Substation Engineering Lead (PE)Position Description:Vantage Point Solutions (VPS) is seeking a Substation Engineering Lead to provide technical leadership, project oversight, and client engagement for electric utility substation projects. In this role, you will work directly with utility clients to plan, design, and oversee construction of substation solutions that align with client goals and support reliable electric service.
Projects may include new substations, substation expansions, brownfield modifications, system improvement initiatives, grant-funded projects, and multi-year capital improvement programs. You will serve as a key link between utility personnel, contractors, field crews, and engineering teams, helping move projects from concept through commissioning.
The Substation Engineering Lead is responsible for the technical direction, design oversight, and professional engineering approval of substation projects. This role provides mentorship and leadership to engineers, manages project execution, and ensures projects are completed safely, with quality, on schedule, and within budget.
Successful candidates demonstrate strong leadership, sound engineering judgment, adaptability, attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering exceptional service.
Technical Leadership & Project Management:- Lead and manage multiple substation projects simultaneously from planning through construction and commissioning.
- Conduct quality assurance and quality control reviews throughout all phases of project delivery.
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with local, state, and federal technical, regulatory, and safety standards.
- Conduct quality assurance and quality control reviews throughout all phases of project delivery.
- Develop project scopes, schedules, budgets, and engineering cost estimates.
- Stay current with applicable codes, standards, industry practices, and emerging technologies.
Engineering & Design:- Perform system-wide planning studies and system assessments related to substation capacity, reliability, and system performance, applying best practices and the latest technologies.
- Develop, review, and approve (PE-seal) complete substation designs, including physical layouts, electrical design, grounding systems, equipment selection, bus configurations, structural steel, protection and control systems, relay schematics, wiring diagrams, SCADA integration, and bills of material to deliver full construction drawings (IFC) and bid packages (IFB).
- Prepare equipment specifications, material specifications, and construction requirements in accordance with client and regulatory requirements.
- Professionally seal for-construction substation designs, protection and controls, and grounding system designs.
- Demonstrate proficiency with industry-standard software used for the design, planning, modeling, and analysis of substations, protection systems, and control systems.
- Support permitting, regulatory compliance, and engineering documentation efforts.
- Develop substation protection and control settings.
Client & Field Support:- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, contractors, utility personnel, and internal team members.
- Strengthens VPS's reputation as a trusted partner for utilities and enterprise clients.
- Serve as a trusted technical advisor to utility clients and assist in developing best practices, infrastructure modernization, and operational direction.
- Provide field engineering support during construction, commissioning, outage restoration, and emergency response activities.
- Assist clients with day-to-day engineering questions, operational challenges, and strategic planning initiatives.
- Assist clients in meeting regulatory reporting and compliance requirements for substation systems.
Team Leadership:- Mentor, train, and develop engineers and technical staff.
- Develop a high-performing engineering team capable of executing complex, multi-faceted projects.
- Foster collaboration, accountability, and technical excellence within the Power Engineering team.
- Support management and customer relations staff with business development initiatives.
- Support recruiting, onboarding, and professional development efforts.
- Implement process improvements to enhance engineering efficiency, accuracy, and client satisfaction.
Required Education & Experience:- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or Electrical Engineering Technology (BSEET) from an ABET-accredited institution, preferably with an emphasis in Power Systems.
- Active Professional Engineer (PE) license and ability to obtain licensure in other states through reciprocity within a reasonable timeframe.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in electric utility substation design and engineering.
- Minimum of 2 years of engineering leadership experience with direct supervisory responsibilities.
- Demonstrated success working with utility personnel, construction contractors, and multidisciplinary project teams.
- Strong knowledge of substation design, protection and controls, grounding systems, SCADA integration, and utility construction practices.
- Thorough understanding of applicable engineering standards and codes, including NESC, IEEE, ANSI, and RUS requirements.
- Working knowledge of OSHA requirements applicable to substations and the electric utility industry.
- Broad understanding of electric utility operations, including transmission, substations, distribution systems, protection and control systems, SCADA, AMI, and OMS platforms.
- Ability and willingness to perform field work, including walking on uneven or rough terrain, visiting active construction sites, and working in varying weather conditions.
Additional Qualifications & Requirements:- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with clients, contractors, utility personnel, regulatory agencies, and internal team members.
- Strong problem-solving skills, sound engineering judgment, and attention to detail.
- Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
- Authorized to work in the United States.
- Ability to successfully pass background checks, driving record reviews, drug screening requirements, and client-specific screening processes as required.
Compensation and Benefits:VPS offers a competitive compensation package along with comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan, paid time off, professional development opportunities, and other benefits designed to support the well-being and success of our employees.
