Substation Engineer

Job Title: Substation Engineer
Job Description
This role focuses on the design and development of distribution and substation projects, including medium-voltage and high-voltage systems, to support the modernization of the electrical grid. You will apply your electrical engineering expertise in power system modeling, protection and control, and utility infrastructure to deliver safe, reliable, and innovative solutions for a wide range of clients. The position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge initiatives such as battery energy storage systems, microgrid and renewable integration, and grid modernization, while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
Responsibilities

• Design and develop distribution and substation projects, including MV/LV transformers, switchgear, protection and control schemes, and service connections.
• Conduct power system modeling and studies using ETAP, SKM, CYME, or similar tools, including load flow, short circuit, and coordination analysis.
• Design overhead and underground distribution systems, selecting and specifying equipment such as poles, conductors, transformers, switchgear, and protective devices.
• Develop and implement relay settings using software such as SEL AcSELerator, GE Enervista, ASPEN, or equivalent tools.
• Troubleshoot relay, SCADA, and recloser protection issues in close collaboration with field teams.
• Provide technical support for battery energy storage systems (BESS) design and grid integration.
• Coordinate with vendors and construction crews to support proper equipment procurement, installation, and commissioning.
• Work with drafting resources to develop complete construction packages, including one-line diagrams, plan and profile drawings, and detailed specifications.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including civil engineers and other disciplines, to ensure successful project delivery.
• Assist in mentoring junior engineers and contribute to knowledge-sharing and best practices within the team.
• Support projects involving renewable energy, microgrid integration, EV infrastructure planning, and distribution system upgrades.
• Engage with utilities, municipalities, and private clients to understand project requirements and provide technical solutions.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification.
• 5+ years of experience in utility, consulting, or substation design engineering.
• Demonstrated experience in substation design, distribution engineering, and power delivery projects.
• Proficiency with relay settings and programming using SEL, GE, or other major manufacturer software.
• Experience with power system modeling and studies using ETAP, SKM, CYME, ASPEN, or similar tools.
• Strong knowledge of protection and control schemes for distribution and substation systems.
• Ability to design substation and/or distribution systems, including equipment selection and specification.
• Solid understanding of electrical engineering principles as applied to utility and substation projects.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a project team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for coordination with internal teams, vendors, and clients.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
• Experience with SCADA integration and communications protocols is a plus.
• Familiarity with civil and structural aspects of substation design is beneficial but not required.
• Experience supporting battery energy storage systems (BESS) design and grid integration.
• Exposure to renewable energy, microgrid integration, and EV infrastructure planning projects.
• Experience preparing construction plans, including one-line diagrams, plan and profile drawings, and detailed specifications.
• Experience in physical, protection and controls, or civil aspects of substation projects is welcome.
• Interest in mentoring junior engineers and contributing to technical leadership within project teams.
• Motivation to grow technical expertise and eventually lead project teams.

Work Environment
This position is based in California, with primary offices in locations such as San Diego, Irvine, and Walnut Creek, and offers a flexible remote/hybrid work arrangement. You will typically work in a modern office environment, collaborating with an in-office and remote workforce distributed across the state. After an initial training period, you may have the option for part-time remote work, subject to project needs and team coordination. The role involves close interaction with drafting teams, vendors, construction crews, and multidisciplinary engineering teams, and may include periodic site visits to substations and distribution facilities. You will be expected to be onsite at a substation project near the San Francisco Bay Area one or two days per week starting in 2027. The work involves extensive use of engineering software such as ETAP, SKM, CYME, ASPEN, SEL AcSELerator, and GE Enervista, as well as standard office productivity tools. The organization emphasizes collaboration, mentorship, and professional growth, offering opportunities to work on diverse and cutting-edge projects in substation design, BESS integration, EV infrastructure planning, and grid modernization. A comprehensive benefits package typically includes medical, dental, paid time off, retirement savings options such as 401(k), performance-based incentives, and professional development support. Dress expectations generally align with a professional office setting, with appropriate field attire required during site visits.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Francisco, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $58.00 - $75.00/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)
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in San Francisco,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 28, 2026.
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.


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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.