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Substation Operator Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Senior Substation Physical Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$107K - $147K/yr

Your greatest work is ahead! We're seeking a Senior Substation Physical Engineer to take a key role ... Utilities and mobile operators rely on our Power Delivery Services Team for reliable power and ...

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Substation Operator information

See Colorado salary details

$5

$50

$60

How much do substation operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for substation operator in Colorado is $50.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.50 and $53.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Substation Operator vs Power Plant Operator?

AspectSubstation OperatorPower Plant Operator
CertificationsTypically requires a high school diploma and technical training; may need certifications in electrical safetyRequires a high school diploma; technical training or certifications in power plant operations are common
Work EnvironmentWorks in electrical substations, outdoors or in control roomsWorks inside power plants, control rooms, or outdoor facilities
Industry UsageUsed in electrical utility companies managing transmission infrastructureEmployed in power generation facilities producing electricity

While both roles involve electrical systems and safety protocols, Substation Operators focus on managing electrical substations and transmission equipment, whereas Power Plant Operators oversee the generation process within power plants. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

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

To thrive as a Substation Operator, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or technical certification in electrical technology. Familiarity with SCADA systems, circuit breakers, transformers, and compliance with OSHA safety standards is essential. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of substations, minimizing risks and maintaining uninterrupted power supply.

What are some common challenges a Substation Operator faces during shift work and how can they be managed?

Substation Operators often work in rotating shifts, including nights and weekends, which can disrupt sleep patterns and personal routines. Managing these challenges involves developing strong time-management skills, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and practicing effective communication with team members to ensure seamless handovers. Additionally, operators must stay vigilant during extended shifts to monitor equipment and respond to emergencies promptly. Many employers offer training and support resources to help staff adapt to shift work and maintain safety standards.

How much does substation pay per hour?

Substation operators typically earn between $20 and $35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer. The role often requires technical skills, safety training, and sometimes certifications, with pay rates varying accordingly.

What skills do you need to work in a substation?

Substation operators need strong technical skills in electrical systems, including knowledge of circuit diagrams, control systems, and safety procedures. They should have good problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and the ability to operate and monitor equipment using control panels and automation tools. Certifications such as a high school diploma or technical training in electrical technology are often required, along with safety training and sometimes a valid driver's license for site access.

What is a substation operator?

A substation operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling electrical substations to ensure the safe and reliable distribution of electricity. They operate control systems, perform inspections, and respond to equipment issues, often working in shifts and requiring technical knowledge of electrical systems and safety procedures.

Do you need a CDL to be a substation technician?

A substation technician typically does not need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) as their primary responsibilities involve electrical system maintenance and operation. However, some positions may require a CDL if driving company vehicles or equipment is part of the job. Certification in electrical safety and technical training are more relevant requirements for this role.

What are substation operators?

Substation operators are skilled professionals responsible for monitoring, controlling, and maintaining electrical substations, which are key points in the power distribution network. They ensure the safe and efficient operation of equipment that regulates voltage and directs electricity flow from power plants to homes and businesses. Their duties include inspecting equipment, monitoring systems for faults, responding to emergencies, and coordinating with other utility workers to maintain uninterrupted power supply. Substation operators play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and safety of the electrical grid.

What Does a Substation Operator Do?

As a substation operator, it is your job to run and manage an electrical substation so that customers can safely use electricity. Your job duties are to inspect, maintain, and monitor all equipment, including power converters, circuit breakers, and voltage transformers. This career requires at least some work experience in an electrical substation. Most employers offer on-the-job training. Another option is to earn an associate degree in a related field, such as power plant technology, from a community or technical college. Additional qualifications are strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

More about Substation Operator jobs
What are popular job titles related to Substation Operator jobs in Colorado? For Substation Operator jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Substation Operator jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Substation Operator jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Substation Operator jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Substation Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Substation Operator jobs in CO? For Substation Operator jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Substation Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substation Operator job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,670 per year, or $50.8 per hour.
Senior Substation Physical Engineer

Senior Substation Physical Engineer

Leidos

Denver, CO • On-site, Remote

$107K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 451 rated business services

Job description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

Your greatest work is ahead!

