Lead Substation Engineer 2 - Grid

Sargent & Lundy•Richmond, VA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Lead Substation Engineer applies protective relaying and controls expertise to high-voltage and extra-high-voltage substation modifications and upgrades. The role includes producing calculations, designs, specifications, engineering studies, and technical diagrams; developing relaying philosophies and equipment configurations; and reviewing existing facilities to recommend upgrades and replacements. The engineer provides technical guidance to engineers and designers, mentors less experienced colleagues, and coordinates with project managers, clients, suppliers, and other engineers to deliver complete designs. Some travel to client and vendor offices and plant sites may be required for design reviews, construction coordination, and field verification. The role has a hybrid arrangement requiring three days per week in the office and allowing remote work for two days. A relocation package may be available depending on location.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
At least 12 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 protective relay equipment used in substations, including equipment from 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 for this position.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.
Degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program.
Experience with in-line, bus, and equipment protection; breaker and transformer controls; 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 where relevant to the role; experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued but not required.

Responsibilities

Work on substation modifications and upgrades, including creating calculations, design documents, and specifications.
Prepare relaying philosophies, select relay, control, and communications equipment, develop SCADA and telecommunications concepts and configurations, and oversee I/O assignments and connection diagrams.
Guide engineers and designers in protection and controls engineering design and coordinate detailed design phases.
Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve engineering issues.
Perform analysis and design of 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’ work, including calculations and drawing preparation.
Coordinate with and provide guidance to engineers, project managers, client personnel, and suppliers to ensure complete and timely designs.
Review existing facilities and propose upgrades and replacements; present findings and recommendations to clients and peers.
Develop professional knowledge through peer learning and Sargent & Lundy’s Communities of Practice.
Mentor and support the development of less experienced engineers.
Travel as needed to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant sites for construction coordination and field verification.