Substation Electrical Engineer

Paul J. Ford; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote or hybrid work

Job summary

Paul J. Ford in Columbus, OH is seeking a senior Electrical Engineer specializing in substations.

The role can be performed remotely or in a hybrid setup with occasional team days at the corporate office. You will apply your 7+ years of experience to design and analyze HV/MV substations, coordinate through project management, ensure compliance with IEEE/IEC standards, and collaborate with clients and internal teams to deliver safe, reliable power systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET accredited program.
• 7+ years of professional experience in electrical engineering with focus on substations.
• Strong understanding of electrical engineering principles and power systems.
• Comprehensive knowledge of high-voltage (HV) and medium-voltage (MV) substation design and operations.
• Proficient in electrical power distribution, protection, and control systems.
• Understanding of substation equipment including transformers, switchgear, cables, and protection systems.
• Knowledge of relevant industry codes and standards (IEEE, IEC, ASCE, ACI, ANSI).
• Familiarity with both air-insulated substations (AIS) and gas-insulated substation (GIS).
• Proficient in CAD software and electrical analysis tools (ETAP, PSCAD, or equivalent).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate substation design projects to meet schedule and budget.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation.
• Perform engineering calculations and analysis using specialized software and spreadsheets.
• Understand and apply power system analysis tools for load flow, short circuit, and stability studies.
• Use SCADA systems and substation automation tools for operations and monitoring.
• Maintain proficiency with industry-standard equipment specification databases.
• Apply GIS mapping tools for substation location analysis and visualization.
• Stay current with software updates and new technology applications.
• Troubleshoot technical issues with design and analysis tools.
• Collaborate in a digital project environment using cloud-based platforms and collaboration tools.
• Measures: Proficiency in required software tools with minimal errors or rework.
• Measures: Timely adoption of new technologies and software updates.
• Measures: Completion of software training and certification programs.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Substation design

Power systems

CAD (AutoCAD)

ETAP/PSCAD

SCADA systems

GIS mapping

IEEE/IEC standards

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (ABET)

Tools

AutoCAD

ETAP

PSCAD

GIS

Job description

This position can be performed on a remote or hybrid basis for the right candidate, with occasional team days in the corporate office.

Education and Experience

The minimum qualifications a candidate needs to perform the role.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET accredited program.
• 7+ years of professional experience in electrical engineering with focus on substations.
• Strong understanding of electrical engineering principles and power systems.
• Comprehensive knowledge of high-voltage (HV) and medium-voltage (MV) substation design and operations.
• Proficient in electrical power distribution, protection, and control systems.
• Understanding of substation equipment including transformers, switchgear, cables, and protection systems.
• Knowledge of relevant industry codes and standards (IEEE, IEC, ASCE, ACI, ANSI).
• Familiarity with both air-insulated substations (AIS) and gas-insulated substation (GIS).
• Proficient in CAD software and electrical analysis tools (ETAP, PSCAD, or equivalent).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Engineering and Technology

Application of technical knowledge and the use of specialized tools, software, or systems are required to perform job tasks efficiently and meet organizational goals.

• Utilize AutoCAD proficiently for electrical substation design and detailed drawing development.
• Operate electrical engineering analysis software (ETAP, PSCAD, or equivalent) for system modeling and calculations.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation.
• Perform engineering calculations and analysis using specialized software and spreadsheets.
• Understand and apply power system analysis tools for load flow, short circuit, and stability studies.
• Use SCADA systems and substation automation tools for operations and monitoring.
• Maintain proficiency with industry-standard equipment specification databases.
• Apply GIS mapping tools for substation location analysis and visualization.
• Stay current with software updates and new technology applications.
• Troubleshoot technical issues with design and analysis tools.
• Collaborate in a digital project environment using cloud-based platforms and collaboration tools.
• Measures
• Proficiency in required software tools with minimal errors or rework.
• Timely adoption of new technologies and software updates.
• Completion of software training and certification programs.

Project Management

Coordinate, organize, and support projects to ensure they are complete, on time, within scope, and on budget. Focuses on administrative, documentation, and communication that enable teams to work efficiently and achieve objectives.

• Develop detailed project schedules and timelines using project management tools.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation including design drawings, specifications, and test reports.
• Coordinate with internal teams, contractors, and external stakeholders on project execution.
• Track project progress, milestones, and deliverables against established timelines.
• Manage substation project budgets and cost tracking.
• Prepare project status reports for management and clients.
• Coordinate meetings including design reviews, pre-construction meetings, and post-project evaluations.
• Maintain bill of materials and equipment specifications documentation.
• Ensure all project deliverables meet quality standards and client requirements.
• Organize and archive project records for future references.
• Support contract administration and client documentation.
• Communicate project changes and impacts to all stakeholders.
• Measures
• Projects completed on schedule.
• Projects completed within budget.
• Client satisfaction with project delivery and documentation.
• Documentation completeness and accuracy.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC)

The process and inspections used to ensure that all work meets established standards, specifications, and client requirements through the prevention, detection, and correction of errors.

