Substation Electrical Engineer Jobs in Minnesota
Substation Electrical Engineer jobs in Minnesota are concentrated in the Twin Cities metro, Duluth, and Rochester, where utilities, municipal power authorities, and engineering consultancies maintain steady hiring for professionals with experience in protection and control, high-voltage design, and grid modernization. Employers like Xcel Energy, Burns & McDonnell, and Leidos have maintained lasting engineering operations across the state, drawing candidates at every level from entry-level designers to senior protection engineers. Minnesota's ongoing transmission infrastructure investment and renewable energy integration keep demand for qualified substation engineers among the most active in the Midwest. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 9+ Substation Electrical Engineer jobs
The role – what you’ll do
Barr is seeking a substation physical design engineer to join our electrical engineering team. In this hybrid role, you will support the Engineering and Design business unit in interfacing with clients to develop substation physical design deliverables for utility upgrades, including greenfield/brownfield substations, wind facilities, and developer interconnection facilities. You will interface with clients, be responsible for understanding client and internal standards, and develop project deliverables on time and within budget.
A successful person in this role will have strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. They must possess a flexible working style and be willing to occasionally modify their schedule to meet deadlines and/or client needs. They must be able to work cooperatively in a project team environment that encourages self-initiative and demonstrate effective project organization and management skills.
Your impact – key responsibilities
Technical knowledge: substation and switching station physical design; substation general arrangement drawings; substation elevation views; bills of material; equipment layout; conduit layout; calculations including grounding analysis and design, cable, conduit, and transformer, sizing, lightning protection, and bus bracing; and specification preparation.
Project management: assist in planning, coordinating, and executing projects. Help ensure project milestones are met and provide regular updates to team members and clients.
Staff development: support the growth and development of team members.
Collaboration: build and sustain strong relationships with clients and internal teams. Collaborate across disciplines to align technical approaches with client goals while contributing to a positive, inclusive team culture.
About you – required core competencies
Education: bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field.
Experience: 5 years of relevant experience related to the job responsibilities described above.
Licenses/certifications: Professional Engineer (PE) certification or ability to obtain within one year.
Software: Power Systems Analysis experience (SKM, EasyPower, ETAP).
Driver’s license: possession of a current, valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by Barr, now or in the future.
Helpful additional experience (not required)
10+ years of experience at a consulting engineering or industrial company.
Experience working directly with clients.
Familiarity with industry codes and standards (NEC, NESC, IEEE, NFPA).
About the opportunity
Hybrid: a hybrid work arrangement may be considered for this position. A hybrid work arrangement refers to splitting time worked between a Barr office and a home office. This position can be based out of Barr's Denver or Fort Collins, Colorado; Minneapolis, Duluth, or Hibbing, Minnesota; Grand Rapids or Ann Arbor, Michigan; Bismarck, North Dakota; or Salt Lake City, Utah, offices.
Remote: a remote work arrangement may be considered for this position. A remote arrangement refers to working primarily from a home office. Remote arrangements will be considered based on candidate qualifications, local regulations, and Barr’s needs.
Travel expectation: up to 10–15 percent domestic fieldwork.
Work environment: ability to work in locations that feature the rough terrain typical of construction sites or require lifting or moving field testing equipment. Safety training will be provided prior to being given work assignments on these sites. Applicants may be asked to participate in a drug screening program at the request of specific clients. Candidates must be able to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
Compensation: Anticipated range of $92,000–125,000 annually. Compensation will vary based on relevant experience, education, skill level, and other compensable factors. Employees in this position may also be eligible for a discretionary cash bonus based on team and individual performance. This position is classified as exempt (salaried) under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
#LI-Hybrid #LI-Remote
Benefits - what we offer
We are committed to providing an employee experience that attracts and retains top talent. That's why we offer a competitive package of employee benefits - including some unique offerings not found at other companies. At Barr, we also believe that learning doesn't stop when you get your degree, which is why we provide coaching, mentoring, and support for ongoing educational opportunities to foster professional development at every stage of your career.
Competitive, affordable insurance plans: Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, accidental death insurance, and flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care
Retirement benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contribution and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with company contribution in Barr stock
Profit distribution: Barr has a "no retained earnings" model and distributes all profit to our employees through our annual bonus distribution plan, ESOP, and dividends to shareholders
Professional development benefits: Annual time and expense allowances, mentorship program, and many internal training opportunities
Work/life balance: Paid time off, holidays, overtime for non-exempt/hourly staff, and compensatory time for exempt/salaried staff (time off or pay for extra time worked), paid family leave
Wellness focus: Ergonomic analysis and equipment, Personal Protective Equipment allowance, wellbeing-focused educational opportunities
Please note that benefits eligibility is determined and may change based on part-time, reduced-time, or full-time status.
