Electrical Substation Engineer I

Omaha Public Power District; Elkhorn Precinct (NE); On-site; USD 74,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Omaha Public Power District is seeking an Electrical Substation Engineer I to support foundational substation design, system protection, and project execution. You will work on relay replacements, equipment updates, and small facility modifications while learning protective relays and design processes.

In this early-career role, you’ll gain exposure to protective relays, SCADA concepts, and power system modeling, under senior engineer guidance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
• Foundational understanding of electrical power systems and protective relays
• Ability to read electrical schematics and one-line diagrams
• Familiarity with SCADA concepts and industrial control systems
• Exposure to automation logic or programmable devices
• Experience with relay event data or entry-level power system modeling
• Exposure to utility design or construction project workflows

Responsibilities

• Prepare drawings, calculations, and documentation for relay replacements and equipment updates
• Assist with analysis and troubleshooting of system protection and operations data
• Learn protective relay concepts and participate in training and quality reviews
• Contribute to project scoping: estimating, material identification, and scheduling under guidance
• Follow safety standards, procedures, and regulatory requirements in deliverables

Skills

Electrical power systems

Protective relays

Schematic reading

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelors in Electrical Engineering

Tools

SCADA

Programmable devices

Power system modeling

Job description

What This Role Delivers

As an Electrical Substation Engineer I at OPPD, you will support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the district's power system by contributing to foundational substation engineering, system protection activities, and project execution. You will help carry out OPPD's mission of providing affordable, reliable, and environmentally responsible energy. In this early-career role, you will apply fundamental engineering principles, learn how the power system is protected and operated, and build competency in protective relays, substation equipment, and design processes. Work will include small projects such as relay replacement designs and supporting documentation for equipment modifications.

What You’ll Do

• Support foundational substation design activities by preparing drawings, calculations, and documentation for relay replacements, equipment updates, and small facility modifications.
• Assist with basic analysis and troubleshooting of system protection and operational issues by gathering, reviewing, and organizing system data.
• Learn protective relay concepts and participate in training and quality reviews to develop design accuracy and technical competency.
• Contribute to project scoping discussions, including estimating, material identification, and schedule awareness under senior engineer guidance.
• Apply safety standards, engineering procedures, and regulatory requirements in all engineering deliverables.

What You Will Bring

• Demonstrated ability to successfully complete essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

What Will Help You Stand Out

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related engineering discipline
• Foundational understanding of electrical power systems and protective relays
• Ability to read electrical schematics and one¿line diagrams
• Ability to follow established processes and collaborate with senior engineers
• Foundational understanding of 3-phase power systems
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics
• Familiarity with SCADA concepts and industrial control systems
• Exposure to automation logic or programmable devices
• Experience with relay event data or entry-level power system modeling
• Exposure to utility design or construction project workflows

Work Location

• Office: Work will be performed in a modern office environment amid normal conditions of dust, odors, fumes, and noises.
• Field: Work will be performed outside in a wide variety of weather conditions (snow, rain, heat, cold, wind, etc.), terrain, and other natural environmental hazards as well as pollen and other airborne allergens.
• Travel: Must be able to travel throughout the service territory and report to various locations in a timely manner as needed.

Work Environment

• Work will be performed in high traffic environments.
• Will work around energized high voltage electrical equipment.
• Will work in construction areas that present many physical hazards.
• Will work at heights.

Strength Factor

Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.

Salary/Wage Info

• Grade: S3
• Minimum: $81,905
• Midpoint: $102,381

Our Culture & Mission

At Omaha Public Power District, everything starts with people - our teams, our communities, and the customer owners who count on us. As the 12th largest public power utility in the U.S., we serve more than 900,000 people across 13 counties, and we take that responsibility seriously.

We lead with integrity, support one another, and do what's right, because how we serve matters just as much as what we deliver. Our goal is simple: provide affordable, reliable, and environmentally responsible energy today and for generations to come.

We create power with purpose. Your work here has real impact; on families, on the environment, and on the future of energy. And we believe great ideas can come from anywhere.

If you want to be part of a team that takes care of the community and the people who serve it, you're in the right place. We back up our mission by taking care of our employees, too; which is why our benefits are among the most comprehensive and competitive in the region.

EOE: Protected Veterans/Disability

If you would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with OPPD, please email OPPD Talent Acquisition at [e-mail] .