Staff Substation Physical Engineer - Transmission & Distribution (Mid Atlantic Region)

Burns & McDonnell; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 115,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

401(k) retirement

Insurance & disability

Wellness programs

Job summary

Burns & McDonnell is seeking a Staff Substation Physical Engineer to develop high‑voltage physical designs (13kV to 765kV) for utility-scale substations. You will work under a licensed PE, collaborating with project teams through design and construction while adapting plans to budget and client needs.

Experience with 345kV–765kV design, DGA equipment, and protective interfaces is valued. Opportunities include mentoring and leading project aspects in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program.
• Bachelor of Science in Electrical, Mechanical or related Engineering Technology from an ABET accredited program and FE exam.
• 3 years of engineering experience, preferably in substation physical design; consulting preferred.
• MS degree may substitute for 1 year experience.
• Familiarity with NEC, NESC, IEEE, NEMA and ANSI.
• FE or EIT or PE preferred.
• Strong knowledge of standard engineering techniques and procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Supports substation physical design from concept through completion, including layout, grounding, conduit, and lighting.
• Develops substation calculations: insulation, voltage drop, cable sizing, conduit fill.
• Prepares design sketches, cost estimates, equipment specs, BOMs, deliverables.
• Coordinates with protection and control team for interfaces between disciplines.
• Supports field inspections, project research, and client presentations.
• Performs design quality reviews and mentors less experienced engineers.
• Develops client relationships and supports proposals.

Tools

MicroStation

AutoCAD

Bluebeam Revu

Excel

Teams

ProjectWise/SharePoint

CDEGS

WinIGS

Job description

Description

The Staff Substation Physical Engineer will work under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer to develop physical design deliverables for new and modified high-voltage (13kV to 765kV) electrical power substation projects. The Staff Substation Physical Engineer will work with the project team through the design and construction process, adapting engineering plans according to budget constraints, design factors, or client needs.

While this is a substation physical position, assignments in substation protection and control design may also be made based on project and team needs.

We are especially looking for experience with DGA equipment, voltage regulators, capacitor banks, shunt and series reactors, and 345kV to 765kV substation design.

Responsibilities include:

• Supports substation physical design from concept through completion, including, but not limited to, physical arrangement above and below grade, electrical studies such as grounding and lightning analysis, conduit and raceway, and lighting and security.

• Develops substation calculations, including, but not limited to, insulation, voltage drop, cable sizing, and conduit fill.

• Prepares design sketches, cost estimates, equipment specifications, bills of material, and other required deliverables.

• Applies intermediate knowledge of IEEE, NESC, and other industry and utility standards, guides, and specifications.

• Maintains a working knowledge of substation protection and control design, coordinates with the protection and control team on interfaces between disciplines, and executes protection and control work as needed.

• Supports field inspections, project research, and client presentations as directed by project managers.

• Works with the project manager and team to resolve issues, meet schedule, and follow internal QA/QC guidelines to impress clients with high-quality deliverables.

• Performs design quality reviews and uses them to coach less experienced engineers.

• Mentors less experienced engineers and designers, sharing technical knowledge and guiding them as they build skills on project assignments.

• Develops relationships with key client points of contact and supports the preparation of proposals.

Strongly preferred:

• Experience with voltage regulators, capacitor banks, shunt and series reactors, and DGA equipment.

• Experience with 345kV to 765kV substation design.

Proficient in:

• Scoping/Development/Early Design.

• One-Line/Three-Line Diagrams.

• Electrical Plans, Sections & Materials.

• Grounding & Raceway Design.

• Calculations & Studies.

• Major Equipment.

• Brownfield Substation Design.

• Greenfield Substation Design.

Software:

• Proficiency in MicroStation.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD.

• Proficiency in Bluebeam Revu.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Teams.

• Proficiency in ProjectWise or SharePoint.

• Proficiency in CDEGS.

• Proficiency in WinIGS.

What you’ll gain:

Ownership of substation design packages on projects from 13kV to 765kV for various utility-scale and other clients, in a collaborative environment where everyone is driven and excited by helping each other succeed. Opportunities to expand your knowledge in new skill areas, improve the skillset of less experienced engineers on your team through mentorship, and grow toward leading projects at the Senior level.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program.

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical, Mechanical or related Engineering Technology from an ABET accredited program and successful completion of Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.

• 3 years of engineering experience required, preferably in substation physical design; consulting preferred.

• Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering may be substituted for 1 year experience.

Physical:

• Substation physical layout, electrical clearances, rigid and strain bus design, ground grid design, surge and direct stroke protection, and raceway design.

General:

• Familiarity with relevant codes and standards such as NEC, NESC, IEEE, NEMA, and ANSI.

• Successful completion (i.e. passing) FE or EIT, or PE, preferred.

• Strong knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment and demonstrated critical thinking skills.

• Proficient in standard engineering techniques and procedures.

• Strong computer skills. (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite).

Compensation

$115,000.00-190,000.00 Yearly

The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.

Benefits

Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page. 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-VA-Richmond

Other Locations US-MD-Baltimore, US-DC-Washington, US-NC-Raleigh

Schedule: Full-time

Travel: Yes, 10 % of the Time

Req ID: 265302

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