CDM Smith · 3 months ago
Senior Engineer - Physical Substation
CDM Smith is a leading engineering firm, and they are seeking a Senior Substation Engineer – Physical to lead the design and execution of extra high voltage substations. The role involves technical design, project leadership, and mentorship of junior engineers while ensuring safe and cost-effective solutions for clients.
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
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
Company
CDM Smith
Louis Perry Group (now CDM Smith) is a privately owned engineering and construction firm providing legendary client service and smart solutions in water, environment, transportation, energy and facilities.