Lead Substation Physical Engineer

Dewberry; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Dewberry is expanding its Energy Market Sector and seeking a Substation Physical Engineer to lead the growth of our medium and high voltage substation design practice. This leader will mentor a high‑performing team and deliver impactful projects for utilities, government entities, and private institutions.

In this role, you will oversee design packages, coordinate with PMO leadership, and ensure safety, operability, and constructability across projects.

Qualifications

• BS in electrical engineering.
• 20+ years of experience in medium/high voltage substation design.
• PE license is required.
• Experience designing HV substations and producing design deliverables.
• Knowledge of NEC/NFPA Life Safety Codes and related standards.

Responsibilities

• Meet with prospective and existing clients to demonstrate technical capabilities.
• Coordinate with Energy PMO leadership and energy client managers;
• Develop technical approach, engineer estimates, and organize the technical team.
• Collaborate with multi-discipline teams and other offices;
• Provide training and mentoring to staff;
• Oversee quality control reviews and adherence to the quality management system.
• Serve as subject matter expert for internal team members;
• Provide technical and quality oversight of all project work;
• Establish and improve design standards;
• Monitor project design schedule and budgets;
• Assist in recruiting and retaining energy talent;
• Promote Dewberry's culture and client commitment.

Skills

Leadership

Substation design

HV design

PE license

NEC knowledge

Education

BS in electrical engineering

Job description

Job Description

Dewberry is expanding its Energy Market Sector and seeking a Substation Physical Engineer to lead the growth of our medium and high voltage substation design practice. This is a unique opportunity to build and mentor a high‑performing team while delivering impactful projects for some of the nation's leading utilities, government entities and private institutions.

Backed by the Energy Project Management Office and a network of more than 76 electrical engineers, the successful candidate will provide technical and strategic leadership in the design of medium and high voltage substations, including equipment layouts, bus configurations, grounding, conduit systems, cable routing, lightning protection, and electrical clearances. The role includes overseeing construction drawing packages, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring designs meet safety, operational, and constructability requirements.

Beyond technical expertise, this leader will play a key role in developing talent, establishing design standards, fostering innovation, and driving the continued growth of Dewberry's substation capabilities. Experience with protection and control systems is necessary and will further support success in this leadership role.

Dewberry is a leading, market-facing professional services firm with more than 60 locations and 2,500 professionals nationwide. What sets us apart from our competitors is our people. At Dewberry, we seek out exceptional talent and strive to deliver the highest quality of services to our clients. Whether you're an experienced professional or a new graduate, you'll have the chance to collaborate with the best and brightest and work on innovative and complex projects at the forefront of the industry. Our commitment to excellence stems from our personal integrity and from other defining attributes, which we call "Dewberry at Work," that have inspired our employees to be successful for more than a half-century.

Responsibilities

• Meet with prospective and existing clients to demonstrate technical capabilities.
• Coordinate with Energy PMO leadership and energy client managers;
• Develop technical approach, engineer estimates, and organize the technical team.
• Collaborate proactively and productively with other groups and company offices;
• Collaborate with and manage multi-discipline teams;
• Assist with training and mentoring staff;
• Engage with project deliverables including quality control reviews and quality management system adherence;
• Serve as subject matter expert for internal team members;
• Technical and quality oversight of all project work;
• Establishing/improving standards;
• Adherence to project design schedule and project budgets.;
• Monitor staffing (talent and capacity) and advise Energy PMO and Business Unit Manager on current and future needs;
• Work with operations and HR to recruit, develop, and retain top energy talent;
• Promote Dewberry's culture, values, and commitment to long-term client and employee success.

Required Skills & Required Experience

• BS in electrical engineering.
• 20+ years of experience including relevant experience working on medium and high voltage substation design projects.
• PE is required.
• Must have experience designing medium and high voltage substation electrical systems and producing design deliverable
• Proven leadership skills delegating to engineering and design staff.
• Must be a self-starter with initiative, drive and determination.
• Experience with regulated utility substation design standards.
• Candidate must have a good working knowledge of the National Electric Code (NEC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Life Safety Codes, and other related Codes.
• Good verbal, written and interpersonal skills are essential for coordination with other disciplines, and client interface.

*At this time, Dewberry will not sponsor a new applicant for work authorization.

*Dewberry is an Equal Opportunit Employer.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation.

*Only recipients of an offer of employment from Dewberry, will be required to submit to a background screening which may include, but is not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, driving record check, criminal background check, and an investigative consumer report. These screenings will be conducted by Dewberry's background vendor of choice and will be conducted in compliance with all applicable fede