Senior Electrical Engineer - Physical Substation

Company Overview

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Job Description

As a Senior Substation Engineer – Physical, you’ll lead the design and execution of extra high voltage (EHV) substations (230kV–765kV), ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective solutions for clients. This hybrid role, based out of one of CDM Smith’s offices, blends hands-on technical design with project leadership, client engagement, and mentorship of junior engineers. You’ll play a key role in advancing critical infrastructure while growing your expertise in a collaborative environment.

Job Description:

Electrical Engineer – Physical

• Lead the design and execution of EHV substation projects, including physical layout, protection and control systems, grounding, and equipment specifications.

• Serve as the technical authority and mentor for engineering teams, providing guidance on design standards, codes, and best practices.

• Oversee and validate technical deliverables, ensuring alignment with client requirements, industry standards, and internal quality protocols.

• Interface directly with clients, vendors, and subcontractors to define project scope, resolve technical issues, and ensure successful project delivery.

• Manage project budgets, schedules, and resource allocation across multiple concurrent substation projects.

• Develop and review scoping documents, engineering calculations, and technical specifications for EHV substations (typically 230 kV to 765 kV).

• Supervise and delegate tasks to junior engineers and designers, ensuring quality and consistency in engineering output. Lead internal and external coordination efforts across disciplines and stakeholders to support integrated project delivery.

• Conduct internal quality assurance reviews and ensure compliance with CDM Smith’s quality management systems.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives, change management, and the development of engineering standards and tools.

• Participate in strategic planning, resource management, and performance evaluations for engineering staff.

• Contribute to business development efforts, including proposal preparation, client presentations, and technical strategy development.

• Provide technical leadership in the selection of equipment and materials, based on complex research and analysis.

• Act as responsible engineer in charge (EOR) for assigned projects, ensuring technical integrity and regulatory compliance.

• Support career development and mentoring of engineering staff, fostering a culture of technical excellence and innovation.

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

• Proven experience in Extra High Voltage (EHV) substation design across voltage classes ranging from 13.8 kV to 765 kV, including both open-air and Gas Insulated Substations (GIS).

• Strong background in physical design and protection & control (P&C) systems for high-voltage substations.

• Proficient in preparing detailed engineering deliverables such as:

• One-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, connection diagrams, equipment arrangement, grounding, foundation, conduit plans, raceway drawings, plan and section views, and signage/nameplate documentation.

• Skilled in performing advanced engineering studies and calculations including:

• Lightning protection analysis, Conduit fill, and voltage drop calculations, Surge arrester sizing and AC/DC station service loading and Auxiliary power equipment sizing.

• Experienced in designing various bus configurations for EHV substations.

• Proficient in the use of CDEGS, WinIGS, or similar programs for lightning and grounding studies

• Proficiency in assessing mechanical forces and thermal effects of high fault currents on rigid bus

Skills & Abilities

• Strong foundation in transmission systems, grid stability, fault analysis, and load flow studies, with experience in modeling using ETAP, CYME, PSCAD, and PLS-CADD.

• Proficient in EHV substation design (AIS/GIS), including layout planning, equipment selection, grounding, lightning protection, and insulation coordination (345kV and above).

• Familiar with SF6 gas-insulated and air-insulated systems, and well-versed in industry standards such as IEEE, IEC, NESC, ANSI, and OSHA.

• Skilled in protection and control integration, including control buildings, panels, and coordination with civil teams on foundations, grading, and drainage.

• Experienced in construction practices, commissioning, testing, and interpreting field markups/redlines; knowledgeable in arc flash mitigation and safety compliance.

• Effective in managing cross-disciplinary teams, budgets, and timelines; strong communication skills for technical writing, client presentations, and issue resolution.

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 a 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.

Pay Range Min

USD $134,264.00

Pay Range Max

USD $248,394.00

Visa Sponsorship Available

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