Substation Engineer (Entry-level)

Job Title: Substation EngineerJob Description

This role focuses on preparing engineering drawings, calculations, analyses, reports, and designs for low, medium, and high voltage electrical substations and substation systems under the guidance of senior engineers and designers. The position offers the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in both the Protection and Control (indoor) and Physical (outdoor) aspects of high voltage substation design, while working closely with project leadership and design teams to meet national design standards, safety codes, and project specifications.

Responsibilities

• Prepare engineering drawings, calculations, analyses, reports, and designs for low, medium, and high voltage electrical substations and associated systems under the supervision of senior engineers and designers.
• Develop expertise in both Protection and Control (indoor) and Physical (outdoor) aspects of high voltage substation design.
• Work under the direction of Project Managers and Project Engineers to support project objectives and deliverables.
• Prepare engineering calculations, design sketches, and redline drawings to support detailed substation design.
• Collaborate with Designers and CAD Technicians to produce accurate drawings in accordance with national design standards, safety codes, and project specifications.
• Participate in the development of typical substation design documents, including one-line diagrams, protection and control schematics, wiring diagrams, SCADA and communications drawings, and substation physical layouts.
• Create and update material lists, conduit and cable sizing and routing, AC and DC systems calculations and sizing, and substation grounding designs.
• Ensure that all design work complies with relevant codes, standards, and project requirements.
• Support project documentation and reporting to maintain clear records of design decisions and changes.
• Travel occasionally for short-term assignments (typically 1-5 days), with infrequent longer-term assignments of several weeks as required by project needs.

Essential Skills

• Foundational knowledge of electrical engineering principles related to low, medium, and high voltage substation design.
• Ability to prepare engineering calculations, design sketches, and redline drawings with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Understanding or strong interest in high voltage substation Protection and Control (indoor) and Physical (outdoor) design aspects.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Project Managers, Project Engineers, Designers, and CAD Technicians.
• Capability to work with national design standards, safety codes, and project specifications for electrical substations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for AC and DC systems calculations, conduit and cable sizing, and substation grounding.
• Ability to obtain an Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate within approximately 12 months.
• Effective communication skills to convey technical information clearly in drawings, reports, and documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Electrical utility, consulting engineering, or similar substation design experience is preferred.
• Experience with MicroStation and AutoCAD is a plus.
• Familiarity with, or willingness to learn, electrical design software such as ETAP or EasyPower.
• Interest in developing skills in SCADA and communications design for substations.
• Ability to adapt to occasional short-term and infrequent longer-term travel for project assignments.

Work Environment

The role is primarily office-based, working closely with project teams, designers, and CAD technicians to develop detailed substation engineering designs using industry-standard CAD tools and electrical design software. Work is guided by national design standards, safety codes, and project-specific requirements, with a strong emphasis on accuracy, documentation, and collaboration. The position may involve occasional short-term travel, typically 1-5 days, and infrequent longer-term assignments of several weeks to support project needs at different locations. The environment encourages learning and professional growth in both Protection and Control and Physical aspects of high voltage substation engineering.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Nashville, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $38.46 - $48.07/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 fully onsite position in Nashville,TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 11, 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.