Substation Engineer

The Substation Engineer is responsible for the engineering design and analysis of substations and high-voltage lines (Gen-Tie) for utility-scale PV projects. This includes the development of substations, overhead and underground transmission (Gen-Tie) lines, protection and control systems, and interconnection facilities. The role requires ensuring compliance with applicable codes, standards, and grid regulations, while optimizing designs for safety, reliability, and cost efficiency.

The Substation Engineer will prepare technical documentation, electrical studies, and construction deliverables and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to successfully deliver complete, buildable designs.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities:

Electrical Design and Analysis

• Perform basic and detailed design of HV substations and transmission lines, including electrical studies, calculations, and system analysis.
• Conduct short-circuit studies, grounding grid calculations, insulation coordination, lightning protection analysis, and instrument transformer loading assessments.
• Develop and review protection coordination studies and relay settings.
• Ensure interconnection and grid code compliance (reactive power, short-circuit levels, and power quality).

Line and System Engineering

• Prepare technical reports and perform electrical and mechanical calculations for overhead and underground lines, including conductor sizing and auxiliary systems (AC/DC).
• Conduct route selection, feasibility, and techno-economic studies for HV transmission lines.

Drawings and Diagrams

• Develop single-line diagrams (SLDs), protection and control SLDs, wiring and communication diagrams, and signal lists.
• Prepare interlocking logic, communication architectures, and detailed schematics for protection and control systems.

Coordination and Review

• Coordinate with civil and structural teams on substation and transmission line design requirements.
• Review and provide technical feedback on engineering documentation prepared by subcontractors or external consultants.
• Review Owner’s Requirements, contractual specifications, and ensure design compliance with applicable standards (IEEE, IEC, ANSI, NFPA, NEC, NESC, etc.).

Technical Documentation and Procurement Support

• Prepare detailed technical specifications, Bill of Quantities (BoQ), and design deliverables for procurement and construction.
• Conduct technical assessments and validations of HV equipment, materials, and system supplies (e.g., transformers, breakers, switchgear, towers).

Interface and Stakeholder Management

• Manage interfaces between HV and PV plant designs across electrical, civil, structural, and instrumentation disciplines.
• Participate in meetings with the Owner’s Engineer and other project stakeholders to ensure technical alignment.
• Hold meetings with suppliers for technical evaluation, clarification, and equipment selection.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems focus preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in HV engineering, preferably within the renewable energy, transmission, or utility industries.
• Proven experience in substation and transmission line design.
• Direct experience with EPC or self-perform construction in solar PV and/or BESS projects, preferably within U.S.-based EPCs or Prime Contractors.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, CYMCAP, CDEGS, PLSCADD.
• Familiarity with NEC, NESC, IEEE, and IEC codes and standards.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple departments and with external partners.

Benefits

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and great benefits package.
• Opportunity to work with a passionate and innovative team.
• Career growth and development in a fast-growing industry.

If you meet the requirements and are motivated to take on a new professional challenge, don’t hesitate to apply.

Our recruitment team will be happy to share more details with you about the position, the team, and the benefits of joining EMC Renewables —a rapidly growing company with international projects and an environment where talent truly matters.