• Develop and implement comprehensive test plans for new and upgraded substation equipment and systems.
• Conduct rigorous design reviews to verify compliance with IEEE, IEC, ANSI, and company standards.
• Perform engineering calculations verification and peer review of technical work.
• Ensure substation designs comply with all applicable codes, standards, and regulations.
• Conduct commissioning activities and factory acceptance testing (FAT) to verify equipment performance.
• Perform site acceptance testing (SAT) to validate system operation in field conditions.
• Document all test results, deficiencies, and corrective actions.
• Inspect physical substation construction for compliance with design specifications.
• Develop and maintain quality assurance checklists and procedures.
• Coordinate with QA/QC teams to resolve identified deficiencies.
• Ensure all drawings and specifications are accurate, complete, and current.
• Maintain traceability of equipment and materials to source documentation.
• Participate in equipment failure analysis and implement corrective measures.
• Measures
• Zero critical defects found during commissioning and testing.
• Rework and corrective action completion within 10 days.
• Client inspection and acceptance rates of 100%.
• Compliance audit pass rates with zero non-conformances.

Business Development – Marketing and Sales

Process of identifying, creating, and expanding opportunities that drive growth.

• Identify and assess new substation projects and market opportunities.
• Prepare technical proposals and engineering scopes of work for potential clients.
• Support the team with technical expertise during client presentations and meetings.
• Develop relationships with clients, vendors, and regulatory agencies.
• Participate in industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events.
• Contribute to business development presentations with technical content and feasibility assessments.
• Support marketing efforts by providing technical documentation and case studies.
• Identify opportunities for service expansion in substation design and engineering.
• Collaborate with management on pricing and project profitability analysis.
• Maintain awareness of industry trends and competitive landscape.
• Measures
• Number of new projects identified and proposals submitted.
• Win rate on submitted proposals.
• Revenue growth from new business initiatives.

Corporate and Department Planning

Corporate planning contributes to or supports planning activities that affect the entire organization. Department planning entails establishing specific goals, budgets, staffing plans, and timelines that align with the department’s objectives.

• Participate in department planning meetings and contribute to engineering goals and objectives.
• Support development of project schedules, budgets, and resource allocation plans.
• Collaborate with management on departmental staffing plans and capacity assessments.
• Contribute to strategic initiatives that enhance substation design and operations processes.
• Assist in establishing quality and safety metrics for substation projects.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives withing the engineering department.
• Participate in annual department goal setting and planning sessions.
• Help identify process improvements and technology upgrades for substation systems.
• Measures
• Departmental planning goals are met and are on schedule.
• Contribution to budget development accuracy within 5% variance.
• Participation in continuous improvement initiatives with documented outcomes.

Human Resources and Office Management

Supports the organization's resources and facilitates smooth administrative operations, enabling efficient operations.

• Maintain accurate tracking and project coding for billing and cost allocation.
• Participate in performance management discussions and goal-setting with supervisors.
• Support office operations by communicating with administrative staff.
• Comply with all company policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
• Participate in team meetings and departmental communications.
• Support mentoring and training of junior engineers and technicians.
• Maintain professional workspace organization and tool management.
• Support employee engagement initiatives and team building activities.
• Participate in safety meetings and incident prevention programs.
• Communicate HR-related concerns or issues to management through appropriate channels.
• Measures
• Accurate and timely reporting of timesheets.
• Participation in team meetings and professional development.
• Safety compliance with zero violations.

Continuing Education

Annual training programs that support company objectives and employee growth.

• Maintain active PE license.
• Participate in industry association activities.
• Attend manufacturer training courses.
• Maintain knowledge of current codes and standards (ANSI, IEEE, IEC).
• Complete safety training and certifications as required.
• Participate in internal training and knowledge-sharing sessions.
• Measures
• Complete the minimum number of hours for continuing education annually.
• Maintain all required professional licenses and certifications.

Special Project and Assignments

Assumes responsibilities for special assignment delegated by …

• Lead multidisciplinary project teams on major substation initiatives.
• Perform emergency response engineering for critical substation failures.
• Support audits and regulatory compliance inspections.
• Develop standardized procedures and best practices documentation.
• Investigate equipment failures and recommend preventative measures.
• Develop specialized designs for unique or complex substation applications.
• Measures
• Timely completion of special assignments.
• Quality of deliverables meeting project objectives.
• Stakeholder satisfaction with assignment outcomes.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. When properly requested and when feasible, reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• This job involves both sedentary and active work; however, standing, walking, sitting, reaching with hands and arms, stopping or kneeling, talking, and hearing are required.
• Frequently uses computer and office equipment requiring extended sitting and screen time.
• Occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 50 pounds of equipment or materials.
• Occasionally visits to substation sites and construction areas, may be exposed to high places, electrical hazards, fumes, or airborne particles, outside weather conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, and the risk of electrical shock.
• This job operates in a professional office environment with occasional field work.
• Overtime may be necessary as workloads and emergency dictate. This may include weekdays, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Due to the collaborative nature of this position and the need for site inspections and on-site client meetings, some in-office and field work is required during regular business hours, with flexibility for emergency response situations.
• Travel may be required to project sites, client locations, and industry events. May occasionally include overnight stays.
• Must wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for extended periods while on site.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required for site visits and travel.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.