Substation Engineer Jobs in Minnesota
Substation Engineer jobs in Minnesota concentrate around the Twin Cities metro, Duluth, and Rochester, where utilities and energy infrastructure firms maintain large transmission and distribution networks. Major employers with lasting Minnesota operations include Xcel Energy, Minnesota Power, and Great River Energy, all of which hire across protection and control engineering, relay settings, and high-voltage substation design. Demand runs from entry-level design roles up to senior project engineers overseeing capital build programs. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 24+ Substation 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 24 Substation Engineer Jobs in Minnesota
Find roles in Minnesota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Substation Engineer JobsSubstation Engineer Jobs by City in Minnesota
Where Minnesota roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Substation Engineer Job Market in Minnesota
A snapshot from current Minnesota openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services12
- Energy4
- Automotive3
- Construction & Real Estate2
What Minnesota Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in substation engineer jobs across Minnesota.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a closely related field required
- Professional Engineer license issued or recognized by the Minnesota Board of AELSLAGID preferred
- Three or more years of substation design, protection, or commissioning experience
- Proficiency with AutoCAD, CYME, or similar electrical design and analysis software
- Familiarity with NERC reliability standards and applicable IEEE substation design guides
- Ability to work on energized or de-energized high-voltage equipment at field sites
Substation Engineer Jobs in Minnesota: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a substation engineer in Minnesota?
You start with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, then gain field or design experience in protection, control, or high-voltage systems. Licensure as a Professional Engineer through the Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design strengthens your standing significantly, especially for project-lead roles. Many Minnesota utilities and engineering consultancies expect or actively require PE licensure for senior substation positions.
Which companies hire substation engineers in Minnesota?
Minnesota substation engineer roles are posted by Black & Veatch, Sargent & Lundy, and WSP and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Minnesota's mix of investor-owned utilities, rural electric cooperatives, and engineering consulting firms means openings appear across a wider range of employer types than in many other states.
Which Minnesota cities have the most substation engineer jobs?
Minneapolis, Bloomington, and Eden Prairie account for the largest share of substation engineer openings in Minnesota. The Twin Cities drive the bulk of postings because Xcel Energy's headquarters, major engineering consultancies, and transmission planning groups are all based there, while Duluth and other regional centers reflect the footprint of Minnesota Power and cooperative utility networks serving northern and rural parts of the state.
Are there remote substation engineer jobs in Minnesota?
Yes, but they're rare. Substation engineering is largely a field-oriented discipline requiring site visits, equipment commissioning, and hands-on relay testing, which limits full remote work. About 75% of substation engineer openings tied to Minnesota are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those tend to be study, planning, or CAD-heavy design roles rather than commissioning or protection-setting positions.
How can I get hired as a substation engineer in Minnesota with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to new-grad or associate engineer rotational programs at Minnesota's large utilities, particularly Xcel Energy and Minnesota Power, which both recruit electrical engineering graduates for structured development roles. Entry-level positions often carry titles like junior protection engineer, electrical designer, or substation design associate. Candidates coming from adjacent roles in electrical construction, relay technician work, or power systems coursework with a strong senior design project have a clear edge, as do those who have passed the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.
Where can I find and apply to substation engineer jobs in Minnesota?
Migrate Mate lists current substation engineer openings in Minnesota pulled from active employer postings. Search the roles available, find the ones that match your experience and location, and apply directly through each listing. No signup is required to search or view the openings.
See All 24 Substation Engineer Jobs in Minnesota
Find roles in Minnesota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Substation Engineer Jobs