Substation Physical Lead Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Location(s)

• Remote
• Charlotte, North Carolina
• Raleigh, North Carolina

Compensation

• $150,000 annually

Position Summary

The Lead Physical Engineer leads physical substation engineering and design for large-scale, transmission-interconnected renewable energy projects while providing technical leadership and mentorship to a team of engineers and designers. This role directs the development of coordinated substation deliverables, supports multiple projects, and ensures designs meet stakeholder requirements, applicable codes, industry standards, and quality expectations.

Job Function

• Lead the design and engineering of 35 kV to 500 kV physical substation layouts, including equipment placement, grounding, lightning protection, illumination, clearances, and structural considerations.
• Lead development of general arrangements, plan and elevation views, grounding plans, cable trough and conduit plans, major primary equipment specifications, design calculations, bills of materials, construction documentation, and engineering studies.
• Perform or oversee grounding, lightning, illumination, bus fault stress analysis, and insulation coordination studies.
• Lead and mentor a physical design team of three to five engineers and/or designers, including performance planning, monthly one-on-one meetings, and expense and timesheet review and approval.
• Provide technical support for procurement, vendor drawing reviews, and construction activities.
• Work closely with physical designers and coordinate with internal and external project team members, including transmission line, distribution line, telecommunications, protection and control, and civil/structural disciplines.
• Follow department processes and procedures while maintaining a strong customer-focused approach.
• Provide clear and constructive feedback to project teams, external stakeholders, and clients.
• Develop approaches to accommodate unique client requests and advise management on opportunities to maximize team return on investment.
• Oversee multiple projects simultaneously, managing timelines and resources to support successful project delivery.
• Prepare and review engineering calculations, detailed drawings, specifications, and reports for accuracy and compliance with industry standards.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable codes, standards, regulations, and local utility requirements.
• Implement quality-control processes and coordinate cross-discipline design checks with other substation and service leads.
• Mentor junior engineers and technical staff to support professional development and technical growth.
• Participate in client and stakeholder meetings, present design concepts and project updates, and address questions or feedback.
• Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and best practices and contribute to continuous improvement and innovative engineering solutions.
• Travel up to approximately 10% to project sites and/or client offices as needed.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from a recognized accredited program.
• Minimum of 7-9 years of experience in substation design and engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• Previous experience in a consulting environment preferred.
• Previous experience with large-scale renewable energy projects preferred.
• Previous project and/or discipline team leadership experience preferred.
• Previous experience as a direct supervisor preferred.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of electrical systems and substation layouts, grounding, lightning protection, illumination, and electrical clearances.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with applicable industry standards and codes, including ANSI, IEEE, NEC, NESC, and NERC.
• General knowledge of substation industry and technology trends.
• Proficiency in assessing mechanical forces and thermal effects of high fault currents on rigid bus.
• Familiarity with major substation equipment and specifications, including high- and medium-voltage circuit breakers, power transformers, instrument transformers, disconnect switches, bus work, surge arresters, steel, foundations, capacitor banks, and reactors.
• General knowledge of substation construction practices preferred.
• Familiarity with 3D design packages and software preferred.
• Proficiency with engineering software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, CDEGS, WinIGS, and AGI preferred.

Appealing Facts About Living in Charlotte, North Carolina

• Charlotte is a major business and energy center with a strong professional community and access to a broad range of career opportunities.
• The area offers a mix of urban neighborhoods and suburban communities, along with diverse dining, entertainment, arts, and professional sports.
• Charlotte Douglas International Airport provides convenient domestic and international travel options.
• Residents have access to parks, greenways, lakes, and outdoor recreation, with both the Blue Ridge Mountains and regional destinations within driving distance.

Appealing Facts About Living in Raleigh, North Carolina

• Raleigh is part of North Carolina's Research Triangle, a region known for engineering, technology, research, education, and a highly skilled workforce.
• The area combines a growing metropolitan economy with established neighborhoods, parks, greenways, restaurants, cultural attractions, and community amenities.
• Raleigh-Durham International Airport provides convenient access to destinations throughout the United States.
• Residents can enjoy year-round outdoor recreation and convenient access to both North Carolina's mountains and coastal destinations.

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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.

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