Junior Substation Design Engineer

Burns & McDonnell; Pittsburgh, Northern (Allegheny County, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Burns & McDonnell is seeking an Assistant Substation Engineer in Pittsburgh to support licensed engineers in delivering design deliverables for high-voltage substations (13kV–765kV). You will work with the project team through design and construction, adapting plans to budget, design factors, or client needs.

This entry-level role focuses on developing diagrams, calculations, and specifications, with emphasis on teamwork, attention to detail, and adherence to IEEE and NESC standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field.
• ABET accreditation strongly preferred.
• Prior internship and/or related consulting experience preferred.
• Engineers in Training (EIT) Certification 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.
• Minimum of a 3.0 GPA strongly preferred.
• Involvement on campus or in the community preferred.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work permanently in the country where this position is located.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Detail-oriented

Team collaboration

Leadership

GPA 3.0

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

ABET accreditation

Engineers in Training (EIT) Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Burns & McDonnell is seeking an Assistant Substation Engineer in Pittsburgh to support licensed engineers in delivering design deliverables for high-voltage substations (13kV–765kV). You will work with the project team through design and construction, adapting plans to budget, design factors, or client needs.

This entry-level role focuses on developing diagrams, calculations, and specifications, with emphasis on teamwork, attention to detail, and adherence to IEEE and NESC standards.