Substation Engineer Jobs in Washington
Substation Engineer jobs in Washington are concentrated in the Seattle metro, Tacoma, and the Tri-Cities, where utilities and energy infrastructure projects generate consistent demand for protection, relay, and high-voltage design specialists. Major employers with an established presence in Washington include Puget Sound Energy, Bonneville Power Administration, and Burns & McDonnell. Openings range from entry-level field engineers to senior relay protection engineers and project managers overseeing grid modernization work. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 20+ Substation Engineer jobs
Puget Sound Energy is looking to grow our community with top talented individuals like you! With our rapidly growing, award winning energy efficiency programs, our pathway to an exciting and innovative future is now.
PSE's Engineering Operations team is looking for qualified candidates to fill an open Engineer I - Substation Controls position!
Specific details regarding the work arrangements for this position will be discussed in further detail during the interview process.
Job Description
Substation Controls Design is looking for an engineer to join our team! This engineer will be responsible for designing controls systems for substations containing voltages of 12kV and above (typical transmission levels are 115 kV and 230 kV). Control systems at PSE are defined as all wiring for switchyard equipment, control house, and control panel devices up to the protective relays. The controls engineers at PSE are also responsible for field support and developing all project construction drawings including detailed schematics and wiring diagrams to integrate relays and other electrical components inside substations to operate, protect, and automate our electrical grid. Project work can include planned programs such as "brownfield" substation equipment upgrades and SCADA integration, new substation or "greenfield" design, and emergency equipment replacements. This role is in the Substation Engineering group and closely coordinates design with other PSE engineering teams including System Protection and Relay Engineering who are responsible for modeling, coordinating, and producing relay settings, and operations support, and Substation Design who are responsible for the electrical assembly and civil site design.
Under direct supervision of more experienced staff, conducts simple analyses in support of the preparation of engineering plans, designs, specifications, standards, cost estimates, system studies, and other such evaluations. Works on assignments designed to develop professional knowledge and abilities that require application of standard techniques, procedures, and criteria in carrying out a sequence of related engineering tasks. Supports emergency response operations when needed.
Upholds the safety compliance standards inherent in PSE’s operating and/or field procedures related to work responsibilities. Promotes and supports a culture of total safety.
Demonstrates commitment to conduct business honestly, ethically and consistent with our core values and Code of Conduct. Ensures duties are performed in accordance with all regulatory compliance obligations.
This job is considered “safety sensitive” as defined in RCW 49.44.240 and is subject to pre-employment drug screening that includes screening for the presence of marijuana and marijuana metabolites.
Job Responsibilities
- Applies basic engineering principles, practices, theories and methods and use of commonly applied engineering approaches and calculations.
- Uses judgment in the selection and application of engineering methods, the modification of standard models, designs, or procedures, and when correlating data and recognizing discrepancies in results.
- Prepares cost estimates and specifications, performs engineering studies and designs, conducts office and field research.
- Plans and develops project budgets with appropriate project documentation.
- Provides verification and field measurements of new equipment and system installations.
- Acquires performance data from new and existing equipment or systems and validates against design parameters.
- Supports emergency response work as requested including immediate and extended restoration efforts driven by weather and other system failures.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- ABET accredited, or completed NCEES Credentials evaluated, Bachelor of Science degree in electrical, mechanical, civil or other appropriate engineering discipline. An EIT or FE certificate may qualify in lieu of ABET accreditation.
- Entry level to three (3) years of experience in engineering design, preparation of specifications, technical field work, or system studies. Other prior non-engineering work experience may be considered for individuals at this level.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience working with both internal and external customers on projects.
- Familiar with codes and equipment utilized in the design and operation of utility systems.
- Experience with coordinating external consultants in the execution of a project.
- Possession of EIT certificate and ability to acquire PE license.
- Knowledge of engineering economics and utility accounting practices.
- MicroStation or AutoCAD experience.
Additional Information
At PSE, we value our employees and provide them with opportunities to excel. We offer a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package. To learn more about why PSE is a great place to work, see our Employee Value Proposition, which highlights our commitment to employee growth, work-life balance, and meaningful career opportunities in the energy sector.
The pay range for this position is $80,200.00 - $115,800.00, and this position is eligible for annual goals based incentive bonuses.
