Senior Substation Engineer

QTS Data Centers; Ashburn (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance

401(k) retirement plan with matching contributions

Paid holidays and time off

Bonus eligibility

Tuition reimbursement program

Job summary

QTS Data Centers is seeking a Senior Substation Engineer to support design and execution of utility infrastructure. This role involves leading the design lifecycle of high voltage substations and collaborating with various project teams.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, at least 10 years in substation engineering, proficiency in substation design software, and excellent problem-solving skills. A competitive benefits package is included.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in substation engineering.
• Strong knowledge of substation equipment including transformers, circuit breakers, and switchgear.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% to project sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design life cycle of high voltage substations.
• Provide technical guidance for substation development and design.
• Oversee construction and installation of substation equipment.

Skills

Substation design software

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field

Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and/or Engineer in Training (EIT) registration

Tools

High voltage substation equipment

Job description

Senior Substation Engineer

The Senior Substation Engineer will support the overall design and execution of QTS utility infrastructure. This role will deliver utility capacity at each campus for data center substation and utility build projects and will collaborate with energy leaders, utility engagement teams, pre‑development leads, operations leaders, and development team project leaders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the design life cycle of high voltage substations performed under EPC contracts, including studies, procurements, and development of construction deliverables.
• Provide technical guidance and decisions to support the development, design, and installation of high voltage substations.
• Oversee the construction, installation, and commissioning of substation equipment and systems.
• Identify project execution risks and develop associated mitigation plans.
• Lead operational initiatives to improve execution success at the program level.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to substation operations.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and contractors to meet project timelines and budgets.
• Prepare technical reports, specifications, and documentation for substation projects.
• Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Provide technical support and training to junior engineers and field personnel.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field.
• Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and/or Engineer in Training (EIT) registration.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in substation engineering or a related field.
• Proficient in substation design software.
• Strong knowledge of substation equipment, including transformers, circuit breakers, switchgear, and protective relays (15 kV through 500 kV).
• Familiarity with industry standards and codes (e.g., IEEE, NESC, ANSI, NEC).
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% to project sites as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
• 15 years of experience in substation engineering or a related field.
• Knowledge of electric transmission systems and design.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing situations at a high‑growth company.
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and deliver high‑quality work in tight timeframes.

Total Rewards

This position is eligible for a competitive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with Roth and Traditional matching contributions
• Flexible spending and HSA accounts
• Paid holidays, paid time off, paid volunteer days
• Bonus eligibility and equity potential
• Paid parental leave, military leave assistance, and QTS scholarship for employee dependents
• Pet and legal insurance, wellness program, tuition reimbursement program, and Q‑Rest sabbatical program
• Q‑Anniversary Service Award Program, QTS charitable matching gift program, and crisis fund support

We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, genetic information, family or medical leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or discrimination claim.