Substation Engineer

Job Title: Substation Engineer

Job Description

Join a dedicated team that supports the growing demands on the U.S. electrical grid and the modernization of power delivery infrastructure. We are seeking an Electrical Engineer with expertise in substation and/or distribution engineering and design, particularly with medium-voltage (MV) and high-voltage (HV) systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical experience in power system modeling, utility infrastructure, relay coordination, and renewable energy or microgrid integration. This role offers an opportunity to mentor others and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop distribution and substation projects, including MV/LV transformers, switchgear, protection & control schemes, and service connections.

• Conduct power system modeling and studies in ETAP, SKM, or CYME, 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.

• Perform relay settings development and implementation using tools like SEL AcSELerator, GE Enervista, ASPEN, or equivalent.

• Troubleshoot relay, SCADA, and recloser protection issues, collaborating with field teams.

• Provide technical support for battery energy storage systems (BESS) design and grid integration.

• Work with vendors and construction crews to ensure proper equipment procurement and installation.

• Coordinate 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, to ensure project success.

• Assist in mentoring junior engineers and contribute to team knowledge-sharing.

• Conduct field or project visits as needed.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.

• 5+ years of experience in utility, consulting, or substation design engineering.

• Proficiency with relay settings and programming using SEL, GE, or other major manufacturer software.

• Experience with power system modeling software, including ETAP, SKM, CYME, ASPEN, or similar.

• EIT or equivalent experience; PE license preferred.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with SCADA integration and communications protocols is a plus.

• Familiarity with civil and structural aspects of substation design is beneficial but not required.

Work Environment

This position offers a flexible hybrid work environment, with opportunities for remote work after the initial training period. The role is based in San Diego, Irvine, or Walnut Creek, CA, with occasional onsite presence required at a substation project near SFO starting in 2027. Work on diverse and cutting-edge projects, including substation design, BESS integration, EV infrastructure planning, and distribution system upgrades. Collaborate with industry-leading utilities, municipalities, and private clients, gaining exposure to a broad range of challenges and solutions. The work environment promotes mentorship, growth opportunities, and professional development. Preference is for candidates located in California, with options for fully remote work available.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

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)

Job Type & Location

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 28, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Sacramento,CA.

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 click.appcast.io 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.