Senior Substation Engineer

X4 Engineering; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

X4 Engineering is seeking a Senior Substation Engineer to lead HV substation design for utility and industrial projects in Houston. Responsibilities include developing designs from concept to energization, coordinating with civil, protection & control, and SCADA teams, and mentoring junior engineers.

The ideal candidate brings extensive HV design experience, familiarity with IEEE/NESC standards, and proficiency with AutoCAD, ETAP, and related tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years in electrical engineering with HV substation design.
• Strong knowledge of 69 kV–500 kV+ substations.
• Experience with major HV equipment including transformers, breakers, switches, CTs/PTs/CVTs, bus systems, and surge protection.
• Familiarity with protection and control systems, relays, SCADA, and substation automation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical design of high-voltage substations (69 kV to 500 kV+).
• Develop single-line diagrams, layouts, and equipment arrangements.
• Specify major HV equipment and perform electrical calculations.
• Review designs and provide technical leadership across projects.
• Interface with utilities, clients, and contractors.
• Mentor junior engineers and support construction and commissioning.

Skills

HV Substation Design

Project Leadership

Communication

Technical Coordination

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

ETAP

SKM

MicroStation

CDEGS

Job description

Senior Substation Engineer - High Voltage

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Substation Engineer to lead and support the design of high-voltage substations for utility, power generation, transmission, and industrial projects. The position will be responsible for developing substation designs from concept through detailed engineering, construction support, commissioning, and energization.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience with HV substation design, physical layout, electrical equipment specification, grounding, protection and control coordination, and applicable IEEE/NESC standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical design of high-voltage substations, typically ranging from 69 kV through 500 kV+.
• Develop substation single-line diagrams, physical layouts, general arrangements, plans, sections, and equipment layouts.
• Specify major HV equipment including power transformers, circuit breakers, disconnect switches, instrument transformers, surge arresters, bus systems, and grounding equipment.
• Perform or review grounding, lightning protection, bus, cable, equipment sizing, and electrical calculations.
• Support development of protection and control schemes, relay philosophies, AC/DC auxiliary systems, station batteries, and control house designs.
• Prepare technical specifications, equipment datasheets, RFQs, bid evaluations, and vendor drawing reviews.
• Coordinate with civil, structural, protection & control, transmission line, SCADA, telecommunications, and construction teams.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable IEEE, NESC, NEC, ANSI, NFPA, and utility standards.
• Review engineering drawings and calculations produced by junior engineers and designers.
• Provide technical support during construction, testing, commissioning, and substation energization.
• Interface with utilities, clients, equipment manufacturers, contractors, and other project stakeholders.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership across multiple projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• Typically 8+ years of electrical engineering experience, with significant experience in HV substation design.
• Strong knowledge of 69 kV-500 kV+ substations, including AIS and/or GIS applications.
• Experience with major HV equipment including transformers, breakers, switches, CTs, PTs/CVTs, bus systems, and surge protection.
• Strong understanding of substation physical design, grounding, electrical clearances, equipment ratings, and auxiliary systems.
• Familiarity with protection and control systems, protective relays, SCADA, and substation automation.
• Experience with engineering/design tools such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, ETAP, SKM, CDEGS, or similar software is beneficial.
• Knowledge of IEEE, NESC, NEC, ANSI, and NFPA requirements.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
• Strong communication, technical leadership, and multidisciplinary project coordination skills.