Electrical or Mechanical Engineer, Substation Physical Arrangement

David Evans and Associates • Portland, OR

58d • $108,000 - $158,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

At David Evans and Associates, Inc., our Energy team provides unmatched infrastructure solutions for power delivery and renewable energy, offering expert planning and design for low- to high-voltage facilities. We ensure safe, reliable, and affordable electricity for communities across various sectors, including power generation, renewables, and transportation electrification. Our comprehensive services are tailored to meet the technical, financial, environmental, and political needs of our clients. Whether the goal is to enhance current infrastructure or embark on a new innovative energy project, DEA has the expertise to see it through to completion and deliver a more resilient future. The Substation Practice is seeking an Electrical Engineer, Substation Physical Arrangement to join our team and contribute to the design and development of utility-scale substations and renewable energy interconnections across the Midwest and western United States. As an Engineer in DEA's Energy Business Unit, you will be responsible for the physical design and layout of substations supporting wind, solar, and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects. You'll work on the detailed arrangement of equipment, buswork, grounding, conduit, and structures to ensure safe, functional, and cost-effective designs. This role will collaborate closely with P&C, civil/structural, and project management teams to deliver complete substation packages from concept to issued-for-construction (IFC) plans. This hybrid-friendly position offers flexibility, with a preference for candidates near one of DEA's offices in California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Texas, Utah, or Washington. Fully remote work may be considered. Some travel for site visits and project execution may be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university.
• Four (4)+ years of relevant substation physical design experience.
• Registered Professional Engineer (PE) or ability to obtain within one year.
• Working knowledge of substation equipment (circuit breakers, transformers, disconnects, buswork, etc.) and layout design principles.
• Strong teamwork, organization, and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Seven (7)+ years of industry experience in substation physical arrangement design.
• Familiarity with utility and renewable energy interconnection standards.
• Experience with EPC (Engineer-Procure-Construct) project delivery and coordination through commissioning.
• Advanced knowledge of grounding and lightning protection design.
• Experience preparing design deliverables for transmission and distribution substations (69 kV-500 kV).

Responsibilities

• Exemplify DEA's Cultural Drivers internally and externally.
• Develop substation general arrangement drawings from conceptual design through IFC, including equipment layout, foundation plans, conduit and grounding plans, and section/elevation views.
• Design and model high-voltage bus configurations, equipment clearances, and structure arrangements consistent with client standards and applicable codes (e.g., NESC, IEEE, ASCE).
• Prepare and review detailed drawings, bills of material (BOMs), and construction specifications.
• Coordinate closely with P&C, civil, and structural engineers to produce complete design packages.
• Provide technical input for cost estimates, material procurement, and constructability reviews.
• Support project execution during construction through submittal reviews, RFI responses, and field coordination.
• Ensure adherence to quality standards and design accuracy across all deliverables.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
• Financial wellness: Health Savings Account (HSA) and Lifestyle Spending Account with employer contributions
• Professional development: Support for continuing education and training opportunities.
• Work-life balance: Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday Pay
• Work Schedule: Flexible 9/80 schedule-every other Friday off!
• Retirement: 401k plan
• Wellbeing focus: Holistic Wellbeing Program centered on physical, emotional, financial, career, and community health
• Growth opportunities: Access to mentorship, professional support, and pathways for career advancement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees