Lead Substation Physical Engineer

Leidos Inc; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos seeks a Lead Substation Physical Engineer to drive high-impact design projects for substations from 12 kV to 500 kV. You will lead layouts, grounding, and equipment arrangement, collaborating with internal teams and clients to ensure safety, reliability, and on-time performance.

This hybrid role requires 8+ years of experience, a PE preferred, and travel to customer sites. You’ll contribute to grid modernization and develop next‑generation solutions powering communities.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of substation physical design experience.
• Grounding studies, lightning protection, and lighting studies experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Strong communication and teamwork.
• Ability to meet deadlines in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the delivery of substation physical design projects, ensuring technical excellence and on-time performance.
• Partner with internal engineering groups and external clients to understand needs and deliver solutions that exceed standards.
• Perform detailed QA/QC reviews on substation physical design packages, ensuring accuracy and constructability.
• Read, design, and review essential substation drawings (onelines, threelines, plan-and-section, grounding layouts, foundations).
• Create and verify bills of materials for substation components.
• Conduct site visits to gather data and support project execution.

Skills

Substation design

Electrical engineering

QA/QC

Team leadership

Client communication

Grounding studies

Lightning protection

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?

At Leidos,

We deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

Your greatest work is ahead!

We’re seeking a Lead Substation Physical Engineer to take a key role in delivering highimpact substation physical design projects. You'll work on utility systems ranging from 12 kV to 500 kV, contributing to major gridmodernization efforts and supporting how renewable generation connects to the grid. In this role, you’ll apply your expertise in digital logic design and AC/DC circuits to develop safe, reliable, and efficient substation physical layouts. From equipment arrangement to grounding and structural components, you’ll help shape the next generation of substation projects powering communities.

Hybrid Schedule:

3-days a week in the Charlotte, NC office

OR

Remote:

*Candidates must be located in the United States within the following states (NC, SC, TN, or VA) and be willing to travel to customer sites or the office as needed

Successful candidates can look forward to a fast paced, diverse work environment and flexible work hours/work arrangements as well as managers who will encourage career development and growth including:

• Professional Engineer License (PE).
• Project Management Professional (PMP).
• Technical & Non-Technical Training Opportunities.
• Leadership Opportunities.
• Mentorship & Training Opportunities.
• Opportunity to Lead, Grow, and Inspire a Dynamic Team

The Challenge:

• Lead and support the delivery of substation physical design projects, ensuring technical excellence and ontime performance.
• Partner closely with internal engineering groups and external clients to understand needs, align expectations, and deliver solutions that exceed standards.
• Perform detailed QA/QC reviews on substation physical design packages, ensuring accuracy, constructability, and compliance.
• Read, design, and review essential substation drawings, including onelines, threelines, planandsection views, grounding layouts, and foundation designs.
• Create and verify bills of materials for substation physical components, ensuring precision and alignment with project requirements.
• Conduct site visits at customer locations to gather data, validate designs, and support successful project execution.

Successful candidates must comply with quality control and safe work practices and maintain compliance with project scope, schedule, and budget. This position will be a member of a design team comprised of engineers, designers, and CAD technicians and will work with client standards to implement design.

What Sets You Apart:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (or related field) with 8+ years of substation physical design experience.
• Experience performing grounding studies, lightning protection analysis, and lighting studies.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with internal teams and clients to support project needs.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines and stay organized in fastpaced or highpressure situations.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment, contribute to group success, and provide leadership when needed.
• Selfstarter who can take initiative and work with minimal supervision.
• Strong analytical abilities with a track record of solving engineering challenges both independently and collaboratively.
• High level of computer competency and comfort working with engineering tools and software.
• Willingness