Substation Design Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX

Date: Jun 18, 2026

Location: Houston, TX, US, 77002

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Company: CenterPoint Energy

CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years.

Our Vision: Our vision is to become the most admired utility in the United States through the execution of our long-term growth strategy. We have an unwavering commitment to safely and reliably deliver electricity and natural gas to millions of people.

Our Commitment: CenterPoint Energy is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where business results are achieved through the skills, abilities and talents of our diverse workforce.

At CenterPoint Energy, individuals are respected for their contributions toward our company objectives. We strive for an inclusive work environment across all levels that is reflective of the available workforce in the communities we serve.

Job Summary

Specify, design, and modify power system protection schemes and substation automation & SCADA schemes. Develop protective relaying settings and assist in the commissioning of electric utility substations to maintain the integrity and stability of the CNP electric system. Evaluate and apply NERC and ERCOT compliance standards.

Essential Functions
Develop substation protection schemes and specify relays for use in independent primary and back-up relaying systems, interact with other engineering sections, equipment vendors, engineering firms, and construction contractors.
Calculate and program substation protective relay set points for electromechanical and microprocessor relays and issue to field personnel.
Design substation automation and SCADA systems. Program substation relays, PLCs, and RTUs to provide visibility, control, and accurate system data of the CNP electric system.
Interact with independent power producers, industrial customers, engineering firms, and construction contractors providing technical assistance and commissioning of new equipment for the interconnection with the CNP electric system.
Provide support to field personnel in commissioning of new facilities and the troubleshooting of existing substation facilities.
Analyze fault events and develop sequence of events reports following system disturbances, with data obtained from digital fault recorders and microprocessor relays.
Evaluate and apply compliance standards from NERC and ERCOT, including NERC CIP standards, to the protection and SCADA automation schemes
Design digital distribution substations using GOOSE, Sampled Values, and MMS of the IEC 61850 protocol with different equipment from various vendors
Education Description
Requires a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited college or university.
Experience
Requires a minimum of two years of electric utility or power engineering experience that includes performing engineering calculations and design.
Able to use CAD equipment and software programs to provide project documentation, relay settings, event analysis, equipment commissioning, and management reports.
Able to use personal computer software proficiently, such as those for word processing, spreadsheets, database managers, presentations, and electronic mail.
Able to use mathematics, including trigonometry and calculus, to complete complex engineering design calculations and relate mathematical solutions to actual utility situations.
Able to interpret, analyze and produce electrical models, drawings, and technical documents.
Able to apply knowledge of electrical theory and system operations to daily decisions.
Able to make informed decisions, follow procedures and comply with policies based on the knowledge of the work and the services provided by CenterPoint Energy.
Able to calculate system short circuit quantities using sequence networks.
Physical Requirements
Able to communicate either written and verbal communications either in person or through technical equipment such as telephone.
Able to demonstrate and apply the manual dexterity to operate a personal computer and common office equipment.
Able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a minimal amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
Able to sit, stand or walk for long periods of time.
Able to certify and use personal protective equipment, such as respirator, safety glasses, hardhat, gloves, protective footwear and earplugs on a daily basis.
Able to operate a motor vehicle and drive a motor vehicle daily or for extended time periods, in a safe manner, and enter/exit vehicle unassisted.
Working Conditions
Required to participate in CenterPoint Energy's Emergency Operation Plan (EOP).
Able to work in a fast-paced environment.
Able to work in an office environment.
Able to work indoors in an office environment and outdoors with occasional exposure to all weather conditions, equipment, and noise when at field installation sites.
Able to work regular hours, with occasional or mandatory overtime; may be required to work rotating shifts.

We want you to know
Being a part of the CenterPoint Energy team is more than a career alone. It's an opportunity to make a positive impact. You will be an integral part of enabling everyday life and the pursuit of possibilities for the customers we serve and the communities we share. The vital services we provide are at the core of making our world work, and by sharing your energy with us, we'll create a better tomorrow together.

What we bring to you

Competitive pay
Paid training
Benefits eligibility begins on your first day
Transit subsidies
Flexible work schedule, paid holidays and paid time off
Access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at our headquarters in Houston
Professional growth and development programs including tuition reimbursement
401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution

Job Type: Full Time
Posting Start Date: 06/15/2026
Posting End Date: 06/30/2026

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a), and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.

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Nearest Major Market: Houston