Substation Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Substation Engineer (Remote or Hybrid | California Preferred)Help Modernize the Future of the Electric Grid

Are you a Substation Engineer looking to work on high-impact utility infrastructure projects while advancing your technical and leadership skills?

Join a nationally recognized engineering team delivering innovative solutions for utility, renewable energy, battery storage, EV infrastructure, and grid modernization projects across the United States. This role offers the opportunity to work on complex and meaningful projects that directly improve power reliability and support the transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy future.

You'll collaborate with experienced engineers, utilities, municipalities, and private-sector clients while enjoying flexibility, career development opportunities, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies.

• Flexible remote and hybrid work options with a strong work-life balance culture
• Opportunity to contribute to grid modernization, renewable energy, BESS, and EV infrastructure projects
• Diverse project portfolio with leading utility and energy clients across the country
• Clear opportunities for career advancement, professional development, and mentorship
• Collaborative environment where technical expertise is valued and shared
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package
• Support for professional licensure and continued learning

As a key member of the power delivery team, you will:

• Lead the engineering and design of medium-voltage and high-voltage substation and distribution projects
• Develop construction packages, including one-line diagrams, protection and control drawings, plan/profile drawings, and technical specifications
• Perform power system studies using ETAP, SKM, CYME, ASPEN, or similar software
• Design overhead and underground distribution systems and specify equipment including transformers, switchgear, conductors, poles, and protective devices
• Develop, review, and implement relay settings using SEL, GE Enervista, AcSELerator, or comparable platforms
• Troubleshoot protection, relay, SCADA, and recloser-related issues in partnership with field operations teams
• Support battery energy storage system (BESS) integration and interconnection projects
• Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and construction teams to ensure successful project execution
• Collaborate with civil, structural, and multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical excellence across the organization
• Participate in occasional site visits and field investigations

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline
• 5+ years of experience in substation, utility, or power delivery engineering
• Experience designing and supporting MV and HV utility infrastructure projects
• Hands-on experience with electrical protection and control systems
• Proficiency with power system modeling and analysis software such as ETAP, SKM, CYME, ASPEN, or similar
• EIT certification or equivalent professional experience

• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Experience with SCADA systems and communication protocols
• Understanding of civil and structural considerations for substation projects
• Experience supporting renewable energy, battery storage, or grid modernization initiatives

This position can be based in San Diego or Irvine, California, or performed remotely from within the United States, with preference for candidates working within Pacific Time Zone business hours.

If you're passionate about power systems, utility infrastructure, and solving complex engineering challenges, this is an opportunity to join a company that invests in its people, embraces innovation, and offers the resources, flexibility, and project exposure needed to build a long-term, rewarding career.

Apply today and help power the next generation of energy infrastructure.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA.

The pay range for this position is $58.00 - $78.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 23, 2026.

This is a fully remote position.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.