grid stability.

What does a substation maintenance engineer do?

A Substation Maintenance Engineer is responsible for ensuring the safe and reliable operation of electrical substations. Their duties include inspecting, testing, repairing, and maintaining equipment such as transformers, circuit breakers, and protective relays. They play a critical role in preventing outages and minimizing downtime by identifying potential issues before they lead to equipment failures. Substation Maintenance Engineers also document maintenance activities and may assist in upgrading or installing new equipment in substations.

What are some typical challenges faced by substation maintenance engineers, and how can they prepare for them?

Substation Maintenance Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing equipment downtime, troubleshooting complex electrical faults, and ensuring safety compliance during maintenance activities. To prepare, engineers should stay current with industry standards, regularly participate in safety and technical training, and develop strong problem-solving skills. Collaborating closely with operations teams and staying organized with preventive maintenance schedules also helps minimize unexpected disruptions and improves reliability.
More about Substation Maintenance Engineer jobs
What job categories do people searching Substation Maintenance Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Substation Maintenance Engineer jobs are:
Substation Maintenance Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substation Maintenance Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,627 per year, or $54.6 per hour.

Substation Maintenance Engineer

Avista Corporation

Spokane, WA • On-site

$68K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Closes: Open until filled
Job Description
The Substation Maintenance Engineer supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of substation equipment through maintenance program oversight, field support, technical troubleshooting, and regulatory compliance. This role works closely with maintenance personnel, field crews, operations, engineering, and vendors to ensure equipment is properly inspected, tested, repaired, documented, and maintained throughout its lifecycle.
The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in substation equipment, maintenance practices, and field operations, along with the ability to develop technical documentation, analyze equipment condition, and specify replacement components for failed or aging assets.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and maintain substation maintenance programs aligned with industry best practices, and IEEE and NERC standards
  • Support the commissioning of new and upgraded station equipment
  • Provide technical support to field crews for inspections, testing, troubleshooting, and repairs
  • Analyze equipment failures and specify replacement parts and materials
  • Maintain accurate maintenance, testing, and commissioning documentation
  • Collaborate with operations, field crews and engineering to improve asset performance
  • Support NERC compliance, audits, and evidence retention
  • Participate in an on-call rotation and provide off-hour support during outages, storm events, and system emergencies as needed
  • Other job duties as required

Requirements
  • Bachelor of Science in an ABET-accredited Engineering Program
  • Effective and flexible communication skills
  • Substation equipment commissioning, testing and/or maintenance experience preferred
  • Professional Engineer License in Electrical Engineering preferred
  • Knowledge of Avista's electric system preferred

Entry Engineer:
  • 0-1 years engineering work experience preferred

Hiring Range: $68,027 to $87,754
Assistant Engineer:
  • Minimum of one (1) year of engineering work experience required

Hiring Range: $77,595 to $100,486
Associate Engineer:
  • Minimum of two (2) years of engineering work experience required

Hiring Range: $88,336 to $114,838
Engineer:
  • Minimum of four (4) years engineering work experience required

Hiring Range: $100,378 to $131,496
Senior Engineer:
  • Minimum of six (6) years engineering work experience required
  • Demonstrated skills illustrating use of productivity, presentation, and analytical tools specific to area of expertise
  • Demonstrated technical leadership within engineering
  • Demonstrated positive and effective working relationships with internal and external parties
  • Specialty technical proficiency, project leadership, and ability to be self-directed

Hiring Range: $114,207 to $150,183
Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Hybrid work options are available for this role. The successful candidate will be required to work at our Spokane, Washington headquarters at least 3 days per week including Mondays and Tuesdays with additional day(s) determined by the manager.
To ApplyWe encourage you to apply as many of our positions have multiple levels to account for an incoming employee's various knowledge, skills, and experience.
Complete an online application and attach your resume and cover letter to your profile. All documents must be attached to your application at the time of submitting your application for review. No documents can be attached after you click "Submit".
Total Rewards
At Avista, our employees are the foundation of our success. Their dedication drives the value we deliver to our customers and communities. That's why we prioritize the physical, mental, and financial well-being of our team members and their families.
We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards program designed to support every stage of life and career. Our offerings include:
  • Affordable healthcare options including medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Retirement benefits with an enhanced 401(k) match
  • Incentive programs rewarding performance and contributions
  • Competitive paid time off including holidays, personal days, and vacation
  • Life and disability insurance for added peace of mind
  • Wellness resources supporting mental and physical health
  • Education and development support including tuition assistance
  • Community giving programs encouraging employee engagement and impact
  • Other optional benefits from Legal insurance, Pet insurance, and more (Eligibility subject to Bargaining Unit affiliation)

To learn more, please visit our benefits website at https://avistabenefits.com/.
We are committed to maintaining a competitive and equitable total rewards package that attracts and retains a diverse, skilled, and engaged workforce.
In compliance with state laws, we provide the full salary range for each position, along with the typical hiring range based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity. The full salary range for this position is $68,027 to $186,159. Questions regarding compliance with this requirement can be directed to humanresources@avistacorp.com
Pre-employment screening requirements
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a drug test, background check and motor vehicle records review.
Avista's Commitment to Equal OpportunityAvista is a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds, and we are committed to Equal Opportunity Employment. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, sensory, mental or physical disability (unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification), Veteran status or any other classification protected by nondiscrimination laws.
Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you require any special accommodations to participate fully in our recruitment process. Avista will make reasonable accommodation to assist a qualified person with a disability in the job application, interview process, and to perform the essential functions of the job whenever possible, where undue hardship would not be created for Avista. Please contact us at humanresources@avistacorp.com if you would like assistance.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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