Senior Level Substation Electrical Engineer Jobs
Senior level substation electrical engineer jobs put experienced engineers in charge of project direction, design authority, and the teams responsible for delivering complex high-voltage infrastructure. Openings concentrate across Consulting & Professional Services and Construction & Real Estate, with a mix of on-site, remote, and hybrid positions available, and employers like Arcadis, Burns & McDonnell, and WSP hiring at this level now.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 22+ Senior Level Substation Electrical Engineer jobs
This Opportunity
WSP’s Federal Power and Energy Team is currently initiating a search for a Lead Substation Electrical Engineer . The ideal candidate will be located in Boise, ID; Honolulu, HI; Virginia Beach, VA; or Huntsville AL; though other locations may be considered.
The Federal Power and Energy Team is a growing organization within the Federal Business Line focusing on mission critical facilities and energy infrastructure projects for the Department of Defense (DOD).
This role will lead the engineering efforts for substation projects across the US and internationally. Substation projects within the context of the DOD are typically 115kV, open air and GIS, and below projects, with most substations operating as metal clad switchgear and control enclosures operating at 35kV. It’s expected the project engineer will take a key role in performing or leading the engineering efforts for the substation design: site/civil, grounding, electrical considerations, SCADA, protection/relaying, lighting, and any climate control requirements.
As a key contributor, you will play a significant role in supporting complex substation design projects, managing project execution, and mentoring junior staff. This position offers the opportunity to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and make a significant impact on our team and our projects.
Your Impact
- Review, comment and offer advice on third-party design documents, procurement lists, and project plans.
- Perform professional and more complex electrical engineering work and technical reviews including the development of single lines, three lines, and wiring diagrams; general arrangements; equipment layouts and bus arrangements; grounding grid designs; lightning protection risk analysis and system design; conformance with industry standards, and support construction and operating permit applications as needed.
- Verify the characteristics of a site, providing technical input and guidance on various engineering, design, testing, maintenance modifications, and construction procedures and issues.
- Develop electrical calculations that include but are not limited to load analysis, short circuit analysis, protective device time-current coordination study, arc flash analysis, voltage drop calculations, point-by-point yard lighting calculations, underground structure design, cable pulling tension calculations, equipment sizing, grounding touch and step potentials, protective device coordination and protective relaying device settings.
- Develop contract documents including but not limited to electrical plans, and specifications; preparing construction phasing and sequence of construction plans; and updating electrical infrastructure layout plans that require coordination with owners, other disciplines, sub-consultants, and clients.
- Work individually or as part of a cross-functional team of engineers, planners, scientific, and construction professionals to execute project work on multiple concurrent projects; assist with installation layouts, calculating costs and quantities of material/equipment/labor, and ensuring project work conforms with owner project requirements, specifications, permit applications, compliance documentation, and regulatory and technical analysis memos.
- Provide guidance and training to entry-and mid-level engineers.
- Prepare technical reports and presentations that explain research, findings, and recommendations to improve, prevent, control, restore, or address design and/or construction issues or opportunities.
- Assist in the analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of data obtained during field investigations, offering input with developing action plans for moderate- to high-level risk mitigation activities.
- Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures. Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, or equivalent
- 10+ years of relevant electrical engineering experience in the design and specification of medium voltage power distribution systems and 15kV through 115kV substations, medium voltage power distribution systems, grounding, lightning protection, and design experience providing design deliverables for large capital projects.
- Professional Engineering license (PE).
- Due to client requirements, US citizenship is required.
- Knowledge and experience with federal government project design with understanding of and direct application of UFCs, UFGSs, FCs, the NEC, ANSI/IEEE standards, NFPA standards, and ICC standards.
- Direct experience working as a consultant on DOD projects.
- Proven experience with client interaction as a senior electrical subject matter expert with an ability to lead and mentor others.
- Experience filling the role of electrical engineer for several substation projects occurring concurrently
- Demonstrates competence and comprehensive knowledge concerning adjacent disciplines such as electrical engineering, P&C, SCADA, and telecom.
