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Substation Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Invenergy is North America's largest privately held developer, owner, and operator of power ... Each site is approximately 20 MW with an attached substation. The sites utilize Nevados and ...

Operating Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$44.90/hr

The operator performs routine monitoring, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and ... Maintain and monitor substation equipment located in both the chilled water plant and pump house.

Operating Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$44.90/hr

The operator performs routine monitoring, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and ... Maintain and monitor substation equipment located in both the chilled water plant and pump house.

Showing results 41-60

Substation Operator information

See Michigan salary details

$4

$42

$50

How much do substation operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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 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 is a substation operator?

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,589 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

$29.49 - $49.97/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Invenergy is North America's largest privately held developer, owner, and operator of power infrastructure. With 25 years of trusted execution, we deliver reliable, affordable energy through a diverse portfolio that includes natural gas, solar, land-based wind, energy storage, transmission, and domestic manufacturing. Headquartered in Chicago, we develop, own, and operate large scale projects that power communities and support the energy future.

This position will be open for application for at least 3 calendar days from the posting date. This position will remain open for application based on business need, which may be before or after the 3-day posting window.

Job Description

About The Site
The Calhoun Energy Center is a 200 MW-AC solar powered generation facility located in Battlecreek, MI utilizing GE inverters, Single axis NEXTracker trackers, and Longi modules, with an attached substation.
Horsepower Solar consists of 7 smaller sites is southern Michigan. Each site is approximately 20 MW with an attached substation. The sites utilize Nevados and NEXTracker Horizon trackers, Sungrow Inverters and there are multiple panel types.

Responsibilities

  • Manage all aspects of the day to day operation of the facility in a safe and environmentally sound manner.
  • Prepare and implement plant operating and maintenance procedures ensuring compliance with all Federal, State and Local requirements.
  • Recruit, select, train and manage plant operating, maintenance and administrative staff.
  • Prepare annual operating budgets and periodic status reports.
  • Interface and coordinate with local customers and suppliers.
  • Procure parts, materials, services and support resolution of technical issues.
  • Ensure compliance with all project safety, environmental and contractual responsibilities.
  • Provide a high level of professionalism and technical expertise.
  • Perform routine Quality Assurance checks of solar technician work.
  • Assist solar technicians from time to time in various solar maintenance and troubleshooting activities.

Required Skills

  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • A minimum of 6 months ofsupervisory/managementexperience.
  • Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office software.
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
  • Must be able to work outdoors in inclement weather, climb portable ladders without assistance
  • This position may require the ability to remotely manage new projects within a region, so candidate must be willing to travel up to 50% as business needs warrant.
  • Willing to work nights during scheduled and unscheduled maintenance activities
  • Ability to move and manipulate up to 45 kg (100 pounds).
  • Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.

Preferred Education and/or Work Experience

  • Technical degree
  • Experience in power generation facilities
  • A minimum of 10 years of experience in a manufacturing or skilled trade environment.
  • Experience with PV maintenance, including DC systems, AC medium voltage systems, and network communications and monitoring
  • Experience with the operation of various SCADA systems
  • Skilled in the use of testing equipment and tools such as Thermographic Electrical Inspection, I-V Curve Tracing, Meggers, and Ground Fault Detection
  • Strong Analytical and Diagnostic capabilities to troubleshoot and correct problems found
  • Knowledge of National Electrical Code (NEC), NFPA, and other standard practices
  • Ability to read and understand electrical single-line and three-line diagrams / schematics

This is a safety sensitive position. Individuals receiving conditional offers of employment will be subject to drug testing and must receive a negative result to begin working for the company.

Base Pay

$29.49 - $49.97 USD Hourly
Bonus: 0% - 10%

The base pay range reflects the minimum and maximum target salary for the position. Invenergy considers a number of factors when determining base pay offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education and skills.
In addition to base pay, the total annual compensation package may also include eligibility to participate in our bonus program(s) which are designed to reward individual and company performance. Your recruiter can share more about bonus eligibility for this position during the hiring process.
Invenergy offers a variety of other benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401k, profit sharing, paid time off, etc.

Invenergy LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.