Senior Substation Protection & Controls Engineer

Company Overview

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Join Us! CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold.

Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co‑workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it’s a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.

Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world‑class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

Job Description

CDM Smith is seeking a Senior Substation Protection & Control Engineer who will play a key role in leading the design and delivery of complex substation projects that ensure the reliability, safety, and efficiency of power systems.

In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to drive innovation in protection and control systems, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate directly with clients and stakeholders on high-profile energy projects.

• Lead diverse and challenging projects in power systems, facility design, and renewable energy solutions.
• Own the full project lifecycle, from concept design to regulatory compliance and client delivery.
• Build expertise in power studies, electrical calculations, lighting design, communications, fire alarm, and security systems.
• Contribute thought leadership through white papers, technical publications, and industry conference participation.
• Collaborate with sales and clients to shape proposals and deliver innovative solutions.
• Take the lead as the primary client contact, enhancing relationships and trust.
• Grow as a leader by mentoring and supervising junior engineers.

Preferred locations include Wadsworth, OH; Columbus, OH; Pittsburgh, PA; Philadelphia, PA; and CDM Smith offices in New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and Georgia. Other CDM Smith U.S. locations may be considered based on candidate qualifications.

This is a hybrid role and can be based out of one of CDM Smith’s offices, offering both flexibility and the chance to work closely with top engineering talent across the firm.

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SR-15-26

Skills & Abilities

• Expert knowledge of computer-assisted design and drafting (CADD) 3D and 4D software and practices.
• Expert knowledge of engineering design principles.
• Expert knowledge of Microsoft business software (Excel, Word, etc.).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Expert knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering, or Electrical Technology or related discipline.
• Professional engineering (PE) license.
• 12 years of related experience.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience with substation engineering and detailed design for high‑voltage projects up to 345kV.
• Expertise in protective relay schemes and relay schematics/wiring diagrams.
• Skilled in developing equipment specifications and selection for substation projects.
• Proficiency in hardware specifications and selection, including SCADA/RTU components.
• Strong knowledge of NESC (National Electrical Safety Code) and NEC (National Electrical Code).
• Experience in substation grounding grid design and lightning protection systems.

Amount of Travel Required

10% or less

EEO Statement

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Background Check and Drug Testing Information

CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as “CDM Smith”) reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.

Massachusetts Applicants

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.

Additional Pay Range Information

CDM Smith is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. This pay range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels for the geographic location assigned to the position. In addition to geographic location, a candidate’s salary is determined by several other factors including, but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, relevant work experience, skills, required certifications, and education/training.

Additional Compensation

All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.

Visa Sponsorship Available

No-We will not support sponsorship in the United States, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position

Pay Range Max

USD $260,208.00

Pay Range Min

USD $140,670.00