Substation Engineer

Paul J. Ford; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Paul J. Ford in Columbus, Ohio, is seeking a Substation Engineer to design and develop medium and high voltage power distribution systems. The role requires leading project design and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Ideal candidates will have at least 5 years of experience, a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering, and be able to obtain professional licensure.

This position entails client interactions and strong collaboration with engineering teams to deliver quality solutions on time.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in consulting focused on medium- and high-voltage power systems.
• Demonstrated experience with electrical construction drawings and specifications.
• Ability to obtain PE licensure within six months is required.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop medium/high voltage power distribution systems.
• Lead client meetings to gather requirements and present solutions.
• Ensure all project deadlines and quality standards are met.

Skills

Electrical system protection

Power distribution

Load management principles

Proficiency in engineering software

Quality assurance and quality control

Client relationship management

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE)

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

EasyPower

ETAP

GIS

PLS-CADD

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Responsibilities

The Substation Engineer is responsible for the design and development of medium and high voltage (MV/HV) power distribution systems. This position leads the design and optimization of complex MV/HV power systems, including substations, transformers, switchgear, protective relaying, and grounding schemes. This role requires a strong understanding of electrical system protection, power distribution, and load management principles, and the ability to drive large-scale power infrastructure projects from conceptual design through commissioning, ensuring adherence to industry standards and regulatory compliance.

• Establish specific goals, budgets, and timelines for substation projects that align with the Power Market’s objectives.
• Conduct due diligence, feasibility, conceptual design studies, and inverter-based resource (IBR) interconnection studies; prepare utility master plan reports.
• Participate in system design coordination and equipment selection for major power infrastructure.
• Measures
  • Accuracy of project budget forecasts.
  • Timely completion of feasibility and master plan reports.
  • Alignment of project outcomes with department growth goals.

Business Development – Marketing and Sales

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

• Function as a primary client contact, ensuring all technical and project needs are met.
• Maintain strong relationships by maximizing value delivered to clients and actively participate in marketing and business development activities.
• Participate in client meetings to gather requirements, present technical substation solutions, and provide project updates.
• Measures
  • Client retention and satisfaction ratings.
  • Success rate of technical presentations in securing new contracts.
  • Contribution to the expansion of the Power Market client base.

Project Administration

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.

• Design medium- and high-voltage power distribution systems for renewable energy projects (solar, wind, BESS, EV) and traditional transmission/distribution (underground and overhead).
• Prepare specifications, calculations, drawings, and full construction packages for complex electrical systems (15kV to 200kV), including three-line diagrams, substation layouts, grounding design, and protection studies.
• Perform electrical studies including short-circuit, arc flash, load flow, power factor, relay coordination, and capacity analysis.
• Provide construction administration, including shop drawing review and technical support to field personnel for systems up to 200kV.
• Measures
  • Project completion within established scope and budget.
  • Quality and accuracy of construction packages and technical drawings.
  • Efficiency in troubleshooting and resolving field equipment issues.

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 and maintain proficiency with engineering software: AutoCAD, MicroStation, GIS, PLS-CADD, EasyPower, ETAP, SKM Power Tools, EDR, CDGES, and Synergi.
• Apply knowledge of power analysis software for various electrical studies and calculations.
• Maintain proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite for project documentation and reporting.
• Measures
  • Proficiency levels in required engineering software suites.
  • Integration of new technology tools to improve design efficiency.
  • Accuracy of power analysis results.

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.

• Conduct quality assurance and quality control reviews to ensure compliance with corporate, national, and client standards.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of technical specifications and design standards.
• Measures
  • Reduction in design errors or revisions following QA/QC reviews.
  • Compliance with NERC/FERC and other regulatory standards.
  • Adherence to internal corporate documentation standards.

Human Resources and Office Management

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

• Mentor engineering and design personnel within the Power team.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (civil and structural) and coordinate remotely across multiple offices.
• Measures
  • Professional growth and performance of mentored staff.
  • Effectiveness of cross-departmental collaboration.
  • Contribution to a positive and productive office environment.

Continuing Education

Annual training programs that support company objectives and employee growth.

• Pursue and maintain licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE).
• Stay current with industry trends in renewable energy and HV power distribution.

Special Project and Assignments

Assumes responsibilities for special assignments delegated by market principals and project managers.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.
• Licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) or the ability to obtain licensure within six months.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in consulting with a focus on medium- and high-voltage power system/substation design.
• Demonstrated experience preparing electrical construction drawings, specifications, submittal reviews, and construction administration.
• Preferred: Graduate degree, professional registrations, technical research, or publication experience.

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 is essentially a sedentary role; however, standing, walking, sitting, reaching with hands and arms, stooping or kneeling, talking, and hearing are required.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• This job operates in a professional office environment.
• Overtime may be necessary as workloads dictate. This may include weekdays, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Due to the collaborative nature of this position and accessibility for in-house and on-site client meetings, it is essential that the work be performed in the office and during regular business hours.
• Some travel may be required for client meetings, field reviews, and project assignments. The employee may occasionally be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, high places, fumes, or airborne particles, outside weather conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, and the risk of electrical shock.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Mentors engineering and design personnel within the Power group.