Principal Substation Engineer

POSITION SUMMARY

The Principal Substation Engineer serves as the subject matter expert for all technical aspects of substation design, construction, and operation. This role is responsible for providing advanced engineering expertise, directing substation design contractors, and overseeing the work of design engineers. As the owner of the companys substation standards, the Principal Engineer ensures they are maintained, updated, and compliant with industry best practices, standards, and regulations. This position involves acting as a technical leader across the project portfolio, mentoring team members, and driving innovation in substation technologies to support reliable and efficient power delivery.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Acts as the subject matter expert for substation design and operations, ensuring compliance with industry standards, industry standards, and regulations.
• Oversees substation projects, including those managed by external contractors, ensuring alignment with system-wide objectives and technical requirements.
• Manages and prioritizes task assignments within the substation discipline to maintain balanced workloads and effective project execution.
• Develops, maintains, and updates substation standards to reflect best practices, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies.
• Oversees the cross-disciplinary design reviews to ensure substation designs align with system-wide goals and other engineering disciplines.
• Provides mentorship and technical development opportunities to engineers and technologists within the substation discipline.
• Researches and integrates innovative technologies, including renewable integration, grid modernization, and distributed energy resources, into substation designs.
• Represents the substation discipline in cross-departmental meetings, serving as a technical liaison and ensuring substation-related priorities are addressed.
• Represents the substation engineering discipline in compliance matters.
• Recommends projects for inclusion in the five year work plan for their discipline.
• Engages with project development and provides project cost estimates upon request.
• Participates in professional organizations such as EPRI and NATF to stay informed of industry advancements and contribute to company innovations.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the organizations objectives.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in an applicable Engineering field minimum
• Graduate Degree in Electrical or Power Systems Engineering preferred
• PE license in Indiana and Illinois preferred

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant substation engineering experience required for applicants with a graduate degree in Electrical Engineering or Power Systems Engineering. Minimum of 15 years of experience required for applicants with a bachelors degree in related field.
• Other levels of experience may be considered.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to collaborate with individuals at all levels and work as part of a cross-functional team
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to address internal and external stakeholders' needs
• Demonstrated level of professionalism and a positive attitude in all interactions
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills to address complex technical issues
• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD, WinIGS, Inventor, and other design software for substation design
• Broad knowledge of substation design, operation, maintenance practices, and industry regulations (NERC, RUS, IEEE)
• Expertise in substation equipment, grounding systems, protection systems, and integration with broader electrical grid infrastructure
• Ability to develop, maintain, and implement substation design standards
• Experience with emerging substation technologies, including renewable integration and grid modernization