Lead Substation Engineer 2 - Grid

Sargent & Lundy•Knoxville, TN

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Lead Substation Engineer will work on substation modifications and upgrades supporting client requirements, with a focus on protective relaying and control systems for high-voltage and extra-high-voltage substations. The role includes developing engineering calculations, designs, specifications, relaying philosophies, equipment selections, SCADA and telecommunications concepts, and associated diagrams. The position is hybrid, based at the future Knoxville office, with three days per week in the office and two days remote. Travel may be needed for client and vendor design reviews, construction coordination, and field verification. A relocation package may be available depending on location.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
12 or more years of experience designing substations at 138 kV and above.
Professional Engineer (PE) license.
Experience serving as a firm/client liaison in a support or lead engineering role.
Experience writing and providing supporting documentation for relay calculations.
Experience with design techniques, tools, and principles used to produce technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Proficiency with at least one of SKM, ETAP, ASPEN, CDEGS, or vendor software.
Familiarity with design codes and standards such as NEC, NESC, NEMA, IEEE, and ANSI.
Experience with vendor protective relay equipment commonly used in substation protection, including SEL, ABB, GE, Areva, and Basler.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S.; the employer does not sponsor work authorization.

Nice To Haves

BSEE degree.
Experience with in-line, bus, and equipment protection; breaker, transformer, and similar equipment control; RTU- and data-concentrator-based SCADA systems; and telemetering and communications such as fiber optics, microwave, and power line carrier.
AutoCAD or MicroStation experience.
Construction and start-up experience.
Testing or commissioning experience.
Interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies relevant to the role; experience with AI, automation, or programming is valued but not required.

Responsibilities

Create calculations, document designs, and prepare specifications for substation modifications and upgrades.
Prepare relaying philosophies; select relay, control, and communications equipment; develop SCADA and telecommunication concepts and configurations; and oversee I/O assignments and connection diagrams.
Guide engineers and designers in protection and controls engineering, including coordination of detailed design phases.
Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve a variety of engineering issues.
Analyze and design single-line diagrams, substation relaying and metering diagrams, A.C. schematic diagrams, and D.C. schematic diagrams.
Prepare engineering studies for client and peer review.
Independently review others’ calculations and drawing preparation.
Coordinate and provide guidance to engineers, project managers, client personnel, and suppliers to ensure complete and timely designs.
Review existing facilities, propose upgrades and replacements, and present findings and recommendations to clients and peers.
Share knowledge through peer learning and Sargent & Lundy’s Communities of Practice.
Mentor less experienced engineers.
Travel as needed to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant sites for construction coordination and field verification.