Electrical Engineering Lead - Substations

VHB; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Best-in-class benefits

Hybrid work environment

Learning and development supported by—

Job summary

VHB is seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer Lead with extensive substation experience to join our Energy Engineering practice. The role focuses on leading electrical engineering services for transmission and distribution substations, while collaborating across disciplines and driving business development.

You will manage projects from initiation to closeout, mentor staff, and ensure compliance with standards and client requirements.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering required; MS in Electrical Engineering a plus.
• 8+ years of experience required; 5+ years in electrical substation area a plus.
• Experience with ETAP, CDEGS, CAPE, Aspen a plus; Microstation and AutoCAD software a plus; familiarity with NEC/NESC.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow electrical engineering services for transmission/distribution class substations.
• Engage in business development and client relations.
• Manage physical electrical aspects of substation projects from initiation through closeout.
• Collaborate with multidiscipline project teams and serve as the physical electrical client-facing contact.
• Develop/review drawings, material lists, calculations, reports, and specifications (one-line diagrams, conduit sizing, layouts, equipment specs, AC/DC calculations).
• Support construction phase via site visits and RFI/submittal reviews.
• Monitor and project financial performance.
• Build a team and mentor staff to develop skills and achieve goals.

Skills

Market connectivity

Client relations

Physical electrical

Project management

Communication skills

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

MS in Electrical Engineering (a plus)

Tools

ETAP

CDEGS

CAPE

Aspen

Microstation

AutoCAD

Job description

ABOUT THE POSITION

Electrical Engineering Lead | Energy Evolution Practice | VHB | Any VHB Office | Hybrid

Overview

VHB is looking to add an experienced Electrical Engineer Lead (physical electrical) with extensive substation experience to our growing Energy Engineering practice. The position would work with other practice groups in VHB, including civil and structural engineering, environmental, planning, and regulatory groups primarily as part of an integrated team supporting energy project design, permitting, and delivery. Ideally this candidate will have strong project/client management skills, leadership experience, market connectivity and thrive as a seller-doer.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow the electrical engineering service primarily supporting transmission/distribution class substations.
• Engage in business development and client relations.
• Manage the physical electrical aspects of substation capital improvement and maintenance projects from initiation through closeout.
• Collaborate with multidiscipline substation project teams and serve as the physical electrical client-facing point of contact.
• Develop/review physical electrical drawings, material lists, calculations, analyses, reports, and specifications such as one-line diagrams, conduit sizing and layouts, physical layouts and elevations, equipment specifications, AC and DC calculations, and voltage drop, lightning, grounding, and lighting studies.
• Support the construction phase through site visits and RFI/submittal reviews.
• Monitor and project financial performance.
• Build a team and mentor staff by sharing wisdom and experiences to help individuals develop their skills and achieve their goals.

Skills & Abilities

• Extensive market connectivity and business development skills.
• Proficient in project and client relationship management and collaborative problem solving with stakeholders, clients, and teammates.
• Expertise in the physical electrical aspects of substation projects.
• Ability to oversee designers and CADD technicians in the development of drawings in accordance with national design standards, safety codes, and client specific project specifications and requirements.
• Strong project management skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, strong report writing and presentation skills.
• Self-motivated with ability to think critically.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering or associated field/ MS in Electrical Engineering a plus
• 8+ years experience required
• 5+ years experience in the electrical substation area a plus
• Experience with ETAP, CDEGS, CAPE, Aspen a plus
• Experience with Microstation and AutoCAD software a plus
• Familiarity with the National Electrical Code and National Electric Safety Code.
• Experience working in the northeastern U.S. is highly preferred.

The full-time annual base salary range for this position is $125,000 to $190,000 *** additional incentives possible for highly/higher qualified applicants ***

The base salary offered will be determined based on job-related factors, including geographic location, internal equity, experience, credentials, skills, education, work schedule, and other factors permitted by law. The posted salary range reflects base pay only. Additional compensation and benefits available to eligible employees are outlined in our Total Rewards Program.

Annual base salary is one component of VHB’s Total Rewards package. In addition to base pay, eligible employees may receive annual incentive compensation bonuses, spot bonuses, and merit-based salary increases, providing opportunities to increase earnings beyond base pay. VHB also offers a differentiating work experience, including a comprehensive benefits package that includes eligibility to participate in the VHB 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and recognition programs.

Details on VHB’s benefits package can be found here: Benefits Checklist

VHB has been named a U.S. Best Managed Company for 2026, marking its second consecutive year receiving this prestigious recognition. VHB, was honored for excellence in strategy, execution, corporate culture, and governance/financial performance. Sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal

Building What’s Next, Together.

Our people make the difference. We foster a technology-empowered, people‑driven, future‑ready culture where agility, innovation, and collaboration shape how we work every day.

When You Join VHB, You’ll Find

• Meaningful work on complex projects with real community impact
• A collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity and shared success
• Support to grow your skills and lead through change
• Learning and development supported by evolving tools and technologies, including AI
• Best-in-class benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment

We’re growing across the East Coast and are consistently recognized as a great place to work. Ready to shape what’s next? Learn more about what sets our employee experience apart and connect with us.

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.