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Substation Primary Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineer - Substation

Madison, WI ยท On-site

$99K - $126K/yr

The Design Engineer - Substation will perform substation design assignments including physical layout and protection & control systems while ensuring compliance with safety and construction standards.

Design Engineer - Substation

Birmingham, AL ยท On-site

$92K - $117K/yr

The Design Engineer - Substation will perform substation design assignments including physical layout and protection & control systems while ensuring compliance with safety and construction standards.

Design Engineer - Substation

Baton Rouge, LA ยท On-site

$86K - $109K/yr

The Design Engineer - Substation will perform substation design assignments including physical layout and protection & control systems while ensuring compliance with safety and construction standards.

Showing results 41-60

Substation Primary Design Engineer information

See salary details

$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?

The top searched job categories for Substation Primary Design Engineer jobs are:

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.

Substation Design Engineer

Powerserve Technologies Inc

Davie, FL โ€ข On-site

$93K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Substation Design Engineer (Civil/Structural)

Remote, FLORIDA | Full-Time | Monday–Friday (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
EPC Industry – Substation Design & Construction

About Us

We are a growing Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) firm specializing in the design and construction of electrical substations for major utility providers across the state of Florida, including industry leaders such as FPL and Duke Energy.

Our team delivers turnkey substation solutions—from concept through commissioning—and we pride ourselves on quality, efficiency, and long-term client partnerships.

As we continue to expand, we are looking to strengthen our in-house engineering capabilities by adding a Substation Design Engineer with a strong background in civil and/or structural engineering.

Note:  Our office is located in Jupiter, FL however this individual can work remotely from their home office - located in Florida.  If you live inside the state of Florida and you are an experienced Substation Design Engineer, we want to hear from you!  


Position Overview

This role will focus on the civil and structural design aspects of substation projects, working closely with our internal Electrical Engineer and project teams to deliver complete, constructible designs.

You will play a key role in ensuring our substation structures and site designs are safe, compliant, and optimized for real-world construction and long-term performance.


Key Responsibilities
  • Design and develop civil and structural components of electrical substations
  • Prepare and review:
    • Foundation designs (equipment, control buildings, steel structures)
    • Structural steel layouts and details
    • Site grading, drainage, and erosion control plans
  • Perform engineering calculations, analysis, and code compliance reviews
  • Coordinate with internal teams (engineering, procurement, construction) to ensure design feasibility
  • Collaborate with external stakeholders including clients, utilities, and permitting agencies
  • Provide occasional field support during construction (light travel within Florida)
  • Review and approve drawings, specifications, and submittals
  • Ensure designs meet applicable standards (IEEE, ASCE, ACI, local/state codes, etc.)

Qualifications

Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related field
  • 3+ years of experience in civil/structural design (substation or utility experience not required...but strongly preferred)
  • Proficiency with engineering design tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, STAAD, or similar)
  • Strong understanding of structural analysis, foundations, and site development
  • Ability to work cross-functionally in an EPC/project-based environment

Preferred:

  • Experience with substation design or utility infrastructure projects
  • Familiarity with Florida codes, permitting, and environmental considerations

Licensure Requirement
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred
  • Candidates without a PE must be willing and able to obtain licensure within 2–3 years of hire

(Note: PE licensure may be required for signing and sealing engineering drawings.)


Work Environment & Schedule
  • Full-time, remote (inside the state of Florida)
  • Standard schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Occasional site visits within Florida for field support

What We Offer
  • Competitive compensation (posted separately) - we pay commensurate with experience
  • Comprehensive benefits package:
    • Medical, Dental, Vision
    • Generous 401(k) with strong company contribution
  • Stable, long-term project pipeline with major utility clients
  • Opportunity to play a key role in expanding our in-house engineering capabilities
  • Collaborative, team-oriented environment with growth potential

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to help shape and grow the civil/structural engineering function within a well-established EPC firm. You’ll have the ability to make a real impact on how projects are designed and executed while working alongside a strong electrical engineering and construction team.