Substation Electrical Engineer

ARCO Companies • Downers Grove, IL

2d • $110,000 - $135,000 • Onsite

About The Position

ARCO/Murray National is currently looking for a Substation Engineer to join our team based in Downers Grove, Illinois. This individual will be responsible for guiding the full electrical scope and leading the development of substation system designs and power solutions in support of design/build projects. The successful candidate will be a highly motivated engineer capable of leading project teams, providing technical expertise on substation engineering projects, and supporting work across a variety of facility and utility-related applications.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 5 years of substation design and engineering experience, utility-scale experience preferred, or comparable heavy commercial construction-related background.
• Strong working knowledge of substation design practices for high-voltage equipment, bus systems, grounding, control/relay systems, station service, and physical layout design.
• Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and produce single-line, three-line, schematic, and layout drawings.
• Experience preparing technical specifications, bills of material, and vendor data reviews.
• Proficiency with design tools and software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, ETAP, SKM, Mathcad, or other power-system calculation tools.
• EIT certification desired; PE certification is a plus.
• Experience leading projects, developing engineering schedules, budgets, and forecasts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across design, procurement, construction, and client teams.
• Willingness to travel to project sites as required.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with engineering deliverables in a GC setting, including design-build or EPC support, is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage project teams of engineers and designers in the design and execution of electrical substation projects.
• Develop, review, and approve engineering deliverables including single-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, one-line drawings, schematics, bus arrangements, grounding systems, conduit and cable layouts, control house layouts, relay panel arrangements, bill of materials, bus supports, and equipment foundations.
• Perform electrical calculations and studies such as short circuit and interrupting analysis, bus loading, conductor sizing, voltage drop, and grounding or ground-grid analysis.
• Create or review specifications, data sheets, and technical submittals for major substation equipment including transformers, switchgear, breakers, disconnects, bus duct, control and relay panels, and cable tray.
• Support projects involving breaker and switch replacements, relay panel replacements, RTU replacements, ring bus expansions, and line, bus, and transformer relay upgrades.
• Coordinate with procurement to evaluate vendor submittals, ensure compliance with specifications, and respond to technical RFIs and clarifications.
• Interface with construction and commissioning teams by reviewing contractor drawings, monitoring field installation, supporting design changes, and providing technical resolution for field issues and construction deviations.
• Conduct project scoping and site walkdowns and travel to substations or project sites as required.
• Ensure compliance with relevant codes and standards including IEEE, ANSI, NESC/NEC, applicable local utility and authority standards, and company QA/QC processes.
• Provide design support through construction and commissioning phases, including attending factory acceptance tests, witnessing installation, supporting energization, and assisting in commissioning and verification activities.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including civil/structural, protection and control, project management, and site construction to ensure coordinated design and execution.
• Support change-order review, cost estimating, constructability review, risk identification, and project planning efforts including schedules, budgets, and forecasts.
• Apply a strong understanding of substation physical design including ground grid, rigid and strain bus, and raceway systems.
• Mentor junior engineers and drafters, provide quality reviews of drawings and calculations, and help ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.

Benefits

• Industry-leading performance-based bonus program
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Traditional and Roth 401k
• Tuition reimbursement for associates
• Scholarship for associates’ children up to $28,000 per child
• 1-month paid sabbatical after every five years of employment, plus $5,000 for travel
• 1-week paid volunteer leave each year
• 100% charitable match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Paid parental leave

What This Job Offers

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