Substation Design Engineer

FirstEnergy; Greensburg (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

401(k) savings plan

Medical and dental insurance

Job summary

A leading electric utility is seeking a Substation Design Engineer to develop engineering designs for substation projects. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and at least 2 years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include ensuring safety in designs, preparing specifications for equipment, and collaborating with various teams. Competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth are offered, promoting a culture of safety and diversity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering required.
• Minimum of 2 years of engineering experience.
• Ability to travel and work extra hours if needed.

Responsibilities

• Create engineering designs for substation projects.
• Ensure safety in designs for transmission lines.
• Prepare bills of material and specifications.

Skills

Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certificate

Strong interpersonal skills

Ability to manage multiple projects

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Strong organizational skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Professional Engineering license

Tools

Microsoft Office

AutoCAD

SAP

Job description

Substation Design Engineer – FirstEnergy

FirstEnergy is a forward‑thinking electric utility committed to making customers’ lives brighter, the environment better, and communities stronger. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy operates more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of over 3,500 MW.

About The Opportunity

This open position is with FirstEnergy Service Co., a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. The role can be located in Greensburg, PA or Reading, PA.

The Substation Design Engineer works within a team of engineers, survey crews, drafters/layouts, and other internal and external stakeholders to develop engineering designs from project estimation through construction and record‑update. The engineer reports progress, advises on issues, and provides technical support to Substation, Transmission, Real Estate, Project Management, and Construction crews to ensure safety, accuracy, budget compliance, and timely in‑service dates.

Responsibilities

• Creating engineering designs and work scope for substation projects and confirming documentation and support is available.
• Ensuring designs support a safe environment for transmission lines, substation personnel, contractors, and the public.
• Preparing bills‑of‑material and specifications to procure needed equipment and materials.
• Preparing and filing applications and supporting documentation for engineering permits; PE preferred.
• Reviewing NESC clearance requirements and ensuring public safety.
• Assisting Real Estate in acquiring substation property by coordinating sketches, maps, exhibits, and easement plans.
• Directing technical personnel to gather and record data for design projects.
• Working with outside engineering firms, vendors, manufacturers, and consultants.
• Providing engineering support and training to employees on standards, procedures, and designs.
• Analyzing engineering issues, structures, equipment and recommending solutions and alternate design options.
• Preparing estimates for proposed projects.
• Reviewing manufacturer drawings for compliance with specifications.
• Conducting design reviews, plant audits, and test witnessing at manufacturer’s facilities.
• Evaluating equipment ratings and schedules to facilitate accurate ordering.
• Managing equipment orders from request through delivery (technical details, bid evaluation, schedule, drawing review, design review, action items, testing, delivery).
• Supporting communication across business units regarding project needs.
• Researching and exploring new technologies to enable process automation and increase efficiencies.
• Ensuring standards and equipment specifications are up to date and accurate.
• Participating in industry meetings (IEEE, EPRI, etc.) to represent FirstEnergy.
• Ability to obtain Engineer in Training and Professional Engineering license is preferred; future advancement may require stamping and sealing engineering drawings.
• Supporting FirstEnergy’s high‑performing organization through responsible and effective work performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from an ABET‑accredited institution is required; alternatives include a PE license or a non‑ABET bachelor’s degree plus an advanced degree from an ABET‑accredited program.
• Professional Engineering license preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of engineering experience.
• Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certificate preferred.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, and optionally FileNet, SAP, and Cascade.
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
• Commitment to a safety culture and maintaining a safe work environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships across FirstEnergy units and external partners.
• Capacity to work both independently and in teams coordinating with Siting & Permitting, Project Management, Maintenance, Forestry, Real Estate, Construction, and regional operating companies.
• Ability to make timely decisions based on best available information.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, providing clear status reports and correspondence.
• Strong organizational, computer, and problem‑solving skills.
• Self‑directed and not dependent on detailed instruction.
• Willingness to travel throughout the service area and to manufacturer locations; ability to work extra and irregular hours.

Benefits, Compensation & Workforce Diversity

FirstEnergy offers competitive pay, incentive compensation, a company‑sponsored pension plan, 401(k) savings plan with matching contribution, and a range of medical, prescription, dental, vision, and life insurance programs. Skills development training with tuition reimbursement is also available.

FirstEnergy proudly supports workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.

No recruiters or agencies without a previously signed contract. FirstEnergy is unable to sponsor or transfer H‑1B visas at this time.

Safety

Safety is a core value for FirstEnergy and is essential to all business activities. We provide the tools, information, and processes to perform duties safely, maintain an accident‑free workplace, and promote public safety.

Position Classification

Exempt

Human Resources Team

FirstEnergy Human Resources Team