Senior Substation Engineer

qtsdatacenters; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligibility

Equity potential

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Job summary

QTS is seeking a Senior Substation Engineer to lead the design and execution of high‑voltage substations for data center campuses. You will coordinate with EPC teams, ensure timely, on‑budget delivery, and provide technical guidance across development, design, and installation phases.

The role requires a minimum of 10 years in substation engineering, strong knowledge of 15kV–500kV equipment, and travel up to 25% to project sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field.
• FE and/or 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 (15kV–500kV).
• Familiarity with IEEE, NESC, ANSI, NEC standards.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% to project sites.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

FE/EIT registration

Substation design software

Transformer & switchgear knowledge

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

Tools

Substation design software

Job description

Who we are:

As a global leader in digital infrastructure, QTS designs, builds and operates advanced data centers that support strategic AI, cloud and digital transformation initiatives. We are driven by a mission to connect the world for good and our people make it possible. Every single day, the creativity, dedication and genuine care for our communities are what push us forward and make this a truly special place to be.

The Senior Substation Engineer will support the overall design and execution of QTS utility infrastructure. This role will support the delivery of utility capacity at each campus for data center substation and utility build projects. This role will interface and collaborate with many critical stakeholders, including but not limited to: energy leaders responsible for utility contracts and negotiations; utility engagement developing relationships with utilities; pre-development leads evaluating new properties; operations leaders managing load growth projections; and development team project leaders planning and building new data centers and substations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Other duties may be assigned.

• Lead 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 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 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. This should include 15kV through 500kV.
• 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 role is also eligible for a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; flexible spending and HSA accounts; paid holidays; paid time off; paid volunteer days; employee assistance program; tuition assistance; parental leave; military leave assistance; QTS scholarship for dependents; wellness program, and other company benefits. This role is bonus-eligible and may qualify for equity.

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. This should include 15kV through 500kV.
• 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 REW