Senior Engineer - Physical Substation

Overview

Senior Substation Engineer – Physical. Lead the design and execution of extra high voltage (EHV) substations (230kV–765kV), ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective solutions for clients. This hybrid role, based out of one of CDM Smith’s offices, blends hands-on technical design with project leadership, client engagement, and mentorship of junior engineers.

• Lead the design and execution of EHV substation projects, including physical layout, protection and control systems, grounding, and equipment specifications.
• Serve as the technical authority and mentor for engineering teams, providing guidance on design standards, codes, and best practices.
• Oversee and validate technical deliverables, ensuring alignment with client requirements, industry standards, and internal quality protocols.
• Interface directly with clients, vendors, and subcontractors to define project scope, resolve technical issues, and ensure successful project delivery.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and resource allocation across multiple concurrent substation projects.
• Develop and review scoping documents, engineering calculations, and technical specifications for EHV substations (typically 230 kV to 765 kV).
• Supervise and delegate tasks to junior engineers and designers, ensuring quality and consistency in engineering output.
• Lead internal and external coordination efforts across disciplines and stakeholders to support integrated project delivery.
• Conduct internal quality assurance reviews and ensure compliance with CDM Smith’s quality management systems.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, change management, and the development of engineering standards and tools.
• Participate in strategic planning, resource management, and performance evaluations for engineering staff.
• Contribute to business development efforts, including proposal preparation, client presentations, and technical strategy development.
• Provide technical leadership in the selection of equipment and materials, based on complex research and analysis.
• Act as responsible engineer in charge (EOR) for assigned projects, ensuring technical integrity and regulatory compliance.
• Support career development and mentoring of engineering staff, fostering a culture of technical excellence and innovation.

• Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering, or Electrical Technology or related discipline.
• Professional engineering (PE) license.
• 12 years of related experience. Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on duties and project demands.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

• Proven experience in EHV substation design across voltage classes 13.8 kV to 765 kV, including open-air and GIS.
• Strong background in physical design and protection & control (P&C) systems for high-voltage substations.
• Proficient in detailed engineering deliverables such as: one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, connection diagrams, equipment arrangement, grounding, foundation, conduit plans, raceway drawings, plan and section views, signage/nameplate documentation.
• Skilled in advanced engineering studies and calculations including: lightning protection analysis, conduit fill, voltage drop, surge arrester sizing, and station service loading and auxiliary power equipment sizing.
• Experience designing various bus configurations for EHV substations.
• Proficient in using CDEGS, WinIGS, or similar programs for lightning and grounding studies.
• Proficiency in assessing mechanical forces and thermal effects of high fault currents on rigid bus.
• Strong knowledge of SF6 gas-insulated and air-insulated systems and industry standards (IEEE, IEC, NESC, ANSI, OSHA).
• Experience in protection and control integration, including control buildings, panels, and coordination with civil teams on foundations, grading, and drainage.
• Experience in construction, commissioning, testing, and interpreting field markups/redlines; knowledge of arc flash mitigation and safety compliance.
• Effective in managing cross-disciplinary teams, budgets, and timelines; strong…