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Substation Project Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Substation Project Engineer

Edwardsville, IL · On-site

$92K - $117K/yr

Education/Experience/Licensure: * BS in Engineering from an ABET accredited college/university * 6 years of relevant project experience * Has tangible multi-year experience leading substation design ...

Substation Project Engineer

Round Rock, TX · On-site

$91K - $117K/yr

HDR Engineering is currently seeking a Substation Project Engineer to join our growing and nationally ranked team of Power Delivery professionals. You will be part of a rapidly growing team wanting ...

Lead Substation Project Engineer

Saint Louis, MO · On-site +1

$92K - $117K/yr

Experience filling the role of electrical engineer for several substation projects occurring concurrently. * Demonstrates competence and comprehensive knowledge concerning adjacent disciplines such ...

Lead Substation Project Engineer

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$92K - $117K/yr

Experience filling the role of electrical engineer for several substation projects occurring concurrently. * Demonstrates competence and comprehensive knowledge concerning adjacent disciplines such ...

Lead EPC Substation Project Engineer

Bend, OR · On-site +1

$103K - $132K/yr

Leidos Engineering has an opportunity for a Lead EPC Substation Project Engineer. This position will be part of our unique and fast-growing EPC Solutions group, which sits within our Power Delivery ...

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Substation Project Engineer information

See salary details

$62.5K

$113.6K

$149.5K

How much do substation project engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for substation project 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.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Substation project engineers and senior electrical engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications can potentially earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in high-demand regions or with leadership roles. However, such high earnings are typically associated with senior positions, managerial responsibilities, or consulting roles rather than entry-level positions.

Is substation engineering a good career?

Substation engineering is a stable career that involves designing, constructing, and maintaining electrical substations for power distribution. It requires technical skills, knowledge of electrical systems, and often certification or licensing, offering opportunities in the energy and utility sectors. The field provides steady employment with potential for advancement and specialization.

What is the difference between Substation Project Engineer vs Substation Design Engineer?

AspectSubstation Project EngineerSubstation Design Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, PMP often preferredBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, PE license advantageous
Work EnvironmentOversees project execution, site managementFocuses on designing substation systems, CAD work
Employer & Industry UsageUtility companies, EPC firms, construction projectsEngineering consulting firms, utility design departments
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Substation Project Engineer manages the overall execution of substation projects, including scheduling, coordination, and site supervision. In contrast, the Substation Design Engineer primarily focuses on creating detailed electrical designs and specifications. While both roles require electrical engineering credentials and industry experience, the Project Engineer emphasizes project management and field oversight, whereas the Design Engineer concentrates on technical design work.

What does a Substation Project Engineer do?

A Substation Project Engineer is responsible for designing, planning, and managing the construction or upgrade of electrical substations. Their duties typically include creating technical drawings, specifying equipment, coordinating with utility companies and contractors, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and overseeing project timelines and budgets. They play a key role in ensuring that substations operate reliably and efficiently, supporting the transmission and distribution of electricity. Substation Project Engineers often work closely with other engineers, field technicians, and project managers throughout the lifecycle of a project.

What are some of the main challenges Substation Project Engineers face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Substation Project Engineers often juggle several projects at once, which can present challenges related to prioritizing tasks, coordinating schedules between teams, and managing resource allocation. Effective communication is crucial, as these engineers frequently collaborate with design, construction, and procurement teams to ensure milestones are met. Staying organized and adapting quickly to changing project requirements or unforeseen site issues is key to keeping projects on track. Developing strong project management skills and leveraging collaboration tools can help mitigate these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Substation Project Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Substation Project Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, power systems, and project management, often supported by a bachelor's degree in engineering and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with AutoCAD, ETAP, and project management software, as well as knowledge of industry standards like IEEE and NESC, is crucial. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills help you coordinate with diverse stakeholders and resolve issues efficiently. These competencies ensure the safe, timely, and cost-effective delivery of complex substation projects.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles. Substation Project Engineers typically have lower salaries, but those in executive or highly specialized positions may reach or exceed this level depending on the industry and location.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-level project managers and engineering directors in large organizations may also reach this compensation level, often supplemented by bonuses and stock options.
More about Substation Project Engineer jobs
Infographic showing various Substation Project Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,627 per year, or $54.6 per hour.

