Substation Project Engineer, Protection & Apparatus

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Substation Project Engineer provides the technical backbone for substation projects managed on behalf of a utility customer. Working with the Owner's Representative Project Manager and the Substation Construction Manager, the Project Engineer defines protection and control (P&C) and apparatus scope, reviews design packages and prints, identifies materials, plans outages, and supports testing and commissioning through energization. This position requires a strong understanding of one-line and three-line diagrams, schematics, and zones of protection, along with substation apparatus such as power transformers, circuit breakers, switches, and instrument transformers.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Define technical scope for P&C and apparatus work and develop the technical sections of engineering and construction RFPs.
• Provide technical evaluation of engineering and construction proposals to support the Project Manager's award recommendations.
• Review design packages, one-line and three-line diagrams, schematics, and wiring diagrams for constructability and conformance to customer standards.
• Serve as the subject matter expert in identifying and specifying the materials and prints required to execute P&C and apparatus scope, and track customer-procured material against the schedule.
• Plan and coordinate outages using knowledge of one-line and three-line diagrams and zones of protection, working within the customer's outage process and software.
• Respond to RFIs and review submittals, shop drawings, and equipment data from vendors and contractors.
• Develop commissioning and energization plans, and coordinate relay testing, SCADA checkout, and apparatus testing with field teams.
• Identify technical risks and ensure work complies with customer standards, industry regulations, and OSHA safety requirements.
• Maintain as-built redlines and technical closeout documentation.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 5 years of experience on electric utility substation projects in engineering, project engineering, or senior protection and control roles.
• Strong understanding of three-phase power systems, power system protection, and control schemes.
• Ability to read and interpret one-line and three-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, and wiring diagrams.
• Working knowledge of substation apparatus, including power transformers, circuit breakers, switches, and instrument transformers.
• Good understanding of substation testing and commissioning.
• Experience planning or supporting outages within utility clearance processes.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook) and scheduling software such as Microsoft Project or Primavera P6.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and written reporting skills.
• Valid driver's license and good driving record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field; EIT or PE license.
• Experience as a Senior or Lead Protection and Control Technician.
• Experience with microprocessor relays and RTU/SCADA integration (SEL or comparable platforms).
• Experience on large load, transmission interconnection, or utility-scale substation projects.
• PMP or CAPM certification, or willingness to pursue certification.