About us - why choose Barr
At Barr, you'll join a community of engineers, scientists, and professionals who will help you achieve your ambitions and build a meaningful, rewarding career. You'll serve as a trusted advisor to clients who value Barr's tailored solutions and commitment to exceptional service.
As part of our employee-owned firm, you'll contribute to a culture of commitment and camaraderie where staff can thrive as professionals. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and believe an inclusive workplace is critical to our success.
To learn more about Barr's culture and values, visit: https://www.barr.com/Careers/Our-culture
Open positions at Barr Engineering Co. do not have application deadlines. Barr Engineering Co. is an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
The role – what you’ll do
Barr is seeking a substation physical design engineer to join our electrical engineering team. In this hybrid role, you will support the Engineering and Design business unit in interfacing with clients to develop substation physical design deliverables for utility upgrades, including greenfield/brownfield substations, wind facilities, and developer interconnection facilities. You will interface with clients, be responsible for understanding client and internal standards, and develop project deliverables on time and within budget.
A successful person in this role will have strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. They must possess a flexible working style and be willing to occasionally modify their schedule to meet deadlines and/or client needs. They must be able to work cooperatively in a project team environment that encourages self-initiative and demonstrate effective project organization and management skills.
Your impact – key responsibilities
Technical knowledge: substation and switching station physical design; substation general arrangement drawings; substation elevation views; bills of material; equipment layout; conduit layout; calculations including grounding analysis and design, cable, conduit, and transformer, sizing, lightning protection, and bus bracing; and specification preparation.
Project management: assist in planning, coordinating, and executing projects. Help ensure project milestones are met and provide regular updates to team members and clients.
Staff development: support the growth and development of team members.
Collaboration: build and sustain strong relationships with clients and internal teams. Collaborate across disciplines to align technical approaches with client goals while contributing to a positive, inclusive team culture.
About you – required core competencies
Education: bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field.
Experience: 5 years of relevant experience related to the job responsibilities described above.
Licenses/certifications: Professional Engineer (PE) certification or ability to obtain within one year.
Software: Power Systems Analysis experience (SKM, EasyPower, ETAP).
Driver’s license: possession of a current, valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by Barr, now or in the future.
Helpful additional experience (not required)
10+ years of experience at a consulting engineering or industrial company.
Experience working directly with clients.
Familiarity with industry codes and standards (NEC, NESC, IEEE, NFPA).
About the opportunity
Hybrid: a hybrid work arrangement may be considered for this position. A hybrid work arrangement refers to splitting time worked between a Barr office and a home office. This position can be based out of Barr's Denver or Fort Collins, Colorado; Minneapolis, Duluth, or Hibbing, Minnesota; Grand Rapids or Ann Arbor, Michigan; Bismarck, North Dakota; or Salt Lake City, Utah, offices.
Remote: a remote work arrangement may be considered for this position. A remote arrangement refers to working primarily from a home office. Remote arrangements will be considered based on candidate qualifications, local regulations, and Barr’s needs.
Travel expectation: up to 10–15 percent domestic fieldwork.
Work environment: ability to work in locations that feature the rough terrain typical of construction sites or require lifting or moving field testing equipment. Safety training will be provided prior to being given work assignments on these sites. Applicants may be asked to participate in a drug screening program at the request of specific clients. Candidates must be able to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
Compensation: Anticipated range of $92,000–125,000 annually. Compensation will vary based on relevant experience, education, skill level, and other compensable factors. Employees in this position may also be eligible for a discretionary cash bonus based on team and individual performance. This position is classified as exempt (salaried) under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
#LI-Hybrid #LI-Remote
Benefits - what we offer
We are committed to providing an employee experience that attracts and retains top talent. That's why we offer a competitive package of employee benefits - including some unique offerings not found at other companies. At Barr, we also believe that learning doesn't stop when you get your degree, which is why we provide coaching, mentoring, and support for ongoing educational opportunities to foster professional development at every stage of your career.
