Substation P&C Engineering Lead

Location(s)

• Chicago, Illinois

Compensation

• $130–$160k

Position Summary

The Manager, Principal Engineer (Senior Project Engineer – Substations) leads the engineering and design of high-voltage substation projects exceeding 230 kV, from early development through construction and energization. This role combines expertise in substation physical design with project management, technical oversight, and coordination across consultants, equipment manufacturers, and utility stakeholders to meet technical, commercial, schedule, and budget objectives.

Job Function

• Proposal Phase:
• Align engineering designs with the development team's proposal strategy for competitive transmission opportunities under FERC Order 1000 and potential utility asset acquisitions.
• Solicit and secure engineering and third-party consulting resources to support proposal and RFP requirements.
• Coordinate with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of HVDC systems, transformers, circuit breakers, series compensation equipment, and other high-voltage substation equipment to align technical and commercial requirements.
• Oversee consultants preparing conceptual designs, design criteria, supporting documentation, and project estimates.
• Manage contracted resources to meet deliverable deadlines and budgets.
• Execution Phase:
• Prepare RFPs and technical scopes for engineering services, equipment, construction, and other third-party procurement following project award.
• Lead technical and commercial evaluations of equipment proposals and advise management on technical aspects of construction bids.
• Assess technical risks, resolve design challenges, and coordinate solutions with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop, review, and approve drawings, specifications, bills of materials, electrical studies, and design reports in accordance with applicable safety, operating, and engineering standards.
• Direct consultants, conduct design reviews, optimize designs, and establish project-specific design requirements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable IEEE, NESC, ASCE, NERC, and other relevant requirements.
• Coordinate substation site requirements, support site selection, and provide technical input for permitting.
• Coordinate with interconnecting utilities and other project stakeholders to achieve project objectives.
• Serve as the primary engineering and construction project contact and owner's engineer; report on technical progress, cost, schedule, procurement, construction planning, and risk mitigation.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Engineering Technology; Electrical Engineering preferred.
• At least seven years of direct experience developing, designing, engineering, and constructing high-voltage substation projects above 230 kV.
• Senior-level expertise in physical and electrical substation design, demonstrated through successful leadership of high-voltage projects.
• Preferred: at least two years developing designs for FERC Order 1000 proposals.
• Preferred: master's degree.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of protection and control (P&C), civil, and structural engineering.
• Proficiency in project management software such as Microsoft Project or Primavera, and business applications such as Microsoft Office.
• Working knowledge of software used to design substation facilities.
• Knowledge of high-voltage substation procurement and construction planning.
• Ability to adapt to evolving technical solutions, shifting priorities, and tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, time-management, organizational, and collaboration skills.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to contribute to a growing organization.
• Ability to travel 10%–20% of working days within North America.
• Valid non-commercial driver's license.
• Highly preferred: Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Preferred: critical path scheduling and cost estimating experience; Project Management Professional (PMP) or Six Sigma certification.

Benefits

• Attractive benefits package commensurate with skills and experience.
• Annual bonus opportunity and equity participation.
• Relocation assistance available for the Chicago-based position.

Appealing Facts About Living in Chicago, Illinois

• Access to a major metropolitan area with extensive cultural attractions, museums, theaters, and dining.
• Lake Michigan shoreline, parks, and recreational trails offer outdoor activities.
• A major transportation hub with extensive domestic and international connections.