Substation Design Engineer

AES Corporation; Kentucky; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

AES Ohio is seeking a Substation Design Engineer to plan, design, and deliver electrical substations from 12kV to 345kV, supporting safe, reliable grid solutions. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop robust engineering solutions and ensure compliance with industry standards.

This role emphasizes hands-on design work, project delivery, and ongoing professional growth within AES Ohio and the AES Corporation family.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering is required.
• Strong knowledge of power systems and substation design principles.
• Experience with CAD/design software is preferred and beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed substation designs and layouts including one-line diagrams.
• Prepare specifications and support procurement activities.
• Coordinate with field teams for construction and commissioning.
• Contribute to design standard improvements and project governance.
• Support storm restoration and reliability initiatives when needed.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Power systems

CAD design

Team collaboration

Education

ABET-accredited Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Bentley MicroStation

MS Office

Job description

Are you ready to be part of a companythat’s not just talking about the future, but actively shaping it? Join The AES Corporation, the largest US-based global power company with a teamof 8,300 employees across 12 countries.

AES has been ranked #1 by BloombergNEF in renewable energy sales to corporations in the US and Americas for five consecutive years, providing electricity for millions of people worldwide.

We are proud to foster a strong workplace culture, earning prominent positions in Great Place to Work rankings across the markets where we operate. AES was also named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the 13th consecutive year in 2026, highlighting our dedication to integrity, transparency, and responsible business practices.

Our spirit of innovation continues to earn industry recognition. AES is the only seven-time winner of the Edison Electric Institute's Edison Awards in the twenty-first century, a distinction honoring global leadership in advancing the electric power industry.

If you're ready to be part of a companythat’s not just adapting to change, but driving it, AES is the place for you. We're not just building a more sustainable future, we're powering it. Energize your career with a true leader in global energy.

At AES Ohio, we're powering the future by delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions to the communities we serve. We're looking for a Substation Design Engineer who is eager to make a meaningful impact, collaborate with experienced professionals, and grow their engineering career while helping shape the electric grid of tomorrow.

Whether you're building on early-career experience or bringing established expertise, you'll have the opportunity to work on critical infrastructure projects, develop specialized technical skills, and contribute to the reliability of the energy system that supports thousands of customers every day.

Why Join AES Ohio?

• Work on impactful projects that strengthen and modernize the electric grid.
• Collaborate with experienced engineers, construction teams, and industry experts.
• Gain exposure to high-voltage substation design and project lifecycle management.
• Access professional development opportunities, mentorship, and career growth pathways.
• Be part of a company that prioritizes safety, innovation, sustainability, and inclusion.
• Contribute to a purpose-driven organization committed to powering communities and advancing the energy transition.

What You'll Do

As a Substation Design Engineer, you will support the planning, design, and delivery of electrical substation projects ranging from 12kV to 345kV. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to develop engineering solutions that are safe, reliable, and aligned with industry standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed designs for all or portions of electrical substations, including: Physical layouts One-line diagrams Protection and control schematics Wiring diagrams
• Create comprehensive engineering design packages in accordance with AES Ohio standards and applicable industry requirements, including IEEE and NERC standards.
• Prepare technical specifications for materials and services and support evaluation of vendor proposals and procurement activities.
• Partner with field operations and construction teams to provide technical guidance during construction, maintenance, and commissioning activities.
• Support the planning, design, and execution of substation capital projects.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering standards, processes, and design databases.
• Participate in storm restoration and emergency response efforts when needed, helping restore service to customers safely and efficiently.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Bentley MicroStation or comparable CAD/design software.
• Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam.
• Knowledge of electrical substation equipment, including transformers, circuit breakers, relays, instrument transformers, disconnect switches, and related systems.
• Understanding of engineering design principles, power systems, and utility infrastructure.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook and Excel.
• Commitment to safety and the ability to incorporate safe design practices into all phases of engineering work.

Success in This Role

This role may be a great fit if you:

• Enjoy solving complex technical challenges.
• Thrive in collaborative, team-oriented environments.
• Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Are organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Have a strong desire to learn, grow, and contribute to the future of energy infrastructure.

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.