Substation Design Engineer

(Protection & Control / Physical Design / Power System Studies)

Job Summary

The Substation Design Engineer is responsible for the engineering, design, and technical support of high-voltage substations and associated transmission and distribution facilities. The role includes protection and control system design, physical/primary substation design, and power system studies to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant operation of electrical infrastructure. The engineer works closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver projects from concept through construction and commissioning.

Key Responsibilities

Protection & Control Engineering

Design substation protection schemes for transmission and distribution systems (e.g., line protection, transformer protection, bus protection, breaker failure, capacitor/reactor protection).
Develop protection and control philosophies, logic diagrams, relay settings, and coordination studies.
Prepare P&C design packages including:
One-line and three-line diagrams
AC/DC schematics and wiring diagrams
Relay panel layouts and control house layouts
SCADA, RTU, and communications interfaces
Perform short-circuit, relay coordination, and arc-flash studies to support protection settings.
Support relay testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and field implementation.
Ensure compliance with applicable standards (IEEE, IEC, NERC, NPCC, WECC, utility standards).

Physical / Primary Substation Design

Develop physical substation layouts for AIS and GIS substations, including equipment arrangement and clearances.
Design primary electrical components such as:
Bus configurations (ring bus, breaker-and-a-half, double bus, etc.)
Transformers, circuit breakers, disconnect switches, CTs, PTs, surge arresters
Prepare construction drawings including:
General arrangement drawings
Plan and elevation views
Conduit, grounding, and foundation layouts
Perform grounding grid design and ground resistance analysis to meet safety requirements.
Coordinate civil, structural, and electrical disciplines to ensure constructability and safety.

Power System Studies

Perform power system analyses including:
Load flow and voltage analysis
Short-circuit and fault studies
Transient and dynamic studies (as applicable)
Arc-flash hazard analysis
Evaluate system performance and recommend design or protection improvements.
Support interconnection studies for generation, renewable, or large load connections.
Document study results and provide technical recommendations to stakeholders.

Project & Technical Support

Support projects through all phases: conceptual design, detailed engineering, construction, and commissioning.
Prepare technical specifications, equipment data sheets, and material requisitions.
Review vendor drawings, relay settings, and technical submittals.
Coordinate with utilities, owners, contractors, and regulatory bodies.
Ensure designs comply with safety, quality, schedule, and budget requirements.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
1 to 3 years of experience in substation engineering, including P&C, physical design, or power system studies.
Working knowledge of high-voltage substation equipment and protection principles.
Familiarity with industry standards (IEEE, IEC, ANSI, NERC).
Ability to interpret and produce engineering drawings and technical documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Certification
Ability to obtain Professional Engineer (PE) license
Experience with major utilities, EPC firms, or consulting environments.
Understanding of engineering software such as:
Protection & Studies: ETAP, ASPEN, SKM, CYME, PSCAD
Design & Drafting: AutoCAD, MicroStation, Substation Design Suite
Experience with digital substations, IEC 61850, and modern SCADA systems.

Key Skills & Competencies

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Attention to detail and engineering judgment
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
Effective communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders
Commitment to safety and quality engineering practices

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

Flexible schedule
Paid time off
Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person

Pallantus Corporation

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