Substation Engineer

Senior Substation Engineer

Location(s)

• Grand Rapids, Michigan — On-site

Compensation

• $120,000–$180,000; negotiable based on factors such as geographic location, skills, certifications, and experience.

Position Summary

The Senior Substation Engineer leads the design, execution, and delivery of new and upgraded power substations ranging from 12 kV to 500 kV. This on-site supervisory role manages complex multidisciplinary and EPC projects, ensures high standards of safety and quality, and leads, mentors, and develops a team of engineers and designers.

Job Function

• Develop project plans, including scopes of work and Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), for complex multidisciplinary substation engineering and EPC projects.
• Manage substation project execution, including scope, schedule, budget, resources, external vendors, consultants, and contractors.
• Track and stabilize projects, resolve obstacles, and ensure client goals are achieved.
• Support communications and systems studies engineering needs.
• Attend client meetings and communicate concerns, changes, and project needs to maintain positive relationships and identify growth opportunities.
• Prepare and review preliminary designs and proposals, including budgetary estimates.
• Lead the development of plans, specifications, studies, estimates, material lists, and other project deliverables.
• Ensure team adherence to the QA/QC program.
• Develop new or modify existing electrical layouts and plans for substation equipment and structures.
• Develop or modify substation foundation layouts, section/elevation views, conduit layouts, grounding layouts, and control building plan and section/elevation drawings.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of engineers and designers.
• Manage day-to-day team activities and establish goals and expectations for team members.
• Assist with annual performance reviews.
• Support recruiting efforts, including posting job requisitions and participating in interviews.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 8+ years of direct substation physical and electrical engineering experience.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in Michigan or the ability to obtain Michigan licensure within three months.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of and ability to use design software such as MicroStation and AutoCAD.
• Knowledge of relay settings and SCADA, DFR, and RTU architecture, with the ability to lead substation upgrade projects with staff.
• Proficiency with Windows-based software, including Word and Excel, for developing project deliverables.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the technical knowledge to clearly communicate project risks and concerns.
• Ability to learn and effectively use additional design software, including Milsoft, ETAP, and SKM.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with project managers, engineers, designers, drafters, and other members of multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work products.

Benefits

• Flexible work environment.
• Paid parental leave.
• Medical insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Life and AD&D insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.

Appealing Facts About Living in Grand Rapids, Michigan

• Offers a vibrant downtown with restaurants, arts, entertainment, and year-round community events.
• Provides access to extensive parks, trails, lakes, and outdoor recreation, with Lake Michigan destinations within driving distance.
• Features a mix of established neighborhoods and suburban communities with a range of housing options.
• Home to a diverse regional economy with strong healthcare, manufacturing, engineering, and professional-services sectors.
• Offers four distinct seasons and easy access to seasonal activities, including boating, hiking, skiing, and winter recreation.

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Global Talent Resources, Inc. (GTR) is a power industry recruiting firm specializing in substation, transmission, and distribution careers. With 15+ years of experience, we connect engineering and leadership professionals to top roles with leading utilities, cooperatives, EPCs, and consulting firms nationwide.

Many opportunities aren't listed publicly. Contact the GTR team for insider access, expert guidance, and the next step in your electric utility career.