Staff Electrical Engineer - Substation (Houston)

Burns & McDonnell; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Burns & McDonnell is seeking an Electrical Engineer to support substation projects from conceptual phase through completion in Houston. You will prepare and develop substation design packages, including physical arrangement, protective relaying, and electrical studies, ensuring robust, compliant designs.

You will perform substation calculations, assist with sketches, cost estimates, BOMs, and equipment specs, while applying IEEE/NESC standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree from ABET-accredited program and 3 years of substation engineering experience.
• FE exam completed or EIT preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite; attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and collaborative, team-oriented mindset.

Responsibilities

• Supports substation projects from conceptual phase through completion.
• Prepares substation design packages: physical arrangement, protective relaying, and electrical studies.
• Develops calculations: insulation, station service, DC systems, voltage drop, cable sizing, conduit fill.
• Prepares sketches, cost estimates, equipment specs, BOMs, and deliverables.
• Applies IEEE, NESC, and industry standards; supports field inspections.
• Researches and compiles project data; supports client presentations and reports.
• Ensures deliverables meet QA/QC guidelines and client satisfaction.
• Meets with clients to develop relationships and supports proposals.

Skills

Communication

MS Office

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Education

ABET-accredited degree (Electrical/Mechanical)

FE exam completed or EIT preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Description

• Supports substation projects from the conceptual phase through completion.
• Prepares and develops substation design packages, including, but not limited to, physical arrangement above and below grade, protective relaying and control, electrical studies such as grounding and lightning analysis, and lighting and security.
• Develops substation calculations, including, but not limited to, insulation, AC station service, DC systems and battery sizing, voltage drop, cable sizing, and conduit fill.
• Prepares design sketches, cost estimates, equipment specifications, bill of materials, and other required deliverables.
• Applies intermediate knowledge of IEEE, NESC, and other industry and utility standards, guides, specifications and procedures.
• Supports field inspections for substation facilities on public and private utility systems.
• Researches and compiles project-related data as required by the project managers.
• Supports client presentations, reports, and visualizations to demonstrate technical results and project status.
• Identifies, communicates and supports the resolution of issues on projects as needed.
• Works with the project manager to support the project schedule and meet deadlines.
• Works closely with the project team to ensure deliverables and services are being provided to the client’s satisfaction and that projects are following internal QA/QC guidelines.
• Performs design quality reviews.
• Meets and corresponds with clients or outside personnel to develop relationships with key client points of contact.
• Supports the preparation of proposals and client presentations during the proposal process.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards

Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program and 3 years of substation engineering experience, consulting preferred or
• Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology or related degree from an ABET accredited program and successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam 3 years of substation engineering experience, consulting preferred.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong analytical and problem- solving skills.
• Proficient computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite)
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills.
• Desire to work in a collaborative team environment.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Must be capable of applying diversified knowledge of engineering principles and practices to broad areas of assignments.
• Must be capable of devising new approaches to problems encountered.
• Engineers in Training-EIT Certification preferred

This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Job Electrical Engineering

Primary Location US-TX-Houston

Schedule: Full-time

Travel: Yes, 10 % of the Time

Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-JNH #T&D N/A