Substation Engineer

Position: Substation Engineer Location: Columbus, OH Job Id: 314 # of Openings: 1 Medical, dental and vision insurance Company paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability Paid holidays, vacation and sick time Paid time off to volunteer Paid maternity/paternity leave 401(k) savings program Engineers are paid straight time for overtime Frequent social events and employee lunches Employee Assistance Program Jury Duty Leave Wellness Program Allstate Critical Illness, Accident and Cancer Insurance Professional Development Paid professional license fee – the company pays for engineers to take the professional engineering exam and offers a monetary bonus when passed Paid professional membership dues – the company encourages and pays for memberships in professional associations Continuing education – the company provides educational resources and training to further knowledge for not only engineering practices but also business fundamentals Tuition reimbursement – the company reimburses tuition expenses up to 10% of employee's salary or $5,000 whichever is less with maximum lifetime reimbursement of $25,000 Cross Training – the company encourages engineers to learn new specialized skills through cross‑training among our three market groups Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Paul J. Ford & Company makes saving for retirement easy. Since 1994, the firm has been an ESOP company and became 100% employee‑owned in 2015. Employees are automatically enrolled in the ESOP, which is driven by the profitability of the company and not by employee contributions. ESOP funds have historically provided higher rates of return than other retirement plans and research shows ESOP companies are more profitable, grow faster, have more productive employees, and experience lower employee turnover. Responsibilities The Substation Engineer is responsible for the design and development of medium and high voltage (MV/HV) power distribution systems. This position is essential in leading the design and optimization of complex MV/HV power systems, including substations, transformers, switchgear, protective relaying, and grounding schemes. The role requires a strong understanding of electrical system protection, power distribution, and load management principles, as well as the ability to drive large‑scale power infrastructure projects from conceptual design through commissioning, ensuring strict adherence to industry standards and regulatory compliance. Corporate and Department Planning Establish specific goals, budgets, and timelines for substation projects that align with the Power Market’s objectives. Conduct due diligence, feasibility, conceptual design studies, and inverter‑based resource (IBR) interconnection studies; prepare utility master plan reports. Participate in system design coordination and equipment selection for major power infrastructure. Measures Accuracy of project budget forecasts. Timely completion of feasibility and master plan reports. Alignment of project outcomes with department growth goals. Business Development – Marketing and Sales Function as a primary client contact, ensuring all technical and project needs are met. Maintain strong relationships by maximizing value delivered to clients and actively participate in marketing and business development activities. Participate in client meetings to gather requirements, present technical substation solutions, and provide project updates. Measures Client retention and satisfaction ratings. Success rate of technical presentations in securing new contracts. Contribution to the expansion of the Power Market client base. Project Administration Design medium‑ and high‑voltage power distribution systems for renewable energy projects (solar, wind, BESS, EV) and traditional transmission/distribution (underground and overhead). Prepare specifications, calculations, drawings, and full construction packages for complex electrical systems (15kV to 200kV), including three‑line diagrams, substation layouts, grounding design, and protection studies. Perform electrical studies including short‑circuit, arc flash, load flow, power factor, relay coordination, and capacity analysis. Provide construction administration, including shop drawing review and technical support to field personnel for systems up to 200kV. Measures Project completion within established scope and budget. Quality and accuracy of construction packages and technical drawings. Efficiency in troubleshooting and resolving field equipment issues. Technology Utilize and maintain proficiency with engineering software: AutoCAD, MicroStation, GIS, PLS‑CADD, EasyPower, ETAP, SKM Power Tools, EDR, CDGES, and Synergi. Apply knowledge of power analysis software for various electrical studies and calculations. Maintain proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite for project documentation and reporting. Measures Proficiency levels in required engineering software suites. Integration of new technology tools to improve design efficiency. Accuracy of power analysis results. Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) Conduct quality assurance and quality control reviews to ensure compliance with corporate, national, and client standards. Contribute to the development and refinement of technical specifications and design standards. Measures Reduction in design errors or revisions following QA/QC reviews. Compliance with NERC/FERC and other regulatory standards. Adherence to internal corporate documentation standards. Human Resources and Office Management Mentor engineering and design personnel within the Power team. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (civil and structural) and coordinate remotely across multiple offices. Measures Professional growth and performance of mentored staff. Effectiveness of cross‑departmental collaboration. Contribution to a positive and productive office environment. Continuing Education Pursue and maintain licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE). Stay current with industry trends in renewable energy and HV power distribution. Education and Experience Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) or the ability to obtain licensure within six months. Minimum of 5 years of experience in consulting with a focus on medium- and high‑voltage power system/substation design. Demonstrated experience preparing electrical construction drawings, specifications, submittal reviews, and construction administration. Preferred: Graduate degree, professional registrations, technical research, or publication experience. Work Environment and Physical Demands The characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. When properly requested and when feasible, reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. This job is essentially a sedentary role; however, standing, walking, sitting, reaching with hands and arms, stooping or kneeling, talking, and hearing are required. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. This job operates in a professional office environment. Overtime may be necessary as workloads dictate. This may include weekdays, weekends, and/or holidays. Due to the collaborative nature of this position and accessibility for in‑house and on‑site client meetings, it is essential that the work be performed in the office and during regular business hours. Some travel may be required for client meetings, field reviews, and project assignments. The employee may occasionally be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, high places, fumes, or airborne particles, outside weather conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, and the risk of electrical shock. Supervisory Responsibilities Mentors engineering and design personnel within the Power group. Enhancing society through innovative engineering solutions. #J-18808-Ljbffr Paul J. Ford and Company