Substation Engineer

Job Title: Substation Project Engineer / Manager

Job Description

This role leads and executes substation engineering projects of varying size and complexity from initial scope and proposal development through project closeout. The Substation Project Engineer / Manager coordinates multidisciplinary teams, manages schedules, budgets, and quality, and provides technical leadership in substation design, power delivery, and high-voltage engineering. The position also supports business development efforts and helps grow and mentor a local team of engineers and technicians.

Responsibilities

• Execute and manage all aspects of substation engineering projects, including scope development, proposal preparation, project planning, execution, and closeout.
• Develop project scopes, schedules, and budgets, and monitor performance to ensure projects meet technical, quality, and financial objectives.
• Apply project management tools and techniques across the full project life cycle, including work breakdown structures, risk management, schedule and budget control, and change management.
• Understand client goals and objectives, contract terms, and project risks, and ensure project delivery aligns with client expectations.
• Independently coordinate the work of engineers and other team members throughout the entire project life cycle.
• Oversee and integrate non-engineering components of projects as needed, including public involvement, environmental permitting, right-of-way acquisition, construction management, and related services.
• Lead the QA/QC process on EPC projects and ensure deliverables meet world-class quality standards.
• Provide technical leadership in substation design, power distribution, high-voltage engineering, and utility design, including review and guidance on engineering deliverables.
• Direct, mentor, train, and supervise assistant project managers, project engineers, and junior design staff to support their professional development.
• Perform client management activities, including maintaining strong client relationships and serving as a primary point of contact for project-related matters.
• Support marketing and proposal development efforts, including preparing technical content, level-of-effort estimates, and participating in interviews or presentations for new opportunities.
• Engage in business development activities to support existing and new clients in the region and contribute to growing a local team of engineers and technicians.
• Provide project management and technical support on distribution, transmission line, communication, and system protection and planning projects as applicable.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective communication and coordination across disciplines and project phases.
• Travel as needed for business development, client meetings, and project execution.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support successful project delivery and team growth.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
• At least 7 years of related engineering experience.
• A minimum of 2 years of project management experience.
• Active Engineer in Training certificate.
• Strong experience in substation engineering and substation design.
• Experience with power distribution, power delivery, and high-voltage engineering.
• Demonstrated experience in project management, including scope, schedule, budget, and risk management.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications.
• Experience using MS Project for project planning and scheduling.
• Ability to coordinate and lead multidisciplinary engineering teams through the full project life cycle.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to mentor and guide junior staff.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with clients, internal teams, and stakeholders.
• Commitment to high-quality deliverables and adherence to QA/QC processes.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Motivated, growth-oriented mindset with a desire to continue learning and developing professionally.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering or a related field (preferred).
• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification (preferred).
• Experience with MS Access is a plus.
• Experience with AutoCAD for substation and utility design.
• Familiarity with relay systems, protection schemes, and communication systems in substation environments.
• Experience with distribution, transmission line, communication, and system protection and planning projects.
• Exposure to public involvement, environmental permitting, and real estate or right-of-way acquisition processes.
• Experience working on EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) projects.
• experience in utility design and power delivery for large or complex projects.
• Proven ability to mentor staff and act as a technical resource within the team.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain client relationships.
• Enthusiasm for contributing to an employee-focused, ownership-minded culture.
• Great communicator who is eager to learn, grow, and take on increasing responsibility.

Work Environment

This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, typically combining 2 to 3 days in the office with 2 to 3 days working remotely each week, with opportunities in locations such as Phoenix, Tucson, and Albuquerque. The role involves collaboration with engineers, technicians, and project managers in a professional office setting, using tools such as MS Office, MS Project, and AutoCAD to support substation engineering and project management activities. Occasional travel is required for client meetings, business development, and on-site project work. The organization provides a supportive environment that emphasizes professional growth, mentorship, and long-term career development, with benefits that may include performance-based bonuses and participation in company stock or ownership programs.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Phoenix, AZ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $85.00/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 Phoenix,AZ.

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.