Engineer - Substations Engineering

Position Purpose

Provides advanced technical leadership and expertise in the design, construction, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and repair of electric substations. This role leads complex substation projects, ensures engineering quality and system reliability, and serves as a subject matter expert. The Engineer IV partners across functions to support long-term system planning, drives innovation in design and technology, and mentors less experienced engineers.
Core Responsibilities

Note: This is not an all-inclusive listing

• Lead the planning, design, construction, and commissioning of new substations and major substation modifications (4 kV to 345 kV).
• Provide technical oversight and direction to consultants, ensuring alignment with company standards, system requirements, and project objectives.
• Direct and oversee the work of internal staff and contractors in construction, maintenance, and modification of substations.
• Develop detailed technical specifications for major substation equipment; evaluate proposals, oversee manufacturing inspections, and coordinate delivery and installation.
• Serve as technical lead for substation protection, control, monitoring, and communication systems, including microprocessor-based technologies.
• Lead vendor, contractor, and consultant negotiations; evaluate bids and provide recommendations for procurement of equipment and services.
• Manage complex capital projects, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and execution.
• Develop and manage project budgets and forecasts for substation capital projects.
• Collaborate with system planning teams on conceptual design, layout, and long-range substation and system expansion planning.
• Prepare and review construction and maintenance work orders, ensuring accuracy and compliance with standards.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting and resolution of substation control and system issues.
• Research, evaluate, and implement emerging technologies, design practices, and equipment to enhance system performance and reliability.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to engineers and engineering support staff.

Behavioral Competencies

These are in addition to MGE's Core Competencies

• Manages Complexity - Makes sense of complex, high-quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• Decision Quality - Makes sound, timely decisions even in ambiguous or high-impact situations.
• Plans and Aligns - Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Collaborates - Builds partnerships and works effectively across teams, functions, and external stakeholders.
• Drives Results - Consistently achieves results, even under challenging circumstances.
• Instills Trust - Gains the confidence of others through honesty, integrity, and technical credibility.

Skills

• Advanced knowledge of substation design principles and practices (4 kV-345 kV)
• Expertise in substation protection, control, and monitoring systems
• Strong proficiency in developing technical specifications and evaluating vendor proposals
• Advanced project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and risk management
• Deep understanding of utility industry standards, safety codes, and regulatory requirements
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Effective communication skills (technical and non-technical audiences)

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred

Experience

• Ideally 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in electric utility engineering, with significant experience in substation design and project leadership
• Demonstrated experience leading complex engineering projects and influencing technical decisions across functions

Work Location

• This hybrid role is based at our Madison, WI headquarters. While three days onsite is the minimum, team collaboration and business needs may require additional in-office presence.

Pre-employment will require satisfactory completion of a background check and drug screen.
We are an AA/EOE employer and consider all qualified candidates without regard to protected status.