Substation Project Engineer

Mesa Accosiates

Edwardsville, IL • On-site

$92K - $117K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

PDS 3 / Power Delivery Substation
This position is not eligible for recruiting or sourcing by outside parties.
Disclaimer: Be cautious and only respond to emails from our "mesainc.com" domain. We will never ask for sensitive information, such as bank account details, SSN, etc., via email. If you receive any communication asking for such information, it is not from Mesa. For any concerns, or to verify the authenticity of a message, please contact us through our official channels.
We've got the power to energize Your career and spark YOUR Work/Life Balance through professional development and exceptional benefits. Don't delay, plug in today for an inclusive meaningful career in power, distribution, transmission, engineering, design, technology, or innovation at Mesa Associates, Inc.
Mesa seeks a motivated Project Engineer to manage a P&C and Physical Design workload for a local client with a growing workload. Position requires approximately 70% project work and 30% management. Responsibilities include monitoring budget and schedule, assigning resources to a project, communication and collaboration with the client's project managers and project engineers, managing a subcontractor, collaborating and mentoring with design team, collaborating and working with other design teams. This role will be based out of our Edwardsville, IL office.
Required abilities:
  • Possess strong knowledge of medium to extra high voltage substation protection & control systems and/or physical design layout requirements.
  • Possess strong verbal and written communications skills. Ability to coordinate with and interface with clients, vendors, engineers, colleagues, and other electric utilities personnel.
  • Possesses strong interpersonal skills to build relationships and work effectively with clients, peers, and affiliates.
  • Strong skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, scheduling software and possesses working knowledge of corporate accounting practices and business operations.
  • Possess willingness to develop, promote and comply with Mesa safety requirements.
  • Possesses ability to understand and implement new processes/procedures with regards to Project and Program management.
  • Knowledgeable on the Project Management Institute's (PMI's) standard for Organizational Project Management (OPM).
  • Experience with electrical utility equipment, systems, and project/programs is required.
  • Experience with managing multiple disciplines and monitoring schedule, scope, and budget.
  • Believes effective integration is the key to project success.

Education/Experience/Licensure:
  • BS in Engineering from an ABET accredited college/university
  • 6 years of relevant project experience
  • Has tangible multi-year experience leading substation design projects.
  • Experience using AutoCAD Electrical to complete P&C design packages.
  • PE License strongly preferred but not required.

Responsibilities:
  • Initiate projects: Complete project initiation documents, which include detailed work scope/outline, budget, and schedule for completion.
  • Project Definition: Assist Project Team in defining/clarifying project scope and level of detail required to satisfy customer expectations and project requirements.
  • Maintain Project Status - Keep the project status reporting system (database) current with the actions and changes that take place on assigned projects so the overall organization is able to respond to client requests.
  • Manage Project Implementation - Leads assigned project team and subcontractor, ensuring that project goals/objectives are achieved and all business processes and applicable procedures are followed.
  • Plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate detailed phases of engineering/design work for projects.
  • Perform Reviews of completed project work to check for errors.
  • Serve as Engineer of Record for projects drawings that require a PE Stamp.
  • Control costs - Assist Project Manager in controlling project expenditures and schedule performance as necessary to satisfy project requirements and ensure satisfactory budget performance on all projects.
  • Maximize Project Profitability - Through appropriate project budgeting/pricing, utilization of resources and cost controls, maximize the profit margin on individual projects.
  • Communicates effectively with project team, subcontractor, and clients as required to facilitate coordination of design or construction activities and flow of technical information. This includes tracking/resolving action items, information requests and assisting the design team in the resolution of technical issues as required.
  • Coordinate/Communicate with Peers - Work with project team to identify, document and resolve changes that may impact schedule and budget performance of project.
  • Ensures projects are closed-out and archived in a timely manner in accordance with applicable procedures.
  • Analyzes trends on project performance metrics and makes recommendations to project management team on corrective actions.
  • Must be able to develop an understanding of numerous utility stakeholder departments.
  • Support the development and implementation of client's project engineering/management tools, standards, and processes to support successful project engineering implementation.
  • Must be able to conduct large meetings/calls with numerous project stakeholders, drive consensus and resolution to challenges discussed, drive assignment, follow-up, and completion, of action items.
  • Must be able to anticipate project risks before they occur, plan and execute risk management and risk mitigation.

Notice to External Search Firms: Mesa Associates, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be obligated to pay a placement fee for unsolicited resumes. Mesa Associates, Inc. Talent Acquisition engages with approved search firms directly for specific hiring needs.
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