Assistant Substation Engineer, Electrical - Transmission & Distribution (Southfield)

Burns & McDonnell; Southfield (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Burns & McDonnell is seeking an Assistant Substation Engineer in Southfield, MI. You will support licensed engineers in designing high-voltage substations (13kV to 765kV) and preparing design deliverables for new and modified projects.

You will help with calculations, sketches, cost estimates, and documentation while applying IEEE/NESC standards. Strong teamwork and communication are essential for project success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from an accredited program.
• ABET accreditation strongly preferred.
• Internship or related consulting experience preferred.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA strongly preferred.
• Involvement on campus or in the community preferred.
• Basic knowledge of standard engineering techniques and procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office).
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and teamwork ability.
• Desire to work in a collaborative team environment.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• EIT Certification preferred.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work permanently in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing substation projects from conceptual phase through completion.
• Prepare and develop substation design packages (arrangements, relaying, grounding, lighting, security).
• Develop substation calculations (insulation, DC/AC systems, voltage drop, cable sizing).
• Prepare design sketches, cost estimates, BOMs, equipment specs.
• Apply IEEE, NESC, and other standards; participate in field inspections.
• Research and compile project data; support client presentations and reports.
• Identify and resolve project issues; ensure QA/QC adherence.
• Support project schedule adherence and deliverables to client satisfaction.

Skills

Excellent communication

Attention to detail

Critical thinking

Team collaboration

Leadership potential

EIT certification preferred

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

ABET accreditation preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Description

The Assistant Substation Engineer will work under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer to assist project staff in the preparation of design deliverables for new and modified high-voltage (13kV to 765kV) electrical power substation projects. The Assistant Substation Engineer will work with the project team through the design and construction process, adapting engineering plans according to budget constraints, design factors, or client needs.

• Assists in the design of substation projects from the conceptual phase through completion.

• Assists in the preparation and development of substation design packages including, but not limited to, physical arrangement above and below grade, protective relaying and control, electrical studies such as grounding and lightning analysis, and lighting and security.

• Assists in the development of substation calculations including, but not limited to, insulation, AC station service, DC systems and battery sizing, voltage drop, cable sizing, and conduit fill.

• Assists in the preparation of design sketches, cost estimates, equipment specifications, bill of materials, and other required deliverables.

• Applies basic knowledge of IEEE, NESC, and other industry and utility standards, guides, specifications and procedures.

• Assists with field inspections for substation facilities on public and private utility systems.

• Assists with research and compile project-related data as required by the project managers.

• Assists with client presentations, reports, and visualizations to demonstrate technical results and project status.

• Identifies, communicates and assists in resolving issues on projects as needed.

• Adheres to established project schedule to meet deadlines.

• Works closely with the project team to ensure deliverables and services are being provided to client’s satisfaction and that projects are following internal QA/QC guidelines.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field from a recognized, accredited program required.

• ABET accreditation strongly preferred.

• Prior internship and/or related consulting experience preferred.

• Minimum of a 3.0 GPA strongly preferred.

• Involvement on campus or in the community preferred.

• Basic knowledge in standard engineering techniques, principles and procedures.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Proficient computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite).

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Demonstrated critical thinking skills.

• Desire to work in a collaborative team environment.

• Demonstrated leadership skills.

• Engineers in Training (EIT) Certification preferred.

• Candidates must be legally authorized to work permanently (i.e., without time limitations, without restrictions or without need for work sponsorship) in the country where this position is located.

This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Job Electrical Engineering

Primary Location US-MI-Southfield

Schedule: Full-time

Travel: Yes, 10 % of the Time

Req ID: 264293

Job Hire Type New Grad #LI-AM #T&D N/A