Substation Physical Engineer

Leidos; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 87,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PE License support

PMP certification

Training opportunities

Leadership opportunities

Mentorship program

Team leadership growth

Job summary

Leidos in Chicago, IL is seeking a Substation Physical Engineer to lead high‑impact substation design projects from 12 kV to 500 kV. The role emphasizes hands‑on design work, QA/QC, and collaboration with clients and internal teams in a fast‑paced environment.

The position offers a hybrid schedule (3 days in the Chicago office) with remote work options. Candidates should have a electrical engineering degree and multiple years of substation design experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering with 4+ years of substation physical design experience.
• Senior level requires 8+ years of substation physical design experience.
• Experience with grounding studies, lightning protection analysis and studies.
• Ability to communicate clearly with internal teams and clients to support project needs.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines in fast-paced or high-pressure situations.
• Demonstrated teamwork and leadership with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the delivery of substation physical design projects, ensuring technical excellence and on-time performance.
• Partner with internal engineering groups and external clients to understand needs and deliver solutions.
• Perform detailed QA/QC reviews on substation design packages for accuracy and compliance.
• Read, design, and review one-line, three-line, grounding layouts and foundation designs.
• Create and verify bills of materials for substation components.
• Conduct site visits to gather data and validate designs.

Skills

Substation design

Electrical engineering

QA/QC

Project coordination

Travel readiness

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Engineer Intern (EI) certification

Professional Engineer (PE) License

Tools

WinIGS

CDEGS

Job description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

Your greatest work is ahead!

We’re seeking a Substation Physical Engineer to take a key role in delivering high‑impact substation physical design projects. You’ll work on utility systems ranging from 12 kV to 500 kV, contributing to major grid‑modernization efforts and supporting how renewable generation connects to the grid. In this role, you’ll apply your expertise in digital logic design and AC/DC circuits to develop safe, reliable, and efficient substation physical layouts. From equipment arrangement to grounding and structural components, you’ll help shape the next generation of substation projects powering communities.

Successful candidates can look forward to a fast paced, diverse work environment and flexible work hours/work arrangements as well as managers who will encourage career development and growth including:

• Professional Engineer License (PE).

• Project Management Professional (PMP).

• Technical & Non-Technical Training Opportunities.

• Leadership Opportunities.

• Mentorship & Training Opportunities.

• Opportunity to Lead, Grow, and Inspire a Dynamic Team

The Challenge:

• Lead and support the delivery of substation physical design projects, ensuring technical excellence and on‑time performance.

• Partner closely with internal engineering groups and external clients to understand needs, align expectations, and deliver solutions that exceed standards.

• Perform detailed QA/QC reviews on substation physical design packages, ensuring accuracy, constructability, and compliance.

• Read, design, and review essential substation drawings, including one‑lines, three‑lines, plan‑and‑section views, grounding layouts, and foundation designs.

• Create and verify bills of materials for substation physical components, ensuring precision and alignment with project requirements.

• Conduct site visits at customer locations to gather data, validate designs, and support successful project execution.

Successful candidates must comply with quality control and safe work practices and maintain compliance with project scope, schedule, and budget. This position will be a member of a design team comprised of engineers, designers, and CAD technicians and will work with client standards to implement design.

What Sets You Apart:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (or related field) with 4 + years of substation physical design experience.

• Senior Level: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (or related field) with 8+ years of substation physical design experience.

• Experience performing grounding studies, lightning protection analysis, and lightning studies.

• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with internal teams and clients to support project needs.

• Proven ability to meet deadlines and stay organized in fast‑paced or high‑pressure situations.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment, contribute to group success, and provide leadership when needed.

• Self‑starter who can take initiative and work with minimal supervision.

• Strong analytical abilities with a track record of solving engineering challenges both independently and collaboratively.

• High level of computer competency and comfort working with engineering tools and software.

• Willingness to travel to project sites and client locations as needed.

You Might Also have:

• Engineer Intern (“EI” or “EIT”) professional certification.

• Professional Engineer (“PE”) License.

• Working knowledge of protection and control design

• Experience with bus calculation

• Experience with WinIGS or CDEGS

• Master’s degree in related field.

*Hybrid Work Schedule: (3 days in Chicago, IL office)

• 2–3 Days of In-Person Connection: Build strong relationships with colleagues and clients by being in the office or on-site. It’s the perfect way to strengthen collaboration and ensure seamless communication.
• Networking Events: Expand your horizons and make valuable connections at industry-leading events. You’ll be in the right rooms, with the right people, at the right time.
• Continuous Development: Stay at the forefront of innovation by participating in top-tier training programs and conferences. Personal growth isn’t optional here; it’s part of the package.
• The Best of Both Worlds: With the flexibility to work remotely on other days, you’ll have the freedom to focus, recharge, and bring your A-game to every opportunity.

OR

Remote: *Candidates must be located in the United States within the following states (IL, MI, OH, IN, KY, OK, TX, or VA) and be willing to travel to customer sites or the office as needed.

WHAT WE DO

Leidos is a trusted and technology-focused solutions provider. Utilities and mobile operators rely on our Power Delivery Services Team for reliable power and telecommunication expertise, as reflected through our work with more than 50 investor‑owned utilities, more than 160municipals/cooperatives,as well as a growing number of mobile operators, local utility providers and private developers. In addition to providing engineering and project management services, Leidos works with an established group of industry‑leading construction partners delivering meaningful Energy Delivery Solutions. Our recognition as an industry leader is confirmed by the latest national rankings by Engineering News‑Record (ENR) ranking Leidos within the Top 10 T&D Firms, and Top 10 Power Firms. To explore and learn more, click here!

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

We take care of our employees. Leidos seeks the best and the brightest, and in return, we invest in you, with an eye on your future, through career advancement, growth opportunities and continuous improvement via mentoring, formal and informal project management training and assistance with obtaining pertinent certifications. We challenge you to help solve some of the world’s toughest problems, and reward you with a welcoming culture that recognizes the importance of a strong work/life balance, as well as competitive compensation and benefits. We believe that diversity and inclusion make us all better and offer the chance to have fun and make a difference.

PowerDelivery

PDSSUBSTATION

If you’re looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We’re not hiring followers. We’re recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We’re already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

September 15, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.