Substation Design Engineer III

PINNACLE GROUP (Pinnacle Technical Resources); Johnston (RI); Remote; USD 103,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

PINNACLE GROUP seeks a Substation Owner’s Engineer to lead electrical substation projects from a remote or near Johnston, RI location. You will oversee design and construction contractors, ensure safety and technical compliance, and mentor junior staff. Expect occasional onsite visits and client-facing technical reviews, with a pay range of $75–$80 per hour.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; Electrical preferred, Mechanical or Civil considered.
• Minimum of 5 years designing electric utility substations.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and ability to read electrical drawings.
• Knowledge of NESC and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Owner’s Engineer and technical lead for substation projects.
• Coordinate internal and external engineering design activities.
• Review designs, drawings, specs for technical accuracy and compliance.
• Provide field support and travel to project sites as needed.

Skills

Technical communication

Analytical thinking

Written communication

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical preferred)

Tools

AutoCAD

MS Office

Job description

Substation Design Engineer III
IT | Software Design/Developer Johnston , Rhode Island Contract Oct 22, 2026

Position: Substation Design Engineer III
Location: Remote, Candidates must be located near the Johnston, Rhode Island office
Duration:24 months
Job ID: 180774

Job Summary

Our client is seeking an experienced Substation Owner’s Engineer to provide technical leadership and engineering oversight for electric utility substation projects. This individual will oversee and review the work of design and construction contractors, ensuring project deliverables meet engineering standards, safety requirements, technical specifications, and project objectives.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in substation design, electrical engineering drawings, estimating, feasibility studies, bills of materials, and the overall project lifecycle. Strong technical judgment, project coordination, and the ability to prepare technical reports and estimation packages are essential.

This is primarily a remote position. Candidates must be located near the Johnston, Rhode Island office and available for occasional onsite visits and fieldwork within the client’s service territory.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Leadership and Project Oversight

• Serve as the Owner’s Engineer and technical lead for substation engineering projects.
• Coordinate and monitor engineering activities performed by internal design teams and external engineering contractors.
• Review engineering designs, drawings, specifications, and project deliverables for technical accuracy and compliance.
• Ensure designs meet established engineering standards, specifications, safety requirements, and industry practices.
• Collaborate with project management, construction management, engineering teams, and other stakeholders to deliver safe, cost-effective, and constructible designs.
• Evaluate engineering proposals and support decisions involving project scope, budgets, costs, and technical requirements.
• Coordinate resources, schedules, and project milestones to meet deadlines.

Design Review and Quality Assurance

• Review preliminary and final substation designs to ensure compliance with project requirements and engineering standards.
• Verify that engineering drawings are complete, accurate, readable, and sufficient for construction.
• Ensure design parameters, permitting requirements, technical criteria, and project deliverables are addressed.
• Coordinate pre-design meetings to review project scope, specifications, deliverables, and potential challenges.
• Conduct preliminary site walkdowns to identify constructability issues, access restrictions, environmental considerations, permitting concerns, and additional survey requirements.
• Review design completion checklists and confirm that all required engineering processes have been completed.

Construction Support and Field Coordination

• Review construction activities to ensure compliance with approved designs and engineering criteria.
• Coordinate with construction inspectors to resolve engineering questions and technical challenges.
• Provide engineering guidance throughout the project lifecycle.
• Travel to project sites as required for field assessments, design reviews, and construction support.

Estimating, Technical Documentation, and Standards

• Prepare project estimates, feasibility studies, bills of materials, technical reports, and estimation packages.
• Interpret electrical engineering drawings and evaluate technical requirements, materials, and project costs.
• Collaborate with manufacturers to identify suitable materials and equipment for substation projects.
• Develop and document engineering standards based on new materials, products, and project requirements.
• Maintain technical documentation and catalog information in accordance with company requirements.

Safety and Technical Mentorship

• Promote a strong safety culture and comply with applicable company policies, industry standards, and environmental requirements.
• Identify and address potential risks affecting employees, contractors, the public, and the environment.
• Provide technical mentorship and project support to junior engineers and project management teams.
• Independently manage multiple assignments, changing priorities, and project deadlines.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; Electrical Engineering preferred, with Mechanical or Civil Engineering also considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience designing electric utility substations.
• Previous substation design experience is required.
• Experience with transmission and distribution substations and preparation of bills of materials.
• Experience preparing estimates, feasibility studies, technical reports, and estimation packages.
• Ability to read, interpret, and review electrical engineering drawings.
• Working knowledge of the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC).
• Proficiency in AutoCAD.
• Strong technical, analytical, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with standard desktop applications.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changing workloads.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Knowledge of safety policies, industrial hygiene practices, environmental hazards, and appropriate risk mitigation measures.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to job sites as required.
• Ability to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.
• Ability to obtain confined-space certification and safely climb and descend ladders to access manholes and vaults, as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in substation design.
• At least 3 years of project management experience.
• Experience serving as an Owner’s Engineer or providing technical oversight of engineering and construction contractors.
• Experience evaluating engineering proposals, project costs, and design and construction activities.

Work Arrangement and Additional Requirements

• Primarily remote, with occasional onsite visits and fieldwork.
• Candidates must be located near the Johnston, Rhode Island office.
• Approximately five onsite site visits per year are expected, with additional travel as project needs require.
• Flexibility is required to support field reviews, construction activities, and project coordination.
• Candidates must independently manage assignments and meet agreed project schedules.
• Fieldwork may involve varying site conditions and accessing manholes or vaults when necessary.

About PTR Global: PTR Global is a leading provider of information technology and workforce solutions. PTR Global has become one of the largest providers in its industry, with over 5000 professionals providing services across the U.S. and Canada. For more information visit www.ptrglobal.com

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Pay Range: $75- $80/hr. W2

The specific compensation for this position will be determined by several factors, including the scope, complexity, and location of the role, as well as the cost of labor in the market; the skills, education, training, credentials, and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment. Our full-time consultants have access to benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and 401K contributions, as well as PTO, sick leave, and other benefits mandated by applicable state or localities where you reside or work.

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