PSE offers a suite of benefits to our employees. Employees are eligible for medical, dental, vision, basic life, and short- and long-term disability insurance. There are additional voluntary options of supplemental life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent daycare, and an Employee assistance program (EAP). For long term savings, PSE offers a 401(k) investment option and a cash balance retirement plan. Employees will also receive Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays throughout the calendar year. Detailed benefit overviews can be found on our Career page - Why Work For Us (pse.com).
Families and businesses depend on PSE to provide the energy they need to pursue their dreams. Our steadfast commitment to serving Washington communities with safe, dependable and efficient energy started in 1873. Today we're building the Northwest's energy future through efforts like our award winning energy efficiency programs and our leadership in renewable energy.
Puget Sound Energy is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status or presence of a disability that with or without reasonable accommodation does not prevent performance of the essential functions of the job, or any other category prohibited by local, state or federal law.
Should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources Staffing department at jobs@pse.com or 425-462-3017.
Puget Sound Energy is looking to grow our community with top talented individuals like you! With our rapidly growing, award winning energy efficiency programs, our pathway to an exciting and innovative future is now.
PSE's Engineering Operations team is looking for qualified candidates to fill an open Engineer I - Substation Controls position!
Specific details regarding the work arrangements for this position will be discussed in further detail during the interview process.
Job Description
Substation Controls Design is looking for an engineer to join our team! This engineer will be responsible for designing controls systems for substations containing voltages of 12kV and above (typical transmission levels are 115 kV and 230 kV). Control systems at PSE are defined as all wiring for switchyard equipment, control house, and control panel devices up to the protective relays. The controls engineers at PSE are also responsible for field support and developing all project construction drawings including detailed schematics and wiring diagrams to integrate relays and other electrical components inside substations to operate, protect, and automate our electrical grid. Project work can include planned programs such as "brownfield" substation equipment upgrades and SCADA integration, new substation or "greenfield" design, and emergency equipment replacements. This role is in the Substation Engineering group and closely coordinates design with other PSE engineering teams including System Protection and Relay Engineering who are responsible for modeling, coordinating, and producing relay settings, and operations support, and Substation Design who are responsible for the electrical assembly and civil site design.
Under direct supervision of more experienced staff, conducts simple analyses in support of the preparation of engineering plans, designs, specifications, standards, cost estimates, system studies, and other such evaluations. Works on assignments designed to develop professional knowledge and abilities that require application of standard techniques, procedures, and criteria in carrying out a sequence of related engineering tasks. Supports emergency response operations when needed.
Upholds the safety compliance standards inherent in PSE’s operating and/or field procedures related to work responsibilities. Promotes and supports a culture of total safety.
Demonstrates commitment to conduct business honestly, ethically and consistent with our core values and Code of Conduct. Ensures duties are performed in accordance with all regulatory compliance obligations.
This job is considered “safety sensitive” as defined in RCW 49.44.240 and is subject to pre-employment drug screening that includes screening for the presence of marijuana and marijuana metabolites.
Job Responsibilities
- Applies basic engineering principles, practices, theories and methods and use of commonly applied engineering approaches and calculations.
- Uses judgment in the selection and application of engineering methods, the modification of standard models, designs, or procedures, and when correlating data and recognizing discrepancies in results.
- Prepares cost estimates and specifications, performs engineering studies and designs, conducts office and field research.
- Plans and develops project budgets with appropriate project documentation.
- Provides verification and field measurements of new equipment and system installations.
- Acquires performance data from new and existing equipment or systems and validates against design parameters.
- Supports emergency response work as requested including immediate and extended restoration efforts driven by weather and other system failures.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- ABET accredited, or completed NCEES Credentials evaluated, Bachelor of Science degree in electrical, mechanical, civil or other appropriate engineering discipline. An EIT or FE certificate may qualify in lieu of ABET accreditation.
- Entry level to three (3) years of experience in engineering design, preparation of specifications, technical field work, or system studies. Other prior non-engineering work experience may be considered for individuals at this level.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience working with both internal and external customers on projects.
- Familiar with codes and equipment utilized in the design and operation of utility systems.
- Experience with coordinating external consultants in the execution of a project.
- Possession of EIT certificate and ability to acquire PE license.
- Knowledge of engineering economics and utility accounting practices.
