Senior Substation Engineer

Job Title: Senior Substation Engineer
Location: Bloomington, MN
Job Type: Contract-to-Hire

Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Substation Engineer to support high-voltage electrical substation projects, including systems up to 765kV. This role will work under the supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer and play a key role in developing engineering design deliverables for both new and upgraded substations. The ideal candidate brings meaningful, hands-on experience with 765kV systems and can contribute across the full project lifecycle—from conceptual design through construction and closeout.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support substation projects from conceptual design through construction and project completion
• Develop and prepare comprehensive substation design packages, including:
  • Physical layouts (above and below grade)
  • Protection and control (P&C) systems
  • Grounding, lightning protection, lighting, and security systems
• Perform engineering calculations including insulation coordination, AC station service, DC systems and battery sizing, voltage drop, cable sizing, and conduit fill
• Prepare design sketches, cost estimates, equipment specifications, and bills of materials
• Apply industry standards including IEEE, NESC, and utility-specific requirements
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary project teams to adapt designs based on budget, schedule, and client needs
• Support field inspections and provide technical input during construction
• Assist with project data collection, analysis, and reporting
• Participate in client meetings, presentations, and technical discussions
• Identify and help resolve technical and project-related issues
• Support proposal development and contribute to client presentations
• Perform design quality reviews and ensure adherence to QA/QC standards
• Maintain strong communication with internal teams and external stakeholders

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field from an ABET-accredited program OR
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering Technology (ABET-accredited) with successful completion of the FE exam
• Minimum 3+ years of substation engineering experience (consulting environment preferred)
• Demonstrated, hands-on experience with 765kV substation design (not limited or incidental exposure)
• Experience in either physical substation design or protection & control (P&C) engineering
• Strong understanding of applicable codes and standards (IEEE, NESC, etc.)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and engineering tools
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications:

• Engineer in Training (EIT) certification
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or progress toward licensure
• Experience supporting large-scale or utility-grade substation projects