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Substation Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Quanta Services

Designer - Substation

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

The Designer - Substation is responsible for supporting substation design projects across the QISG platform by performing routine 2D/3D Physical and/or Protection & Control (P&C) design tasks. This ...

GFT.

Sr. Substation Engineer

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$107K - $165K/yr

As a substation engineer, you will lead or support utility and power substation projects and clients. If you are in Chicago, IL, Phoenix, AZ, Charlotte, NC, St. Louis, MO, Marlton, NJ, Roanoke, VA ...

Quanta Services

Project Engineer - Substation

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$89K - $114K/yr

Project Engineer - Substation 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 ...

GFT.

Physical Designer (Substation)

Knoxville, TN · On-site +1

$80K - $110K/yr

GFT is searching for a Associate Physical Designer (Substation) to work in either Chicago,IL, St. Louis, MO, Pittsburgh, PA, Phoenix, AZ, Marlon, NJ, Charlotte, NC, or Roanoke, VA office. An ...

Quanta Services

Design Engineer - Substation

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$89K - $114K/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.

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All JobsSubstation JobsSubstation Jobs in Tennessee

Substation information

See Tennessee salary details

$30.9K

$94.9K

$138.4K

How much do substation jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for substation in Tennessee is $94,940.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,000.00 and $123,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a substation?

Substation jobs refer to a range of roles focused on the construction, maintenance, and operation of electrical substations, which are key facilities in the power transmission and distribution network. These positions can include substation technicians, engineers, operators, and maintenance personnel. Their primary responsibilities involve monitoring equipment, ensuring safe and reliable power flow, performing inspections and repairs, and responding to outages or emergencies. Substation jobs require strong technical skills, attention to safety protocols, and often some level of electrical certification or training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substation technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Substation Technician, you need a solid background in electrical systems, high-voltage safety, and an associate degree or technical certification in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with SCADA systems, protective relays, and industry-standard testing tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, troubleshooting skills, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this position. These skills and qualifications ensure the safe, reliable operation and maintenance of critical power infrastructure.

What are some common challenges faced by substation technicians and how can they be managed on the job?

Substation technicians often encounter challenges such as working in hazardous environments, managing high-voltage equipment, and responding to emergency outages. To manage these, technicians must adhere strictly to safety protocols, continuously update their technical knowledge, and collaborate closely with engineers and line workers. Effective communication and staying current with industry best practices can help prevent accidents and ensure smooth operations. Many organizations also provide ongoing training to help technicians advance and stay prepared for new technologies in the field.

What is the difference between Substation vs Power Plant Operator?

AspectSubstationPower Plant Operator
CertificationsElectrical certifications, technical trainingOperational licenses, technical training
Work EnvironmentElectrical substations, outdoor and indoorPower plants, control rooms, outdoor
Industry UsageElectric utility companies, transmissionPower generation facilities, utilities
Job FocusManaging electrical equipment, switching, maintenanceOperating and controlling power generation equipment

Substation workers focus on maintaining and operating electrical substations, ensuring reliable power transmission. Power plant operators manage the generation process at power plants. While both roles require technical skills and safety certifications, substations are part of the transmission network, whereas power plant operators work at generation sites. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role in the energy sector.

What do you need to work on substations?

To work on substations, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training in electrical systems. Relevant certifications such as OSHA safety training and an electrician's license are often required, and knowledge of electrical theory, tools, and safety procedures is essential.

What does a substation worker do?

A substation worker maintains and operates electrical substations, ensuring the safe and reliable distribution of electricity. They perform tasks such as inspecting equipment, troubleshooting faults, and performing repairs, often working with tools like test equipment and following safety protocols. Certification and knowledge of electrical systems are typically required for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Substation jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Substation jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Substation jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Substation job openings:

Substation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substation job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 94% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 78% In-person, 11% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,940 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Designer - Substation

Quanta Infrastructure Solutions Group, LLC

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

Other

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

About Us
QISG leverages Quanta'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 - 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.
Quanta'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.
What You'll Do
The Designer - Substation is responsible for supporting substation design projects across the QISG platform by performing routine 2D/3D Physical and/or Protection & Control (P&C) design tasks. This role requires working knowledge of basic design techniques and industry procedures, with an emphasis on accuracy, standards compliance, and CAD proficiency.
Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong familiarity with substation materials, construction methods, and utility design standards. Proficiency with CAD platforms-including AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Map 3D, Inventor, and Substation Design Suite (SDS) for Physical and/or P&C applications-is preferred. The Designer will work under the direction of a Lead Designer and collaborate closely with engineers and drafting teams to develop and maintain quality drawing packages for both internal and client-facing deliverables.
  • Work on design aspects from project inception to completion on various substation projects.
  • Utilize 3D and/or smart design software for substation design.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of quality control procedures to ensure the highest standards of workmanship.
  • Take personal responsibility for the quality and accuracy of his/her work.
  • Research information in catalogs, specifications, corporate standards, or other reference material.
  • Learn and properly use the document management system and suggest improvements.
  • Learn and apply corporate standard engineering practices.
  • Bring potential project-related problems and possible solutions to the attention of the stakeholders.
  • Travel out of town for short periods of time as required by projects and assignments.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

What You'll Bring
  • Associates degree in Drafting & Design or equivalent certification is preferred. A 4-year Eng Tech degree is a plus.
  • Experience in drafting disciplines with a background in substation design is highly preferred.
  • Minimum of 4 years' experience in the electric utility industry performing detailed CAD/design for high voltage substation projects. More experience could result in a higher-level position.
  • Experience with 3D and/or smart design software (AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, Inventor, SDS, etc.) is preferred.
  • Word processing, spread sheet, and e-mail software.
  • Extensive knowledge of various CAD programs
  • Basic knowledge of the major components of a substation
  • Basic oral and written communications
  • Basic knowledge of the types of drawings required to construct an electrical substation.
  • Working in a team environment
  • Communicating effectively with co-workers
  • 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. but travel will be minimal to support project related site visits.

What You'll Get
  • Competitive salary - overtime is available
  • Comprehensive health and retirement benefits
  • Professional development opportunities.

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 us the Company's Human Resources department.

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