Substation Engineer

Job Title: Substation EngineerJob Description

The Substation Engineer supports the development of power-related design solutions by performing analytical evaluations and contributing to project recommendations. In this role, you assist in preparing key project deliverables such as engineering drawing packages, cost estimates, and technical specifications while carrying out routine engineering tasks that follow established methods, standards, and procedures. You execute assignments with clearly defined objectives and limited variables, ensuring accuracy and adherence to project requirements. You work independently on smaller-scale projects and provide support to senior engineers and technical professionals on larger, more complex efforts, collaborating closely with project teams to deliver high-quality power delivery and substation design solutions.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of power-related design solutions by performing analytical evaluations and contributing to project recommendations.
• Assist in preparing engineering drawing packages, cost estimates, and technical specifications for power delivery and substation projects.
• Carry out routine engineering tasks that require the application of established methods, standards, and procedures.
• Execute assignments with clearly defined objectives and limited variables, ensuring accuracy and compliance with project requirements.
• Work independently on smaller-scale substation and transmission projects, managing tasks and deliverables with minimal supervision.
• Provide technical support to senior engineers and other technical professionals on larger, more complex power delivery initiatives.
• Collaborate with Project Engineers, Engineers-in-Training (EITs), Designers, and BIM Specialists to complete project tasks efficiently and effectively.
• Apply substation engineering and utilities engineering principles to support the design and analysis of transmission and power delivery systems.
• Use project management and office productivity tools to track progress, coordinate activities, and maintain documentation.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support project goals, team needs, and overall engineering operations.

Essential Skills

• 2+ years of experience in power or substation engineering.
• Hands-on experience with substation engineering and substation design.
• Background in utilities engineering and power delivery projects.
• Knowledge of transmission and transmission line design concepts.
• Engineering degree (Bachelor's Degree in Engineering).
• EIT (Engineer-in-Training) certification.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite.
• Ability to work with electrical design software to support power and substation projects.
• Capability to execute engineering tasks using established methods, standards, and procedures.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate power-related design solutions and contribute to project recommendations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary project teams, including Project Engineers, EITs, Designers, and BIM Specialists.
• Familiarity with MS Project or similar project management tools.
• Ability to work independently on smaller projects and as part of a team on larger, complex efforts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for preparing technical documentation and project deliverables.
• Interest in ongoing professional development, mentorship, and training opportunities.
• Motivation to pursue licensure and additional certifications supported by the employer.
• Ability to adapt to established processes while contributing to continuous improvement in project execution.

Work Environment

This role is based in a downtown Chicago office environment on a high floor with expansive city and river views and convenient access to public transportation, including nearby L stations and walkable connections to multiple Metra train lines. The workplace features a modern, beautiful office setting that is undergoing renovation to add more space and refresh common areas such as the lobby, creating an updated and collaborative atmosphere. The position follows a hybrid schedule that offers a balanced mix of remote work and in-office collaboration, with a minimum expectation of three or more days per week in the office to support teamwork and project coordination. The organization emphasizes professional development through mentorship, structured training programs, leadership pathways, and support for licensure and certifications. A long-established history, employee ownership, and diversified service lines contribute to a stable environment and ongoing growth, with a culture that values collaboration, technical excellence, and engagement on high-profile power delivery and critical infrastructure projects. Dress code is typical of a professional engineering office, suitable for client-facing meetings and collaborative work with project teams.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $38.46 - $46.54/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Chicago,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.