Substation Engineering

FirstEnergy • Akron, OH

1d

About The Position

The Substation Design Engineer creates and manages engineering designs, equipment, and standards for FirstEnergy’s Substation Engineering group. The role works with engineers, survey crews, drafters, and internal and external partners throughout the project lifecycle, from estimation through construction and record updates. The engineer reports design progress proactively and identifies issues that may affect project completion.

The position provides technical support to Substation and Transmission personnel, Real Estate, Project Management, and Construction crews. It helps ensure safety standards are maintained, designs and project details are accurate, expenditures remain within budget, and projects meet required in-service dates. The role also manages equipment procurement and delivery, supports coordination among business units, and helps maintain current engineering standards and specifications.

This position supports multiple locations and requires travel throughout the service area and to manufacturers. Extra and irregular hours may be required. The position is classified as exempt.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution, or one of the stated alternatives: a Professional Engineer license; an ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology; or a non-ABET bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Civil, Mechanical Engineering, or a technical field plus an advanced degree in Electrical, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering from a university with an ABET-accredited bachelor’s program.
• At least 2 years of engineering experience.
• Working knowledge of applicable computer software, including Microsoft Office and AutoCAD.
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
• Commitment to safety and maintaining a safe work environment for coworkers and the public.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively under deadlines, changing scope, budget constraints, field problems, and competing demands.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build effective working relationships across FirstEnergy and with outside firms and manufacturers.
• Ability to work independently and in teams, coordinating designs with other FirstEnergy areas and regional operating companies.
• Ability to make timely practical decisions based on the best information available.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including project status reporting and clear, accurate correspondence.
• Strong organizational, computer, and problem-solving skills.
• Self-directed work style without dependence on detailed instruction.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout the service area and to manufacturer locations, and to work extra and irregular hours.

Nice To Haves

• Professional Engineering (PE) license.
• Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Certificate.
• Knowledge of FileNet, SAP, or Cascade.
• Ability to obtain Engineer in Training and Professional Engineering licensure; future advancement may be linked to the ability to stamp and seal engineering design drawings as a Professional Engineer.

Responsibilities

• Create engineering designs and work scopes for substation projects, including structures, foundations, clearances, layouts, grounding, oil containment, lightning protection, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
• Ensure designs provide a safe environment for personnel, contractors, and the public.
• Prepare bills of material and specifications for project equipment and materials.
• Prepare and file engineering permit applications and supporting documentation when necessary.
• Review NESC clearance requirements and coordinate with Maintenance personnel to protect public safety.
• Assist Real Estate with substation property acquisition by coordinating sketches, maps, exhibits, and easement plans.
• Direct technical personnel in gathering and recording data for substation design projects.
• Work with outside engineering firms, vendors, equipment manufacturers, and consultants.
• Provide engineering support to employees on standards, procedures, designs, and related issues.
• Analyze engineering issues, structures, and equipment; recommend solutions and alternate designs.
• Prepare estimates for proposed projects.
• Review manufacturer drawings for compliance with specifications.
• Conduct design reviews, plant audits, and witnessing of tests at manufacturer facilities as needed.
• Evaluate equipment ratings, requirements, and project schedules to support timely equipment ordering and project in-service dates.
• Manage substation equipment orders from initial request through delivery, including technical details, bid evaluations, schedules, drawing and design reviews, action items, testing, and delivery.
• Support communication across business units and convene project schedule compliance meetings to align deliverables with schedules and budgets.
• Research new technologies that can automate work processes, improve efficiency, and reduce human error.
• Maintain accurate, current standards and equipment specifications and review them against industry standards and best practices.
• Participate in industry meetings, such as IEEE and EPRI, to contribute to industry direction.
• Support FirstEnergy’s organizational performance and values through responsible and effective work performance.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and incentive compensation.
• Company-sponsored pension plan.
• 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution.
• Choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs.
• Skills development training with tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

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