Sr. Substation Engineer

GFT; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 107,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k) savings plan

PTO accrual

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Incentive compensation

Job summary

GFT is seeking experienced Mid to Senior Substation Engineers (Electrical Engineers) to join our Power Group. You will lead or support utility and power substation projects and clients, with hybrid work options at multiple locations and remote work for the right candidate.

The role involves developing layouts, one-lines, power systems, SCADA, and equipment specs, while mentoring staff and pursuing regional and national opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• PE license or on the path to licensure.
• 5+ years in design, engineering, and project management in power/utilities.
• Interest in consulting engineering.
• Proficient with project management software (MS Project or similar).
• Design experience in high voltage substations.
• Experience delivering quality technical solutions.
• Commitment to performance and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Develop substation layouts including plan/elevations, yard layouts, grounding, raceways, and material lists.
• Create substation one lines, DC/AC power systems, SCADA/communications, relay layouts, and wiring diagrams.
• Prepare calculations and client-facing reports.
• Prepare equipment specifications for substation equipment and construction.
• Manage technical, financial, and scheduling aspects of projects.
• Act as project/client/capture manager as needed.
• Build and mentor a team of engineers and specialists; develop client relationships.
• Collaborate regionally and nationally to pursue power substation projects for GFT.
• Provide QA/QC reviews.
• Prepare proposals, bids, reports, and presentations.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Project management

High voltage design

MS Project

Proposal development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Inventor

Job description

What You Will Do

GFT is seeking experienced Mid to Senior Substation Engineers (Electrical Engineers) to join our expanding Power Group. As a substation engineer, you will lead or support utility and power substation projects and clients.

Locations: Chicago, IL; Phoenix, AZ; Charlotte, NC; St. Louis, MO; Marlton, NJ; Roanoke, VA; Monroeville, PA. Hybrid work available at these locations. Remote work is also an option for the right candidate.

Joining the power team at GFT means engaging in cutting‑edge projects that drive the future of energy infrastructure. Our team excels in providing solutions for power transmission, distribution, and renewable energy, utilizing advanced technologies and creative problem‑solving to meet today’s diverse energy needs. Be part of a dynamic group dedicated to enhancing system reliability, sustainability, and efficiency while shaping the energy landscape for a resilient and sustainable future. Discover some of our signature power and energy projects here.

Responsibilities

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Develop substation layout drawings including plan and elevations, yard layouts, grounding, grounding details, raceway, raceway details, control building layouts, cable lists, and material lists on new and existing substations.
• Develop substation one lines, three lines, Aux AC Power Systems, DC Power Systems, DC Schematics, SCADA and Communications Systems, Relay Panel Layouts, Equipment Wiring, and Cable Schedules for new and existing substations.
• Prepare calculations and reports presenting the calculations to clients.
• Prepare equipment specifications for substation equipment, components, and construction.
• Manage technical, financial, and scheduling aspects of substation projects.
• Act in the capacity of project manager, client manager, or capture/proposal manager as needed.
• Build, maintain, and manage the necessary skills, resources, and expertise to develop and deliver strategic services, partnerships, programs, and projects.
• Collaborate internally to pursue power substation projects regionally and nationally to increase GFT presence in the power delivery business.
• Provide QA/QC reviews.
• Mentor or lead a staff of engineers and other technical specialists; develop and nurture client relationships and work across multiple disciplines in other offices.
• Assume an active role in the preparation of proposals, bids, reports, and presentations.

Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Professional Engineer License or on the path to obtaining professional licensure.
• 5+ years progressive experience in design, engineering, and project management within the power and utility industry.
• Interest in or direct experience working in the consulting engineering profession.
• Demonstrated ability with project management software and tools (Microsoft Project or similar) for scope, schedule, and budget management.
• Design experience in high voltage substation and distribution projects.
• Experience in the creation of quality technical solutions and the design delivery of major power delivery projects.
• Commitment to driving strong business performance, continuous improvement, and best practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Degree strongly preferred.
• Experience with AutoCAD, MicroStation, or Inventor.

Compensation

Salary range $107,000 – $165,000. Salary depends on experience and geographic location.

Featured Benefits

• Hybrid (in‑person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax‑deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid‑time‑off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

Company Overview

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more. Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives. GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™

GFT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.