Substation Physical Engineer

Position Summary

The Substation Physical Engineer will design high-voltage substation projects for utilities and renewable energy clients, producing detailed physical layouts, calculations, equipment specifications, and construction documents. This role requires strong technical competency, collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. Ideal candidates bring 3–5 years of experience, an EIT (preferred), and familiarity with NESC, NEC, grounding studies, and high-voltage equipment.

• Perform physical design for high-voltage (4 kV–230 kV) and EHV (>230 kV) substations.
• Apply NESC, NEC, and utility standards to develop high-quality engineering deliverables.
• Produce plan views, elevation views, grounding analyses, conduit and cable trough layouts, fault studies, and AC/DC station service and battery calculations.
• Prepare equipment specifications, bills of materials, and construction documentation.
• Collaborate with internal teams, external partners, and clients to meet project milestones and expectations.
• Provide technical guidance and support throughout procurement and construction phases.

  Locations: Charlotte, NC • Raleigh, NC • Madison, WI • Austin, TX

Job Function

Design Responsibilities:

• Develop general arrangements, plan and elevation views, grounding plans, and conduit/cable trough designs.
• Prepare specifications for major primary equipment (transformers, breakers, switches, etc.).
• Produce design calculation documentation, bills of materials, and construction documents (RFPs, work sequences).

Engineering Studies:

• Perform grounding and lightning studies.
• Conduct AC and DC calculations for station service and battery sizing.
• Perform bus fault stress analysis.

Technical Support:

• Support procurement and construction activities as needed.

Active Coordination:

• Work seamlessly with Physical Designers to develop required drawings.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including transmission, distribution, civil, geotechnical, and survey teams.

Other Expectations:

• Produce high-quality work and support continuous improvement efforts.
• Manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment.
• Identify client interests and communicate these to project teams.
• Provide technical guidance related to system protection and communication.
• Remove obstacles affecting engineering team progress and advise leadership on maximizing ROI.
• Attend all client technical review meetings.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited program.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in high-voltage substation design (physical and/or P&C).
• Proficiency with CDEGS, WinIGS, or similar grounding and lightning study tools.
• Ability to evaluate mechanical forces and thermal impacts from high fault currents on rigid bus.
• Strong knowledge of industry trends, standards, and best practices for substations.
• Familiarity with NEC and National Electrical Safety Code.

Qualifications

• EIT certification preferred.
• PE license or ability to obtain one within 2 years (preferred).
• Knowledge of construction practices and constructability.
• Experience with proposal writing and project estimating.
• Working knowledge of scheduling and project controls.

Appealing Facts About Living in These Locations

Charlotte, NC:

• One of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. with strong job markets.
• Affordable cost of living compared to major metro areas.
• Access to professional sports, museums, outdoor activities, and diverse dining.

Raleigh, NC:

• Located in the Research Triangle, known for innovation and technology.
• Highly rated for quality of life, safety, and family-friendly amenities.
• Thriving food, arts, and outdoor recreation scene.

Madison, WI:

• Consistently ranked among the best places to live.
• Strong outdoor culture with lakes, trails, and year-round activities.
• Known for excellent schools, healthcare, and community events.

Austin, TX:

• A growing technology and cultural hub with strong career opportunities.
• Warm climate, outdoor activities, and nationally known food and music.
• No state income tax and a booming economy across industries.

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Global Talent Resources, Inc. (GTR) is a power industry recruiting firm specializing in substation, transmission, and distribution careers. With 15+ years of experience, we connect engineering and leadership professionals to top roles with leading utilities, cooperatives, EPCs, and consulting firms nationwide.

Many opportunities aren’t listed publicly. Contact the GTR team for insider access, expert guidance, and the next step in your electric utility career.