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Substation Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

WSP is currently initiating a search for a High Voltage Substation Inspector for our Power ... S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms.

Lead Commissioning Engineer

Nashville, TN ยท On-site

$99K - $130K/yr

Acknowledge substation modification is complete and functional and formally turns it over to Dispatch to be operated within its design limits * Lead Commissioning Engineer is expected to support ...

Lead Commissioning Engineer

Nashville, TN

$99K - $130K/yr

Acknowledge substation modification is complete and functional and formally turns it over to Dispatch to be operated within its design limits * Lead Commissioning Engineer is expected to support ...

Showing results 21-40

Substation Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$4

$43

$52

How much do substation operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for substation operator in Tennessee is $43.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.01 and $46.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Substation Operator jobs in TN?

For Substation Operator jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Substation Operator job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,209 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

Engineering Manager - Substation

Quanta Infrastructure Solutions Group

Chattanooga, TN โ€ข On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

About Us

QISG leverages Quantaโ€™s comprehensive resources to deliver collaborative solutions for our partners' energy infrastructure needs. We use in-house talent, expertise and resources to plan, design, engineer, manage, conduct maintenance on and construct projects.

Our turnkey service capabilities provide our customers with efficiency, consistency, attention to detail and safe execution. The QISG team brings together Engineering, Safety, Quality, Material Procurement, QA/QC, Right-of-Way Acquisition, Scheduling, Environmental Planning, Permitting, Title and Land Management expertise that ensure outstanding results for our clients.

About this Role

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, Quanta is the largest specialty contractor in North America that powers modern life. Find your future with us by being a part of something bigger โ€“ leading the energy transition in building a better world for generations to come.

We encourage and inspire our people to embrace opportunities within our corporate office and 200 operating companies providing solutions for the utility, renewable energy, electric power, industrial, and communications industries worldwide.

Quantaโ€™s culture is about creating an environment where all employees can be themselves, are valued, and have an equal opportunity to succeed. When you join our team, you join a dynamic culture in which career development is encouraged, excellence is rewarded, and diversity is valued.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Engineering Manager - Substation will provide engineering expertise and technical support throughout the project lifecycle and support field operations, customer account management, procurement, and key stakeholder groups within Quanta. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in engineering, with extensive experience in high voltage substation projects. This position will report to the Engineering Director and be the manager of the substation design teams supporting substation projects across the QISG platform.

What Youโ€™ll Do
  • Oversee projects from inception to completion, including planning, design, construction support, and closeout.
  • Supervise a team of engineers, designers, and support staff, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations.
  • Evaluate and monitor engineering contractors and consultants.
  • Assist in selection, training, coaching of direct reports to build effective teams.
  • Assign tasks to project design team based on project needs
  • Ensure projects are on budget and schedule while ensuring cost-effective solutions.
  • Oversee quality control procedures to ensure the highest standards of workmanship and materials.
  • Ensure project team applies engineering standards including NEC, NESC, NEMA, IEEE and ANSI
  • Perform quality reviews to check for inaccuracies, omissions, or compliance issues, and provide recommendations.
  • Work collaboratively with designers and project teams to develop solutions and modifications as needed.
  • Bring potential project-related problems and possible solutions for the attention of the party responsible.
  • Travel out of town for short periods of time as required by projects and assignments.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
What Youโ€™ll Bring
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
  • P.E. license is required.
  • Expert understanding of the major components of a substation is required.
  • Experience in personnel management.
  • Minimum of 10 yearsโ€™ experience in the electric utility industry performing detailed engineering for high voltage substation projects.
  • Strong technical expertise in structural, civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering, with a comprehensive understanding of engineering principles and practices.
  • Expert knowledge of electric utility engineering and construction standards.
  • Strong understanding of industry specific software packages.
  • Knowledge of process and procedures for project controls and estimates.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting external customers.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, clients, and external partners.
  • Knowledge of relevant industry codes, standards, and regulations, including ANSI, ASTM, ACI, AISC, IEEE, NEC, NESC, and others.
  • Ability to work in a team environment.
  • Able to deal with ambiguity and ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks and determine priorities in a complex environment.
Travel Requirements
  • Role will require travel as necessary to achieve job responsibilities, up to 10-25% of the time.
What Youโ€™ll Get
  • Competitive Compensation
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Holiday Pay
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage
  • Pet Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Professional Development
  • Education Reimbursement
  • Employee Discount Program
Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact the Companyโ€™s Human Resources department.

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