Substation Project Engineer

Ampirical; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 121,000 - 189,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Day-One Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vis

401(k) with 4% match and immediate v”

PTO: 80 hours vacation, 40 hours sick,

10 paid holidays

Flexible work schedule: Every other Fr

Career Development: Tuition reimburse

Gym membership stipend

Wellness program

Fertility benefits

Pet insurance

Job summary

Ampirical in San Diego seeks a Substation Project Engineer to lead EPC project designs, material, equipment, and construction specification development for high voltage substations. You will ensure QA/QC compliance and mentor junior engineers and contractors to deliver on schedule.

The role requires 7+ years in electrical systems engineering, 2+ years in project management, and hands-on experience with ETAP, WinIGS, and IEEE 88/998.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in engineering/design of electrical systems.
• 2+ years of experience in managing projects and substation planning.
• Experience with ETAP, WinIGS, IEEE 88/998.
• Technical Project Management experience.

Responsibilities

• Grows and manages relationships with alliance clients and communicates with stakeholders.
• Performs and directs detailed design for high to EHV substations including one-line diagrams, layouts, and equipment specs.
• Conducts project scope definition and supports construction.
• Manages proposals, bid prep, schedules, and bill of materials for substation projects.
• Performs quality reviews of engineering work.
• Defines processes, conducts RCA and corrective actions.

Skills

Electrical systems design

Substation design

Project management

Client relationship management

ETAP

WinIGS

IEEE 88/998

Technical leadership

Education

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Job description

About Ampirical

At Ampirical, we're shaping the future of the power grid with precision, innovation, and purpose. Just as the ampere is the foundation of electric current, Ampirical is a core force driving the energy sector forward. We focus on quality, forward-thinking solutions, and empowering our team to grow and thrive.

We don’t just build projects—we build careers. If you’re looking for a place where your contributions matter and your professional development is supported every step of the way, we’d love to meet you. Watch this video to get a glimpse into our culture.

Why Ampirical?

• Salary Range: $121,000 - $189,000
• Profit-Sharing Bonus: Semi-annual, performance-based (10% to 20% of salary)
• Day-One Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401(k) with 4% match and immediate vesting
• PTO: Starting at 80 hours of vacation & 40 hours of sick time per year + 10 paid holidays
• Flexible Work Schedule: Every other Friday off
• Career Development: Advancement opportunities, tuition reimbursement
• Perks: Gym membership stipend, wellness program, fertility benefits, pet insurance, and more

Job Summary:

The Substation Project Engineer will be responsible for the engineering of EPC project designs, material, equipment, and construction specification development for high voltage substation projects. This Project Engineer will be accountable for ensuring adherence to Ampirical’s QA/QC guidelines and reviews the work of peers and Junior Engineers/Sub‑Contractors to ensure timely project delivery and quality.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Grows and manages relationships with alliance clients. Communicate effectively and confidently with clients, internal group and 3rd parties. Respond to client’s inquiries timely.
• Performs and directs others in the detailed design of high to EHV utility substations including one-line diagrams, wiring diagrams, SCADA, communications, conduit and cable sizing/routing, substation physical layouts, selection of substation equipment, writing of substation equipment specifications, and construction cost estimates, general arrangement, equipment and electrical layout, grounding, outdoor bus design, protection and controls.
• Conducts project job walk down and defines the scope of work. Presides design package review meeting and provide construction support.
• Manages/developments of project proposals, bid preparation, project schedules, bill of materials, etc. for assigned Substation projects.
• Performs quality reviews of engineering work for both internal assets/sub‑contractors on assigned projects.
• Defines processes, procedures, performing RCA's (Root Cause Analysis), performing corrective actions, and validating process control.

Who You Are:

• 7+ years of experience in the engineering/design of electrical systems within the Utilities or Energy Industries.
• 2+ years of experience in managing projects, delegation of work, directing others, and planning of substation projects.
• Experience with ETAP, WinIGS, IEEE 88/998.
• Technical Project Management Experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active PE or ability to acquire a PE within one year of employment.
• Project Management Professional.
• Experience working with PG&E.