Lead Engineer, Electrical Planning and Design

National Grid plc; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 139,000 - 163,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Generous pension plan

Private medical insurance

Job summary

National Grid plc in Syracuse, NY is seeking a Lead Engineer, Electrical Planning and Design to guide transmission and distribution substation projects within the Options Solutions Engineering (OSE) team. You will evaluate needs, develop engineering concepts, and recommend cost‑effective solutions for critical infrastructure.

You will serve as a technical leader, author conceptual reports, mentor engineers, and ensure compliance with NERC/CIP requirements while delivering on major grid

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology from ABET‑accredited program; power systems focus preferred.
• Ten years of relevant engineering experience without PE license, or eight years with PE; advanced degrees or certifications may reduce requirements.
• Demonstrated knowledge of industry standards, safety requirements, and electrical design codes for substations.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and written communication skills; ability to collaborate across disciplines.
• PE license or ability to obtain within one year of hire preferred.

Responsibilities

• Determine substation scope of work, review drawings, verify ratings, and assess constraints via site visits.
• Develop and document multiple project options within the Option Scope Document (OSD).
• Lead conceptual engineering reports and coordinate cross‑discipline engineers.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship on moderately to highly complex projects.
• Support DTV program objectives and collaborate with DTV teams to track performance.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Substation design

Project leadership

MS Office

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering (ABET)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Lead Engineer, Electrical Planning and Design

About us

National Grid is hiring a Electrical Substation Lead Engineer for our Options Solutions Engineering (OSE) department in Syracuse, NY.

Every day we deliver safe and secure energy to homes, communities, and businesses. We are there when people need us the most. We connect people to the energy they need for the lives they live.

The pace of change in society and our industry is accelerating and our expertise and track record puts us in an unparalleled position to shape the sustainable future of our industry. To be successful we must anticipate the needs of our customers, reducing the cost of energy delivery today and pioneering the flexible energy systems of tomorrow. This requires us to deliver on our promises and always look for new opportunities to grow, both ourselves and our business.

Job Purpose

Are you passionate about solving complex engineering challenges and helping shape the future of the electric grid? As a Lead Substation Engineer, you'll play a critical role in developing innovative transmission and distribution substation solutions that support reliable energy delivery across National Grid's New York service territory.

In this role, you'll collaborate with a diverse group of engineers, project teams, and stakeholders to evaluate project needs, develop engineering concepts, and recommend practical, cost-effective solutions. You'll serve as a technical leader within the Options Solutions Engineering (OSE) team, guiding the development of Option Scope Documents (OSDs) that help determine the best path forward for critical infrastructure projects.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence major grid modernization initiatives, mentor engineering teams, and help deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions for the communities we serve.

Key Accountabilities

• Determine the substation scope of work required to address project needs. This includes reviewing existing station drawings, verifying equipment ratings and condition, evaluating interactions with other in-flight projects, and conducting site visits to understand constraints and challenges. Develop and document multiple project options within the Option Scope Document, including evaluation of technical feasibility and cost effectiveness.
• Utilize National Grid engineering standards, drawings, and Geographic Information System (GIS) data to support scope development, engineering evaluations, and feasibility assessments.
• Serve as the lead author of conceptual engineering reports, coordinating with engineers from multiple disciplines to develop comprehensive and complete Option Scope Documents.
• Collaborate with engineers and management to resolve complex technical issues, evaluate alternatives, and address unique project challenges.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to project team members on projects of moderate to high complexity. Mentor new employees and interns as needed.
• Organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining established schedules and deliverable commitments.
• Maintain qualifications and training required for substation access, including compliance with applicable NERC/CIP requirements.
• Maintain project documentation, records, and communications in accordance with department procedures and record-retention requirements.
• Serve as OSE's lead representative for National Grid's Design to Value (DTV) program. Lead a cross-functional team of DTV Champions in identifying, developing, and evaluating capital efficiency initiatives that deliver measurable value to the business.
• Partner with New England DTV team and engineering leadership to advance DTV objectives, track and report program performance, facilitate periodic management reviews, and support the development and maintenance of program tools, dashboards, and communication platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology from an ABET-accredited engineering program is required. An emphasis on electric power systems is preferred.
• Minimum of ten years of relevant engineering experience without a Professional Engineer (PE) license, or eight years with a PE license. Experience requirements may be reduced for candidates with advanced engineering degrees or relevant professional certifications.
• Demonstrated knowledge of applicable industry standards, safety requirements, and electrical design codes related to power substations is required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, oral, and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with stakeholders across multiple disciplines.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license, or the ability to obtain one within one year of hire, preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage priorities and deadlines on large-scale projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record that meets National Grid's Safe Driver Policy requirements required.

More Information

Salary: $139,000 - $163,000 per year

National Grid utilizes an assessment that evaluates the job qualifications/characteristics using AI or statistically based scoring. For more information, please view NYC Local Law 144.

This position has a career path which provides for advancement opportunities within and across bands as you develop and evolve in the position; gaining experience, expertise and acquiring and applying technical skills. Candidates will be assessed and provided offers against the minimum qualifications of this role and their individual experience.

National Grid is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of protected class. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. National Grid maintains affirmative action programs for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

Our employment practices are designed to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly and with respect throughout the hiring process and during employment. National Grid complies with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, and we encourage a culture of respect for all.

National Grid will not be providing visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future. You must have the ability to work without a need for current or future visa sponsorship.

National Grid operates in both the UK and US, with a broad portfolio of energy businesses dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable power.

From electricity and gas transmission to advancing clean energy and modernising grids, our work covers every aspect of the energy system.

Our energy flows through absolutely everything we do

Life here at National Grid is more than just our purpose or our values, it’s everything we put into everything we do. It’s our commitment to diversity and inclusion; how we help our employees learn and grow; and how we partner with and support the communities where we live and work. It’s all this, and so much more.

We leverage our collective strengths to do meaningful BIG work so that we can be at the heart of a fair and affordable energy future.

Your salary is reviewed each year against the market for your role, skills, knowledge and experience.

Incentive

Annual performance plan or bonus (depending on your role) rewards your contribution to our success each year.

Retirement

Generous pension plan with company contributions up to 12%.

Private medical insurance for self and family.