Senior Substation Civil Structural Engineer

Commonwealth Associates, Inc.; United States; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

An engineering and consulting firm is seeking a Senior Substation Civil/Structural Engineer in the United States. This role involves managing civil design for substations, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Responsibilities include client-facing project management, collaboration with internal teams, and ensuring quality assurance on designs. Candidates should hold a PE registration and a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering, with at least 5 years of relevant experience and familiarity with electrical substation equipment.

Qualifications

• PE registration required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• 5+ years overseeing technical aspects of substation projects.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of civil design for substations.
• Client-facing role with project management responsibilities.
• Coordinate with clients and internal teams.

Skills

PE registration

Civil Engineering

Technical oversight of substation projects

Client-facing experience

Steel detailing

Knowledge of Inventor or BIM software

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

Inventor

Job description

Commonwealth is an ENR Top 500 engineering and consulting firm that specializes in delivering innovative design and planning solutions in the fields of power generation, substations, transmission & distribution, renewable energy integration, environmental permitting, and right‑of‑way services.

We believe in creating a well‑balanced work environment that inspires connectivity, creativity, and innovation. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered.

Location options: This role can be in‑office, hybrid, or remote. We have offices in Atlanta GA, Columbus OH, Jackson MI, Orlando FL.

We are looking for a senior Substation Civil/Structural Engineer with expertise in electrical substation design. This role involves managing project designs, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring compliance with industry standards while collaborating with clients and internal teams.

Responsibilities

Technical Design and Analysis

• The successful candidate will be involved in all aspects of civil design for substations, including structural analysis, steel design and detailing, foundation design, bus stress analysis, oil containment design, substation equipment review, support of substation physical design and equipment layout, interface with site development design team, and some permitting involvement.
• General understanding of substation layouts, configurations and major equipment.
• Assist with development and reviews of equipment specifications to ensure compliance with industry standards.

Project Management

• Client‑facing role. Hosting internal and client meetings where necessary.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, and resources effectively. Lead designers in development of drawing packages or developing from full markup where needed.
• Participate in all aspects of project status tracking: scope, RFIs, additional services tracking, reporting status to a PM.
• Provide technical support during construction.
• Train, develop and mentor junior engineers and oversee their project contributions.

Documentation and Compliance

• Prepare detailed engineering scope documents and cost/time estimates.
• Ensure all designs adhere to safety regulations and construction design codes.
• Maintain accurate records of design modifications and project documentation.

Collaboration and Communication

• Coordinate with clients, contractors, and internal teams to ensure project requirements are met.
• Serve as a senior engineer performing design reviews regularly, developing junior staff members, and contributing to bids and proposal development.
• Provide input and lead stakeholder meetings to discuss project progress and challenges.

Quality Assurance

• Review design packages for correctness, constructability, and compliance with client & internal standards.
• Conduct inspections and troubleshooting during project implementation.
• Ensure that field modifications do not compromise design integrity.

Qualifications

• PE registration
• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET‑accredited program required.
• 5+ Years overseeing technical aspects of substation projects and client‑facing experience.
• Familiarity with electrical substation equipment.
• Knowledge of steel detailing.
• Knowledge of Inventor or other BIM software.
• Building design experience.
• Knowledge of Design Codes: ASCE 113.
• ASCE 7‑10.
• AISC 360.
• ACI 318 and other ACI codes.
• Familiarity with NESC.
• Familiarity with IEEE standards.