Substation Engineering Lead

Substation Engineer Lead (Medium-Voltage Power Systems)

About the Opportunity

A large industrial organization is seeking a Substation Engineer Lead to serve as the technical authority for its medium-voltage electrical infrastructure. This is a high-impact role offering direct ownership of power system reliability, protection & control, asset management, modernization initiatives, and capital projects supporting critical manufacturing operations.

This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys solving complex power system challenges, leading major infrastructure improvements, and serving as the go-to expert for medium-voltage distribution systems.

Key Responsibilities

Medium-Voltage Power System Leadership

• Serve as the site subject matter expert for medium-voltage power distribution systems.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for complex electrical system issues affecting reliability, safety, and production.
• Conduct root cause analyses and implement corrective actions following electrical failures.
• Provide technical oversight for substations, switchgear, transformers, protective relaying, and distribution equipment.

Asset Management & System Reliability

• Develop and execute long-term asset management strategies for medium-voltage infrastructure.
• Lead preventive and predictive maintenance programs to improve system performance and equipment life.
• Establish equipment standards and specifications.
• Identify reliability risks and drive modernization initiatives across the electrical system.

Capital Projects & Modernization

• Lead electrical infrastructure projects from planning through commissioning.
• Manage project scope, budget, schedule, contractors, and technical execution.
• Support equipment evaluations, technical specifications, procurement, and installation activities.
• Oversee system upgrade and life-extension projects to support long-term operational goals.

Protection, Power Quality & Electrical Safety

• Lead relay protection and coordination efforts, including relay setting development and modifications.
• Perform and manage arc flash studies and mitigation projects.
• Investigate power quality disturbances and implement corrective solutions.
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards and electrical safety requirements.
• Support plant-wide outage planning and execution activities.

Utility & Operations Support

• Coordinate with electric utilities and external stakeholders regarding system reliability and service requirements.
• Support operational teams in maintaining safe and reliable electrical infrastructure.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship related to power systems, protection, and electrical safety.

Digital Systems & SCADA

• Support and enhance electrical SCADA and monitoring systems.
• Utilize power system modeling and analytical tools to improve system performance and reliability.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to electrical infrastructure and operational performance.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology.
• 7+ years of experience in power systems, medium-voltage distribution, substations, electrical reliability, or related infrastructure.
• Experience with protective relaying, coordination studies, and power system troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated success leading electrical capital projects and reliability initiatives.

Preferred

• Advanced degree in Engineering, Business, or related discipline.
• Experience with medium-voltage industrial facilities, utilities, power generation, or large campus distribution systems.
• Knowledge of arc flash studies, power quality analysis, and power system modeling software (ETAP, SKM, EasyPower, or similar).
• Familiarity with NFPA, IEEE, and NETA standards.
• Experience with SCADA, utility coordination, and long-term asset management programs.