Senior Electrical Engineer - Substation (California)

Burns & McDonnell; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Burns & McDonnell is seeking a Senior Substation Engineer to lead high-voltage substation design projects from concept through completion in California. You will drive design packages, perform electrical studies, and ensure IEEE and NESC standards compliance while managing schedules and budgets.

You will lead field inspections, develop proposals, and mentor engineers in a collaborative team environment across multiple California sites.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited degree in Electrical/Mechanical Eng or related field.
• 7 years of substation project experience, consulting preferred.
• FE exam completion (for alternate degree path).
• PE license strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead substation projects from conceptual phase through completion.
• Develop substation design packages (arrangement, protection, relaying, grounding, etc.).
• Lead calculations (insulation, DC systems, etc.) and design sketches, BOMs, estimates.
• Lead field inspections and client interactions; ensure QA/QC.

Skills

Communication

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Leadership

Team collaboration

Detail oriented

Engineering principles

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

FE exam

PE license preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

The Senior Substation Engineer will lead the preparation of design deliverables for new and modified high-voltage (13kV to 765kV) electrical power substation projects. The Senior Substation Engineer will work with the project team through the design and construction process, adapting engineering plans according to budget constraints, design factors, or client needs.

• Leads substation projects from the conceptual phase through completion.
• Leads 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.
• Leads 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.
• Leads the preparation of design sketches, cost estimates, equipment specifications, bill of materials, and other required deliverables.
• Applies advanced knowledge of IEEE, NESC, and other industry and utility standards, guides, specifications, and procedures.
• Leads field inspections for substation facilities on public and private utility systems.
• Leads execution of complex assignments requiring the use of advanced tools and techniques, resulting in the development of new or improved processes, equipment, and/or technological methods.
• Identifies, communicates, and leads resolution of issues on projects as needed.
• Manages project schedule and meets deadlines for the deliverables under supervision.
• Manages project budget for the deliverables under supervision.
• Works closely with the project team to ensure deliverables and services are being provided to the client’s satisfaction and that projects are following internal QA/QC guidelines.
• Performs design quality reviews.
• Meets and corresponds with clients or outside personnel to develop relationships with key client points of contact.
• Leads the preparation of proposals, including schedule and budget estimates.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards

Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program and 7 years of substation project or related experience, consulting experience preferred required or Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related degree from an ABET accredited program and successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and 7 years of substation project or related experience, consulting experience preferred required
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong analytical and problem-solving 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.
• Must be capable of applying diversified knowledge of engineering principles and practices to broad areas of assignments.
• Must be capable of devising new approaches to problems encountered.
• Professional Engineer (PE) License strongly preferred

Compensation

$165,000.00-250,000.00 Yearly

The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.

Benefits

Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program.

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Job

Engineering

Primary Location

US-CA-Brea

Other Locations

US-CA-San Diego, US-CA-Walnut Creek, US-CA-Los Angeles

Schedule:

Full-time

Travel:

Yes, 20 % of the Time

Job Hire Type

Experienced