Electrical or Mechanical Engineer, Substation Physical Arrangement - Bellingham, WA

Electrical or Mechanical Engineer, Substation Physical Arrangement – Bellingham, WA

David Evans and Associates, Inc. (DEA) is looking for an Electrical Engineer to design and develop utility‑scale substations and renewable energy interconnections across the Midwest and western United States.

As part of DEA’s Energy Business Unit, you will be responsible for the physical design and layout of substations that support wind, solar, and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects. You will work on detailed equipment arrangement, buswork, grounding, conduit, and structural layout to ensure safe, functional, and cost‑effective designs. This role collaborates closely with plant & construction, civil/structural, and project management teams to deliver complete substation packages from concept through issued‑for‑construction (IFC) plans.

Location:

Bellingham, WA (hybrid‑friendly; candidates near DEA offices in California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Texas, Utah, or Washington preferred). Fully remote work may be considered. Some travel for site visits and project execution may be required.

• Exemplify DEA’s cultural drivers internally and externally.
• Develop substation general arrangement drawings from conceptual design through IFC, including equipment layout, foundation plans, conduit and grounding plans, and section/elevation views.
• Design and model high‑voltage bus configurations, equipment clearances, and structure arrangements consistent with client standards and applicable codes (e.g., NESC, IEEE, ASCE).
• Prepare and review detailed drawings, bills of material (BOMs), and construction specifications.
• Coordinate closely with P&C, civil, and structural engineers to produce complete design packages.
• Provide technical input for cost estimates, material procurement, and constructability reviews.
• Support project execution during construction through submittal reviews, RFI responses, and field coordination.
• Ensure adherence to quality standards and design accuracy across all deliverables.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university.
• Four (4)+ years of relevant substation physical design experience.
• Registered Professional Engineer (PE) or ability to obtain within one year.
• Working knowledge of substation equipment (circuit breakers, transformers, disconnects, buswork, etc.) and layout design principles.
• Strong teamwork, organization, and communication skills.

• Seven (7)+ years of industry experience in substation physical arrangement design.
• Familiarity with utility and renewable energy interconnection standards.
• Experience with EPC (Engineer‑Procure‑Construct) project delivery and coordination through commissioning.
• Advanced knowledge of grounding and lightning protection design.
• Experience preparing design deliverables for transmission and distribution substations (69 kV–500 kV).

We foster an environment where talented professionals have the freedom and support to do their most meaningful work. Our values and company culture form the foundation of our success, creating a positive and collaborative work environment. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to cultivate and develop your skills and work alongside talented colleagues who are committed to improving the quality of life while demonstrating stewardship of the built and natural environments.

• Comprehensive health coverage:
  Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
• Financial wellness:
  Health Savings Account (HSA) and Lifestyle Spending Account with employer contributions
• Professional development:
  Support for continuing education and training opportunities.
• Work‑life balance:
  Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday Pay
• Work Schedule:
  
  Flexible 9/80 schedule—every other Friday off!
• Retirement: 401k plan
• Well‑being focus:
  Holistic Well‑being Program centered on physical, emotional, financial, career, and community health
• Growth opportunities:
  Access to mentorship, professional support, and pathways for career advancement
• Potential salary range: $108,000 – $158,000
• The posted salary range represents the typical range for this position and is provided in accordance with applicable state and local transparency laws. Actual compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and geographic location.