We're seeking a Senior Substation Physical Engineer to take a key role in delivering highimpact substation physical design projects. You'll work on utility systems ranging from 12 kV to 500 kV, contributing to major gridmodernization efforts and supporting how renewable generation connects to the grid. In this role, you'll apply your expertise in digital logic design and AC/DC circuits to develop safe, reliable, and efficient substation physical layouts. From equipment arrangement to grounding and structural components, you'll help shape the next generation of substation projects powering communities.

Remote Only:

  • Fully Remote!- Work from where you are!

  • Candidates must located in the Denver, CO or Minneapolis, MN area.

  • Must be willing to travel to customer sites

Successful candidates can look forward to a fast paced, diverse work environment and flexible work hours/work arrangements as well as managers who will encourage career development and growth including:

  • Professional Engineer License (PE).
  • Project Management Professional (PMP).
  • Technical & Non-Technical Training Opportunities.
  • Leadership Opportunities.
  • Mentorship & Training Opportunities.
  • Opportunity to Lead, Grow, and Inspire a Dynamic Team

Begin your journey of a flourishing and meaningful career, share your resume with us today!

The Challenge:

  • Lead and support the delivery of substation physical design projects, ensuring technical excellence and ontime performance.
  • Partner closely with internal engineering groups and external clients to understand needs, align expectations, and deliver solutions that exceed standards.
  • Perform detailed QA/QC reviews on substation physical design packages, ensuring accuracy, constructability, and compliance.
  • Read, design, and review essential substation drawings, including onelines, threelines, planandsection views, grounding layouts, and foundation designs.
  • Create and verify bills of materials for substation physical components, ensuring precision and alignment with project requirements.
  • Conduct site visits at customer locations to gather data, validate designs, and support successful project execution.

Successful candidates must comply with quality control and safe work practices and maintain compliance with project scope, schedule, and budget. This position will be a member of a design team comprised of engineers, designers, and CAD technicians and will work with client standards to implement design.

What Sets You Apart:

  • Senior Level: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (or related field) with 4+ years of substation physical design experience.
  • Lead Level: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (or related field) with 8+ years of substation physical design experience.
  • Experience performing grounding studies, lightning protection analysis, and lighting studies.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with internal teams and clients to support project needs.

Proven ability to meet deadlines and stay organized in fastpaced or highpressure situations.

  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment, contribute to group success, and provide leadership when needed.
  • Selfstarter who can take initiative and work with minimal supervision.
  • Strong analytical abilities with a track record of solving engineering challenges both independently and collaboratively.
  • High level of computer competency and comfort working with engineering tools and software.
  • Willingness to travel to project sites and client locations as needed.

You Might Also have:

  • Engineer Intern ("EI" or "EIT") professional certification.
  • Professional Engineer ("PE") License.
  • Working knowledge of protection and control design
  • Experience with bus calculation
  • Experience with WinIGS or CDEGS
  • Master's degree in related field.

WHAT WE DO

Leidos is a trusted and technology-focused solutions provider. Utilities and mobile operators rely on our Power Delivery Services Team for reliable power and telecommunication expertise, as reflected through our work with more than 50 investor-owned utilities, more than 160municipals/cooperatives,as well as a growing number of mobile operators, local utility providers and private developers. In addition to providing engineering and project management services, Leidos works with an established group of industry-leading construction partners delivering meaningful Energy Delivery Solutions. Our recognition as an industry leader is confirmed by the latest national rankings by Engineering News-Record (ENR) ranking Leidos within the Top 10 T&D Firms, and Top 10 Power Firms. To explore and learn more, click here!

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

We take care of our employees. Leidos seeks the best and the brightest, and in return, we invest in you, with an eye on your future, through career advancement, growth opportunities and continuous improvement via mentoring, formal and informal project management training and assistance with obtaining pertinent certifications. We challenge you to help solve some of the world's toughest problems, and reward you with a welcoming culture that recognizes the importance of a strong work/life balance, as well as competitive compensation and benefits. We believe that diversity and inclusion make us all better and offer the chance to have fun and make a difference.

PowerDelivery

PDSSUBSTATION

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:June 18, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

Social media

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