Senior Electrical Engineer (Substation)

SSOE, Inc. • Nashville, TN

3d • $130,000 - $170,000

About The Position

SSOE is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer (Substation) to lead the design of medium and high‑voltage electrical substations for utility, municipal, and industrial clients. This role focuses on creating safe, reliable, and efficient substation designs that meet client requirements, regulatory standards, and SSOE’s quality benchmarks. The engineer will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative and cost‑effective solutions, and will often serve in responsible charge for project deliverables.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET‑accredited program; PE license preferred. EIT required if PE not yet obtained.
• Twelve (12)+ years of related practical experience in substation design and engineering. Experience in lieu of professional license may be considered at SSOE’s discretion.
• Demonstrated knowledge in: HV (>115 kV)/MV substation/switchgear design and substation yard layout; utility coordination; LV (480V/400V) plant power distribution interfaces; on‑site generation (stand‑by, prime, co‑gen, renewables) and UPS systems.
• Proficiency with design and analysis tools such as AutoCAD, ETAP or similar power system analysis software, and protection relay settings/configuration.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, communication, and teamwork skills; ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Travel required for site visits and commissioning activities.
• Valid driver’s license required (may be waived for international assignments).
• Maintains continuing professional education as required by registered states (voluntary or mandatory).

Nice To Haves

• Experience with SCADA integration, arc‑flash studies, and protective device coordination for substations.
• Prior experience reviewing vendor drawings, performing QA/QC, and providing field/commissioning support.

Responsibilities

• Interpret, organize, execute, and coordinate large substation engineering assignments with responsibility for budget, schedule, quality, and inter‑discipline coordination.
• Plan and develop engineering projects involving unique or complex problems, offering specialized expertise in substation engineering.
• Prepare substation layouts, one‑line and three‑line diagrams, schematics, and technical specifications.
• Coordinate designs for steel structures, foundations, grounding grids, buswork, raceway, and conduit systems.
• Specify and select substation equipment (e.g., transformers, breakers, switchgear, relays, instrument transformers).
• Perform power system studies and analyses to support design decisions (load flow, short circuit, protection coordination, arc‑flash).
• Provide design support during construction, respond to RFIs, and review/approve major items involving materials, equipment, and field construction.
• Stamp/seal drawings and documents, including those for which you serve as the professional in responsible charge, per applicable jurisdictional statutes.
• Plan, organize, supervise, and review the work of engineers and designers assigned to the project; participate in mentoring activities within the department.
• Maintain liaison with internal and external stakeholders, acting independently on technical matters within the substation discipline.
• Ensure adherence to IEEE, ANSI, NEMA, NESC, and utility standards, as well as SSOE quality procedures.
• Implement safety protocols for high‑voltage environments within design practices and during construction support.
• Collaborate with project managers, contractors, AHJs, and utility representatives to ensure design accuracy and constructability.
• Review vendor drawings and perform QA/QC checks on design deliverables; coordinate multi‑discipline interfaces.
• Integrate SCADA systems, networking, and protective relaying into substation designs and upgrades.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and sustainability practices applicable to substation engineering.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary: $130k – $170k / year depending on location, education, experience, and certifications.
• Bonus and Incentives: Eligibility for our annual target bonus/incentive program based on company and individual performance and goals.
• Ownership Opportunities: As an employee‑owned firm, we offer ownership opportunities to all employees at the associate level and above.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, professional development and training, generous PTO, and paid holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior