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Substation Primary Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dashiell Corportaion

Substation Design Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$95K - $122K/yr

Raleigh, NC Description Primary Function: The Design Engineer performs engineering work with a focus on substation engineering design including both physical and protection & control practices.

Entergy

Substation Design Engineer

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$94K - $120K/yr

Substation design engineering experience. * Transmission and/or Substation utility experience ... FE, PE. #LI-NC1 Primary Location: Louisiana-New Orleans Louisiana : New Orleans Job Function

Entergy

Substation Design Engineer

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$94K - $120K/yr

Substation design engineering experience. * Transmission and/or Substation utility experience ... FE, PE. #LI-NC1 Primary Location: Louisiana-New Orleans Louisiana : New Orleans Job Function

Steel Con ,Inc.

Substation Design Engineer

Houston, TX · Hybrid

$84K - $108K/yr

Join SteelCon as a full-time Substation Design Engineer in Houston, TX. This hybrid role is for engineers who don't just design-but build, solve, and collaborate. If you're looking for a role where ...

Steelcon Inc

Substation Design Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$84K - $108K/yr

Join SteelCon as a full-time Substation Design Engineer in Houston, TX.This hybrid role is for engineers who don't just design-but build, solve, and collaborate. If you're looking for a role where ...

Dashiell

Substation Design Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$95K - $122K/yr

Primary Function: The Design Engineer performs engineering work with a focus on substation engineering design including both physical and protection & control practices. Requires knowledge of ...

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Substation Primary Design Engineer information

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$62.5K

$113.6K

$149.5K

How much do substation primary design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for substation primary design 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 a substation primary design engineer?

Substation Primary Design Engineers are specialized electrical engineers responsible for designing the main physical layout and electrical systems in power substations. They develop detailed drawings and specifications for high-voltage equipment, such as transformers, circuit breakers, and busbars, ensuring safe and reliable power delivery. Their work includes coordinating with other engineering disciplines, adhering to industry standards, and supporting the construction and commissioning of substations. These engineers play a crucial role in expanding and maintaining the electrical grid.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substation primary design engineer?

To thrive as a Substation Primary Design Engineer, you need strong knowledge of electrical engineering principles, substation design standards, and a relevant engineering degree (often with a PE license). Familiarity with CAD software, power system modeling tools, and industry codes such as IEEE or NEC is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help ensure accurate designs and smooth collaboration with project teams. These skills are essential for producing safe, reliable, and efficient substation designs that meet regulatory and operational requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by substation primary design engineers when working on multidisciplinary projects?

Substation Primary Design Engineers often collaborate closely with civil, protection, and control engineers, which can present challenges in aligning technical requirements and project timelines. Effective communication is essential to coordinate design changes, manage dependencies, and resolve conflicts between disciplines. Additionally, adapting to evolving industry standards and client specifications requires flexibility and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Navigating these complexities helps ensure the successful and timely delivery of substation projects.

What is the difference between Substation Primary Design Engineer vs Substation Protection & Control Engineer?

AspectSubstation Primary Design EngineerSubstation Protection & Control Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, relevant certificationsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, certifications in protection and control systems
Work EnvironmentDesigning physical substation layouts, equipment placementDeveloping protection schemes, relay settings, control logic
Industry UsageDesign and planning of substation infrastructureProtection system design and relay coordination

The Substation Primary Design Engineer focuses on the physical design and layout of substation components, ensuring proper placement and specifications. In contrast, the Substation Protection & Control Engineer specializes in designing protection schemes and control systems to safeguard equipment and ensure reliable operation. Both roles require electrical engineering expertise but differ in their core responsibilities within substation projects.

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What job categories do people searching Substation Primary Design Engineer jobs look for?

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Substation Primary Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substation Primary Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,627 per year, or $54.6 per hour.

Electrical System Engineer (HVDC & HVAC System Engineering)

ConfigUSA

Pleasant Hill, CA • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Location:  Oakbrook Terrace,  IL 60181 (100% customer onsite location )

Duration: 12 months

Job Title: Electrical System Engineer (HVDC & HVAC System Engineering)

Relevant Experience(in Yrs):  5 - 10 years

Experience Required:  5 - 10 years

Pre-Screening Questionnaire:

Have experience in Substation Primary Design? Yes Have experience in High Voltage and Extra High Voltage System Design? Yes Have experience in handling Electrical EPC projects? Yes Have experience in AutoCAD/ Inventor Tool? Yes

Must Have Technical/Functional Skills:

Engineering experience and domain knowledge in EHV/ HV AC substations (AIS and GIS) systems and arrangement.

Hands on Experience with Substation Primary design and Technical Reviews.

Hands on Experience on Primary design retrofit for Brownfield Substations.

Experience in design and specifying EHV/HV station equipment like Power Transformer, Circuit Breakers, Disconnect switches, Isolators, CCVT, CT, PT etc.

Experience in High Voltage cable specification and sizing.

Hands on experience in design calculation and specifying station auxiliary components like Emergency DG, UPS, Auxiliary Transformers, DC systems, Power, and Controls Cable etc.

Experience and knowledge of plant MV, LV auxiliary distribution.

Good communication skills.

Capability to handle multidisciplinary project environment and liaison with all stakeholders.

Good understanding and hands on experience on the various types of SLD schemes, Station layout, control building layout, earthing layout, Lighting layout, Cable Trench, Tray, Pull box etc.

Clear understanding on activities and deliverables during Detailed engineering phase (OTR phase).

Good knowledge and understanding on the IEC/IEEE/ANSI/NEMA and other international standards Good understanding and experience on various High Voltage substation arrangements.

Knowledge of Grid codes

Experience participating in FAT and site commissioning Good understanding and experience in Building Management System like HVAC, Fire Protection, Station & Building Security Systems, CCTV, Auxiliary Power Distribution Good verbal and written communication

Roles & Responsibilities:

Preparation of design Inputs for the Designers to complete Primary Design Technical Reviews of the completed Design Package.

Co-Ordination and Technical reviews with Customer on the Design Validation Preparation of Technical Specifications for Electrical Equipment’s Preparation of Technical Deliverables for Proposals to Customer Preparation of Routing and Cable way details Vendor evaluation, manufacturing approvals and FAT Preparation of Single Line Diagram, Electrical Assembly, Layout, Section views for Electrical Substation Outdoor & Switchyard.

Preparation of sizing calculations for AC Station Service & DC Station Service Coordinate with other team and stakeholders for information exchange.

Support vendor, customer/site queries for clarification and modification of design.

Provide design inputs to EPC Contractor, as if required Be single point of contact for customer and EPC Contractor Be ready to travel for site visits, Customer meetings across USA

Generic Managerial Skills, If any: Should be able to lead the team of Designers

Key Words to search in Resume: Lead Electrical Design Engineer

Education: BE/BS or ME/MS in Electrical & Electronics Engineering