- MicroStation or AutoCAD experience.
Additional Information
At PSE, we value our employees and provide them with opportunities to excel. We offer a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package. To learn more about why PSE is a great place to work, see our Employee Value Proposition, which highlights our commitment to employee growth, work-life balance, and meaningful career opportunities in the energy sector.
The pay range for this position is $80,200.00 - $115,800.00, and this position is eligible for annual goals based incentive bonuses.
PSE offers a suite of benefits to our employees. Employees are eligible for medical, dental, vision, basic life, and short- and long-term disability insurance. There are additional voluntary options of supplemental life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent daycare, and an Employee assistance program (EAP). For long term savings, PSE offers a 401(k) investment option and a cash balance retirement plan. Employees will also receive Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays throughout the calendar year. Detailed benefit overviews can be found on our Career page - Why Work For Us (pse.com).
Families and businesses depend on PSE to provide the energy they need to pursue their dreams. Our steadfast commitment to serving Washington communities with safe, dependable and efficient energy started in 1873. Today we're building the Northwest's energy future through efforts like our award winning energy efficiency programs and our leadership in renewable energy.
Puget Sound Energy is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status or presence of a disability that with or without reasonable accommodation does not prevent performance of the essential functions of the job, or any other category prohibited by local, state or federal law.
Should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources Staffing department at jobs@pse.com or 425-462-3017.
See All 20 Substation Engineer Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Substation Engineer JobsSubstation Engineer Jobs by City in Washington
Where Washington roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Substation Engineer Job Market in Washington
A snapshot from current Washington openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Energy
- Construction & Real Estate
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Washington Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in substation engineer jobs across Washington.
- Washington Professional Engineer license or eligibility for reciprocal registration through OSPI
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a closely related engineering discipline
- Hands-on experience with protection and control systems, relay settings, or substation design
- Proficiency with industry design tools such as AutoCAD, ETAP, or SKM Power Tools
- Familiarity with NERC reliability standards and IEEE substation design specifications
- Strong ability to coordinate with utilities, contractors, and regulatory bodies throughout project lifecycle
Substation Engineer Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a substation engineer in Washington?
The standard path begins with a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering followed by registration as a Professional Engineer through the Washington State Department of Licensing, which requires passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and, after gaining qualifying experience, the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. Washington offers reciprocal licensure for engineers already licensed in other states. Many positions do not strictly require a PE license at the entry level, but it is a common expectation for senior or lead roles.
Which companies hire substation engineers in Washington?
Companies currently hiring substation engineers in Washington include Puget Sound Energy, Quanta Services, and Quanta Infrastructure Solutions, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Washington's mix of investor-owned utilities, federal power authorities, and active energy consulting and EPC firms creates a broad range of employers beyond the largest names.
Which Washington cities have the most substation engineer jobs?
Spokane Valley, Kent, and Pullman account for the largest share of substation engineer openings in Washington. The Seattle metro draws the most postings because it is home to major utility headquarters and a dense cluster of engineering consulting firms, while the Tri-Cities area generates strong demand through Bonneville Power Administration operations and the energy infrastructure supporting the region's agricultural and industrial load.
Are there remote substation engineer jobs in Washington?
Yes, but they are rare. Substation engineering is fundamentally a field-oriented discipline involving site walks, equipment commissioning, and hands-on relay testing that cannot be done remotely. About 0% of substation engineer openings tied to Washington are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those tend to involve design review, protection settings analysis, or project management tasks rather than construction or commissioning work.
How can I get hired as a substation engineer in Washington with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is an entry-level or associate engineer role at a Washington utility or engineering firm, where you work alongside licensed PEs on substation design and protection projects. Puget Sound Energy and Bonneville Power Administration both run structured new-graduate programs. Candidates with internship experience, ETAP coursework, or a completed Fundamentals of Engineering exam tend to move to the front of the line. Lateral entry from power systems, electrical design, or transmission line engineering roles is also common at consulting and EPC firms active in Washington.
Where can I find and apply to substation engineer jobs in Washington?
You can find and apply to substation engineer jobs in Washington on Migrate Mate, which lists current Washington openings. Search the listings to find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match your experience and location preferences.
See All 20 Substation Engineer Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Substation Engineer Jobs