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Substation Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-40

Substation information

See Tennessee salary details

$30.9K

$94.9K

$138.4K

How much do substation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 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 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 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 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 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 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:
Infographic showing various Substation job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,940 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Substation Physical Project Designer - Grid

Sargent & Lundy

Chattanooga, TN • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

120th of 446 rated engineering


Job description

As a Substation Physical Project Designer, you will be working in a project team environment with engineers and other designers involved in high and extra high voltage substation design.

Responsibilities will include the preparation and detailed review of the following substation drawings:

  • Substation General Arrangement
  • Substation Electrical Equipment Plans
  • Substation Electrical Section Views (Elevations)
  • Substation Detailed Bill of Material
  • Substation Lightning Stroke Shielding Plan
  • Substation Grounding Plan
  • Substation Conduit, Electrical Connection and Grounding Details
  • Substation Below Grade Conduit/Raceway Plan
  • Control Building Equipment, Cable Tray, Lighting, Grounding Plans and Section

Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Performs technical review of project team's comments on vendor design deliverables (ensuring compliance with specifications), coordinates the incorporation of those comments, and consolidates and resolves project team comments.
  • Acts as the lead while conducting field walkdowns and gathers data at client facilities.  Interfaces with clients and contractors to discuss walkdown issues.  Performs constructability walkdowns with clients and contractors.
  • Identifies applicable codes and standards for team use.  Provides guidance in applying codes and standards.  Participates actively in the company's quality system in developing enhancements to standards and processes for company use. Identifies applicable standards for technical tasks.  Maintains and utilizes working knowledge of design standards and practices.  Ensures that designs conform to codes and standards. Applies Client's standards related to the project.
  • Provides guidance and mentoring to designers, drafters, and other project stakeholders in the use of design/drafting tools and client-specific design tools.
  • Reviews and supervises the production of design deliverables.
  • Provides technical guidance to others in the preparation and review of calculations associated with applicable design processes.
  • Develops cost-effective design approaches for a given project.
  • Interfaces with other disciplines to obtain required design inputs and ensures adequacy of input for an integrated design.
  • Obtains required input for calculations and independently prepares and reviews calculations.
  • Implements work plan requirements within budget and schedule using the most efficient methods.  Provides guidance to the project team in attaining budget and schedule.
  • Delegates and monitors the work of assigned staff on technical matters pertinent to project assignments. 
  • Provides performance feedback as a primary evaluator and is involved in performance and personnel issues for assigned staff. 
  • Oversees routine, day-to-day performance and personnel issues for assigned group. 

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days. 


We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience:

  • An Associates Degree in Drafting or equivalent technical experience.
  • 15 or more years of substation physical design experience.  
  • Advanced knowledge of computer drafting tools (i.e. AutoCAD and/or MicroStation).
  • Ability to visualize Equipment Details, Phase to Ground and Phase to Phase Clearances.
  • Ability to multi-task from project to project.
  • Ability to visualize parts in 3D without the aid of a computer.

Valued Knowledge/Skills:

  • An Associates Degree in Computer Aided Design.
  • Familiarity with Bentley Substation, Inventor SDS, and BlueBeam.
  • Familiar with ground-based Lidar, converting point cloud information to vector.
  • Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology, including the ability to relate various equipment to a technical design. 

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements

$94,247 - $143,989
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.


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About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

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