- Well-defined specific knowledge of relevant engineering and electrical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
- Well-developed ability to make technical computations and calculations involving the application of electrical engineering principles, understanding plans and specifications, and making factual comparisons to the appropriate regulations.
- Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
- Demonstrated high-level of self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
- Works independently with minimal oversight and provides guidance and leadership to junior team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
- Highly proficient with technical writing, office automation, discipline-specific design software (i.e., Inventor, AutoCAD electrical), technology, math principles, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
- Well-developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, computations, statistical analysis and arriving at the most effective, economical, and logical solution.
- Demonstrated effectiveness at coordinating and assertively directing subcontractors and others to consistently complete tasks safely and efficiently.
- Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
- Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek and/or hours. Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in Engineering, or equivalent.
- 15+ years of experience in substation design.
- Experience up to 230kV substation design
- Experience managing people on a multi-disciplinary project team.
- Experience with MicroStation (V8 or newer), AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, or Inventor.
- Solid foundation utilizing power distribution modeling software including SKM PTW and ETAP. SpecsIntact specification authoring and editing experience.
WSP Benefits:
WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.
Compensation:
Expected Salary (all locations): $119,600 - $213,200
WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.
Expected Salary (Colorado only): $119,600 - $200,100
WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and/or offer for this position within the state of Colorado, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.
#LI-AW1
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
www.wsp.com
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.
This Opportunity
WSP’s Federal Power and Energy Team is currently initiating a search for a Lead Substation Electrical Engineer . The ideal candidate will be located in Boise, ID; Honolulu, HI; Virginia Beach, VA; or Huntsville AL; though other locations may be considered.
The Federal Power and Energy Team is a growing organization within the Federal Business Line focusing on mission critical facilities and energy infrastructure projects for the Department of Defense (DOD).
This role will lead the engineering efforts for substation projects across the US and internationally. Substation projects within the context of the DOD are typically 115kV, open air and GIS, and below projects, with most substations operating as metal clad switchgear and control enclosures operating at 35kV. It’s expected the project engineer will take a key role in performing or leading the engineering efforts for the substation design: site/civil, grounding, electrical considerations, SCADA, protection/relaying, lighting, and any climate control requirements.
As a key contributor, you will play a significant role in supporting complex substation design projects, managing project execution, and mentoring junior staff. This position offers the opportunity to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and make a significant impact on our team and our projects.
Your Impact
- Review, comment and offer advice on third-party design documents, procurement lists, and project plans.
- Perform professional and more complex electrical engineering work and technical reviews including the development of single lines, three lines, and wiring diagrams; general arrangements; equipment layouts and bus arrangements; grounding grid designs; lightning protection risk analysis and system design; conformance with industry standards, and support construction and operating permit applications as needed.
- Verify the characteristics of a site, providing technical input and guidance on various engineering, design, testing, maintenance modifications, and construction procedures and issues.
- Develop electrical calculations that include but are not limited to load analysis, short circuit analysis, protective device time-current coordination study, arc flash analysis, voltage drop calculations, point-by-point yard lighting calculations, underground structure design, cable pulling tension calculations, equipment sizing, grounding touch and step potentials, protective device coordination and protective relaying device settings.
- Develop contract documents including but not limited to electrical plans, and specifications; preparing construction phasing and sequence of construction plans; and updating electrical infrastructure layout plans that require coordination with owners, other disciplines, sub-consultants, and clients.
- Work individually or as part of a cross-functional team of engineers, planners, scientific, and construction professionals to execute project work on multiple concurrent projects; assist with installation layouts, calculating costs and quantities of material/equipment/labor, and ensuring project work conforms with owner project requirements, specifications, permit applications, compliance documentation, and regulatory and technical analysis memos.
- Provide guidance and training to entry-and mid-level engineers.
- Prepare technical reports and presentations that explain research, findings, and recommendations to improve, prevent, control, restore, or address design and/or construction issues or opportunities.
- Assist in the analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of data obtained during field investigations, offering input with developing action plans for moderate- to high-level risk mitigation activities.
- Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures. Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, or equivalent
- 10+ years of relevant electrical engineering experience in the design and specification of medium voltage power distribution systems and 15kV through 115kV substations, medium voltage power distribution systems, grounding, lightning protection, and design experience providing design deliverables for large capital projects.
- Professional Engineering license (PE).
- Due to client requirements, US citizenship is required.
- Knowledge and experience with federal government project design with understanding of and direct application of UFCs, UFGSs, FCs, the NEC, ANSI/IEEE standards, NFPA standards, and ICC standards.
- Direct experience working as a consultant on DOD projects.
- Proven experience with client interaction as a senior electrical subject matter expert with an ability to lead and mentor others.
- Experience filling the role of electrical engineer for several substation projects occurring concurrently
- Demonstrates competence and comprehensive knowledge concerning adjacent disciplines such as electrical engineering, P&C, SCADA, and telecom.
- Well-defined specific knowledge of relevant engineering and electrical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
- Well-developed ability to make technical computations and calculations involving the application of electrical engineering principles, understanding plans and specifications, and making factual comparisons to the appropriate regulations.
- Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
- Demonstrated high-level of self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
- Works independently with minimal oversight and provides guidance and leadership to junior team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
- Highly proficient with technical writing, office automation, discipline-specific design software (i.e., Inventor, AutoCAD electrical), technology, math principles, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
- Well-developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, computations, statistical analysis and arriving at the most effective, economical, and logical solution.
- Demonstrated effectiveness at coordinating and assertively directing subcontractors and others to consistently complete tasks safely and efficiently.
- Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
- Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek and/or hours. Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in Engineering, or equivalent.
- 15+ years of experience in substation design.
- Experience up to 230kV substation design
- Experience managing people on a multi-disciplinary project team.
- Experience with MicroStation (V8 or newer), AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, or Inventor.
- Solid foundation utilizing power distribution modeling software including SKM PTW and ETAP. SpecsIntact specification authoring and editing experience.
WSP Benefits:
WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.
Compensation:
Expected Salary (all locations): $119,600 - $213,200
WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.
Expected Salary (Colorado only): $119,600 - $200,100
WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and/or offer for this position within the state of Colorado, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.
#LI-AW1
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
www.wsp.com
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.
See All 22 Senior Level Substation Electrical Engineer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsSenior Level Substation Electrical Engineer Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Arcadis15
- Burns & McDonnell4
- WSP1
- Black & Veatch1
- Milhouse Engineering and Construction1
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Construction & Real Estate
Senior Level Substation Electrical Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a senior level substation electrical engineer job?
Employers at this level look for engineers who can own the full design lifecycle, from conceptual layout through commissioning, without close supervision. What gives candidates an edge is demonstrated experience leading protection and control schemes, familiarity with applicable IEEE and NERC standards, and a history of mentoring junior engineers. Strong project delivery credentials and the ability to interface directly with clients or utilities are equally important.
Which companies hire senior level substation electrical engineers?
Companies hiring senior level substation electrical engineers right now include Arcadis, Burns & McDonnell, and WSP, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Hiring at this level comes from a broad mix of engineering and construction firms, investor-owned utilities, independent power producers, and grid infrastructure contractors actively expanding their senior technical staff.
Are there remote senior level substation electrical engineer jobs?
Yes, though the role is more site-dependent than many engineering disciplines. About 12% of senior level substation electrical engineer openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with fully remote opportunities most common in design-focused or standards-development roles. Positions involving field commissioning, inspection, or construction oversight typically require on-site presence.
What makes a substation electrical engineer role senior level?
Senior level roles are defined by technical ownership and scope. Engineers at this stage lead substation design from single-line diagrams through protection coordination studies, make final engineering decisions, and are accountable for project outcomes rather than individual tasks. They typically mentor mid-level and junior staff, drive quality reviews, and serve as the primary technical point of contact for clients, utilities, or contractors.
Which industries hire the most senior level substation electrical engineers?
Senior level substation electrical engineer roles concentrate in Consulting & Professional Services and Construction & Real Estate, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because grid modernization, renewable energy integration, and transmission infrastructure investment all require experienced engineers capable of leading complex, high-stakes substation projects from design through energization.