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CDM Smith · 3 months ago

Senior Engineer - Physical Substation

United States

Full-time

Remote

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$120K/yr - $210K/yr

12+ years exp

CDM Smith is a company committed to providing an unmatched employee experience and fostering personal leadership and career growth. They are seeking a Senior Engineer - Physical Substation to lead the design and execution of extra high voltage substations, ensuring safe and reliable solutions for clients while mentoring junior engineers and managing project delivery.

Civil EngineeringConstructionEnergyTransportationWater

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

Responsibilities

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

Qualification

EHV substation designProfessional engineering licenseProject managementTechnical leadershipProtectionControl systemsEngineering calculationsCDEGSWinIGS proficiencyHigh voltage systems knowledgeCommunication skillsMentorshipTeam management

Required

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

Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree

Preferred

Proven experience in Extra High Voltage (EHV) substation design across voltage classes ranging from 13.8 kV to 765 kV, including both open-air and Gas Insulated Substations (GIS)

Strong background in physical design and protection & control (P&C) systems for high-voltage substations

Proficient in preparing 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, and signage/nameplate documentation

Skilled in performing advanced engineering studies and calculations including: Lightning protection analysis, Conduit fill, and voltage drop calculations, Surge arrester sizing and AC/DC station service loading and Auxiliary power equipment sizing

Experienced in designing various bus configurations for EHV substations

Proficient in the use of 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 foundation in transmission systems, grid stability, fault analysis, and load flow studies, with experience in modeling using ETAP, CYME, PSCAD, and PLS-CADD

Proficient in EHV substation design (AIS/GIS), including layout planning, equipment selection, grounding, lightning protection, and insulation coordination (345kV and above)

Familiar with SF6 gas-insulated and air-insulated systems, and well-versed in industry standards such as IEEE, IEC, NESC, ANSI, and OSHA

Skilled in protection and control integration, including control buildings, panels, and coordination with civil teams on foundations, grading, and drainage

Experienced in construction practices, commissioning, testing, and interpreting field markups/redlines; knowledgeable in arc flash mitigation and safety compliance

Effective in managing cross-disciplinary teams, budgets, and timelines; strong communication skills for technical writing, client presentations, and issue resolution