Substation Equipment Engineer (Circuit Breakers & Switches)

Progressive; Glen Allen (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Progressive is seeking an experienced Substation Equipment Engineer/Technical Specialist in Glen Allen, VA to provide expert technical support for transmission-substation equipment, especially circuit breakers and switches. The role involves coordinating with manufacturers, field operations, and internal stakeholders to ensure equipment performance meets standards throughout its lifecycle.

The candidate will lead design reviews, FATs, and on-going maintenance strategies, while mentoring

Qualifications

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship.
• Requires a four-year engineering/engineering technology degree.
• Minimum of 5+ years of relevant engineering experience.
• Strong understanding of engineering principles, standards, and problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience with transmission or substation equipment, preferably circuit breakers and switches.
• Ability to interpret technical specifications, engineering standards, and industry regulations, and experience with RCA.

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME for transmission substation equipment, particularly circuit breakers and switches.
• Develop, review, and maintain equipment design standards and technical specifications.
• Perform design reviews and FATs for domestic and international equipment suppliers.
• Provide technical guidance throughout the equipment lifecycle: commissioning, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning.
• Investigate equipment failures and perform root cause analyses to identify corrective actions.
• Support maintenance strategies, technical guidance, and training materials with field organizations.
• Ensure supplier compliance with engineering specifications, quality standards, and operational requirements.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to evaluate emerging technologies for improved transmission equipment performance.

Skills

Circuit Breakers

Transmission Engineering

Substation Equipment

Electrical Power Systems

Switchgear

Vendor Management

FAT

Commissioning

Decommissioning

Root Cause Analysis

Equipment Troubleshooting

Substation

Education

Four-year engineering/engineering technology degree

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Substation Equipment Engineer or Technical Specialist in Glen Allen, VA. This role will provide technical support for transmission-substation equipment, with an emphasis on circuit breakers and switches.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical subject matter expert (SME) for transmission substation equipment, particularly circuit breakers and switches.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with equipment manufacturers and suppliers.
• Serve as technical liaison between internal stakeholders, field operations, and equipment manufacturers to ensure equipment specifications, performance standards, and operational requirements are met throughout the equipment lifecycle.
• Develop, review, and maintain equipment design standards and technical specifications.
• Perform design reviews and Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) for domestic and international equipment suppliers.
• Support the evaluation, qualification, and onboarding of new equipment suppliers.
• Provide technical support throughout the equipment lifecycle, including commissioning, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning activities.
• Investigate equipment failures and perform root cause analyses (RCA) to identify corrective actions and improve system reliability.
• Support emergency response efforts and troubleshoot equipment-related operational issues.
• Collaborate with field organizations to develop maintenance strategies, technical guidance, and training materials.
• Ensure supplier compliance with engineering specifications, quality standards, and operational requirements.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and industry best practices to improve transmission equipment performance and reliability.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineers and cross-functional teams as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship
• Four-year engineering/engineering technology degree (Technical Specialist)
• Minimum of 5+ years of relevant engineering experience.
• Strong understanding of engineering principles, standards, and problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience with transmission or substation equipment, preferably circuit breakers and switches.
• Ability to interpret technical specifications, engineering standards, and industry regulations.Experience conducting root cause analyses and supporting equipment troubleshooting efforts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical writing.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in both independent and team environments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and engineering analysis tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working for or directly with equipment manufacturers.
• Knowledge of high-voltage transmission and electric power systems.
• Experience with Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), commissioning, and equipment qualification processes.
• Familiarity with major transmission equipment manufacturers such as Siemens, Mitsubishi Power (MEPPI), HICO, or similar organizations.
• SAP experience.
• Previous experience serving as a technical lead or subject matter expert.

Work Environment

• Approximately 75% office-based with periodic travel to vendor facilities, manufacturing locations, and field sites as needed.
• Opportunity to work closely with both domestic and international equipment suppliers.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Circuit Breakers
• Transmission Engineering
• Substation Equipment
• Electrical Power Systems
• Switchgear
• Vendor Management
• Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
• Commissioning
• Decommissioning
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
• Equipment Troubleshooting
• Substation

*This Company does NOT offer VISA transfer, sponsorship, or relocation to United States

**Progressive Recruitment has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what is reasonably expected to be paid for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be based on several factors including (but not limited to) our client's offer, the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

EOE Statement

Specialist Staffing Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for benefits such as health insurance, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance, and paid leave where required by applicable law. Eligibility may vary based on factors such as location and hire date and is subject to change.