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Substation Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Lead Substation Physical Engineer

Walled Lake, MI · Hybrid

$96K - $127K/yr

As an Career Substation Physical Engineer, candidates will have the opportunity to work on projects ... Utilities and mobile operators rely on our Power Delivery Services Team for reliable power and ...

Lead Substation Physical Engineer

Walled Lake, MI · On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

As an Career Substation Physical Engineer, candidates will have the opportunity to work on projects ... Utilities and mobile operators rely on our Power Delivery Services Team for reliable power and ...

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Substation Operator information

See Michigan salary details

$4

$42

$50

How much do substation operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for substation operator in Michigan is $42.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.38 and $44.71 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 jobs will boom in 2026?

Substation operators are expected to see steady demand due to ongoing infrastructure upgrades and the transition to renewable energy sources. Skills in electrical systems, safety protocols, and certifications like OSHA are valuable, and the job often requires working in outdoor environments with shift schedules. Overall, utility and energy sector jobs related to power distribution are projected to grow in the coming years.

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.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

Substation operators typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive roles, specialized medical professionals, or successful entrepreneurs. High-paying jobs often require advanced skills, extensive experience, or ownership of a business. Most substation operators earn a median salary well below this threshold, generally between $60,000 and $80,000 per year.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

Substation operators typically do not earn $10,000 a month without specialized training and experience; their salaries usually range lower. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include roles like commercial pilots, real estate brokers, or sales managers, which require skills, certifications, or licenses rather than formal degrees. These positions often involve significant responsibility, experience, or sales performance to achieve such income levels.

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 training or certifications. Their role is critical for maintaining power system stability and safety.

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.

What job categories do people searching Substation Operator jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Substation Operator jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Substation Operator jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Substation Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Substation Operator jobs in MI? For Substation Operator jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Substation Operator job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 82% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,589 per year, or $42.1 per hour.
Lead Substation Protection and Controls Engineer

Lead Substation Protection and Controls Engineer

Leidos

Walled Lake, MI • On-site

$93K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 427 rated business services


Job description

Are you ready for your next career challenge?

We are in search of a Lead Substation Protection and Control Engineer to join our diverse and fast-paced Substation Engineering organization. As a future leader of our substation protection and control group at Leidos, we are committed to fostering a work environment that supports your personal growth by focusing on your career objectives and your personal well-being to achieve a successful work-life balance. You will interact with other electric utility disciplines, playing a valuable part in leading and designing high voltage utility substation projects. 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.

If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, and love to collaborate, keep reading!

Hybrid Schedule: (3) days a week in the Walled Lake, MI office

  • In-Person Connection: Build strong relationships with colleagues and clients by being in the office or on-site. It's the perfect way to strengthen collaboration and ensure seamless communication.

  • Networking Events: Expand your horizons and make valuable connections at industry-leading events. You'll be in the right rooms, with the right people, at the right time.

  • Continuous Development: Stay at the forefront of innovation by participating in top-tier training programs and conferences. Personal growth isn't optional here; it's part of the package.

  • The Best of Both Worlds: With the flexibility to work remotely on other days, you'll have the freedom to focus, recharge, and bring your A-game to every opportunity

As a Lead Substation Engineer, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to:

  • Act as a key contributor to the development substation protection and control design projects

  • Lead, mentor and grow a diverse team of engineers, designers, and drafters

  • Take complete ownership of each project, to include management of financials, resources, and design

  • Liaison, lead, coordinate, and collaborate with external clients

  • Continually improve and maximize quality

  • Effectively and professionally communicate with our clients

  • Contribute to the definition of design scope, philosophies, design methodologies

In this role, you can expect to grow by:

  • Participating in leadership training

  • Career advancement and leadership opportunities

  • Attending technical training intended to expand your skills

  • Working at company that supports your journey to obtain and maintain your P.E. license

  • Receiving exposure to projects ranging from distribution to transmission level voltages

What you will bring to the table:

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or other related degree

  • Eight (8+) plus years of direct experience in substation Protection and control design

  • Ability to lead substation design projects by aligning engineering execution with program management

It would be nice if you had:

  • Registered Professional Engineer (P.E) license

  • Master's degree in related field

  • Experience leading a project team

  • Some experience in substation physical design

  • Field testing/commissioning experience

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

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.

PDSSUBSTATION

PowerDelivery

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 4, 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

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