Competitive, affordable insurance plans: Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, accidental death insurance, and flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care
Retirement benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contribution and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with company contribution in Barr stock
Profit distribution: Barr has a "no retained earnings" model and distributes all profit to our employees through our annual bonus distribution plan, ESOP, and dividends to shareholders
Professional development benefits: Annual time and expense allowances, mentorship program, and many internal training opportunities
Work/life balance: Paid time off, holidays, overtime for non-exempt/hourly staff, and compensatory time for exempt/salaried staff (time off or pay for extra time worked), paid family leave
Wellness focus: Ergonomic analysis and equipment, Personal Protective Equipment allowance, wellbeing-focused educational opportunities
Please note that benefits eligibility is determined and may change based on part-time, reduced-time, or full-time status.
About us - why choose Barr
At Barr, you'll join a community of engineers, scientists, and professionals who will help you achieve your ambitions and build a meaningful, rewarding career. You'll serve as a trusted advisor to clients who value Barr's tailored solutions and commitment to exceptional service.
As part of our employee-owned firm, you'll contribute to a culture of commitment and camaraderie where staff can thrive as professionals. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and believe an inclusive workplace is critical to our success.
To learn more about Barr's culture and values, visit: https://www.barr.com/Careers/Our-culture
Open positions at Barr Engineering Co. do not have application deadlines. Barr Engineering Co. is an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
See All 9 Substation Electrical Engineer Jobs in Minnesota
Find roles in Minnesota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsSubstation Electrical Engineer Jobs by City in Minnesota
Where Minnesota roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Substation Electrical Engineer Job Market in Minnesota
A snapshot from current Minnesota openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Construction & Real Estate
What Minnesota Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in substation electrical engineer jobs across Minnesota.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license issued or recognized by the Minnesota Board of AELSLAGID
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from an ABET-accredited program
- Experience with protection and control design for high-voltage substations
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, CYME, ETAP, or similar power systems design software
- Familiarity with NERC reliability standards and applicable IEEE substation design guidelines
- Ability to perform field work at energized substation sites with valid driver's license
Substation Electrical Engineer Jobs in Minnesota: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a substation electrical engineer in Minnesota?
You need a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering followed by licensure through the Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design, commonly called AELSLAGID. The path runs from an EIT designation after passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam to a full PE license after accumulating qualifying work experience and passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. Most Minnesota utilities and engineering firms require or strongly prefer the PE for substation roles.
How much do substation electrical engineers make in Minnesota?
Substation electrical engineers in Minnesota earn a median of about $109,510 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $78,750 for the lowest 10% to over $167,030 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire substation electrical engineers in Minnesota?
Minnesota substation electrical engineer roles are posted by Black & Veatch, WSP, and Ulteig and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Minnesota's combination of investor-owned utilities, municipal power systems, and large engineering consultancies serving the regional grid creates consistent year-round openings across experience levels.
Which Minnesota cities have the most substation electrical engineer jobs?
Bloomington, Minneapolis, and Saint Paul account for the largest share of substation electrical engineer openings in Minnesota. The Twin Cities metro drives the most volume because Xcel Energy's regional operations and several major engineering consultancies are headquartered there, while Duluth and Rochester reflect utility expansion tied to northern transmission infrastructure and regional medical and industrial load growth.
Are there remote substation electrical engineer jobs in Minnesota?
Yes, but they're rare. Substation engineering requires frequent site visits, field verification, and hands-on commissioning work that cannot be done remotely. About 60% of substation electrical engineer openings tied to Minnesota are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions are typically limited to design review, report writing, and project coordination tasks rather than full project delivery roles.
How can I get hired as a substation electrical engineer in Minnesota with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to utilities and engineering consultancies as a junior electrical engineer or design engineer, where new graduates support senior engineers on protection schematics, relay settings, and drawing production. Xcel Energy and firms like Burns & McDonnell regularly bring on new graduates in Minnesota into rotational or project-support roles. Completing the EIT designation before applying and building AutoCAD or ETAP proficiency through coursework gives candidates a clear edge over applicants without those credentials.
Where can I find and apply to substation electrical engineer jobs in Minnesota?
You can find and apply to substation electrical engineer jobs in Minnesota on Migrate Mate, which lists current Minnesota openings from utilities, engineering firms, and contractors across the state. Find roles that fit your experience and specialization and apply directly to the employer through each listing.
See All 9 Substation Electrical Engineer Jobs in Minnesota
Find roles in Minnesota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs