Principal Engineer – Substation

Principal Engineer – Substation
Remote (North America), 12-Month Contract
Occasional travel within North America required, up to $67.94/hr

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Engineer – Substation to provide technical leadership and engineering oversight for utility-scale substation projects supporting renewable energy generation and transmission infrastructure. This position will be responsible for managing projects throughout the entire lifecycle, from early-stage development and conceptual design through construction, commissioning, and project closeout.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead assigned substation projects from conception through construction and commissioning.
• Support early-stage project development activities by defining engineering requirements and project scope.
• Provide technical oversight, guidance, and quality assurance for external Engineers of Record (EORs).
• Ensure compliance with interconnection agreements, project specifications, IEEE, NESC, ASCE, and other applicable industry standards.
• Develop scopes of work, solicit bids, evaluate proposals, and support the award of engineering and consulting services.
• Coordinate with project stakeholders to secure substation sites and support permitting, engineering updates, and design requirements.
• Manage procurement activities related to geotechnical, survey, engineering, and construction services.
• Collaborate with estimating teams to support cost development and scope assumptions.
• Interface with transmission owners, operators, ISOs, and utility stakeholders to ensure project compliance and successful interconnection.
• Review system impact studies, facility studies, harmonic studies, reactive studies, and interconnection agreements.
• Manage long-lead equipment procurement and material orders to minimize project risks and schedule delays.
• Support engineering, construction, procurement, and commissioning teams throughout project execution.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations, project updates, risk assessments, and executive briefings.
• Support regulatory filings, technical reviews, hearings, and legal proceedings as required.
• Partner with OEMs and equipment manufacturers to optimize substation designs and integration strategies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in high-voltage substation engineering and design.
• Strong understanding of utility transmission and substation infrastructure projects.
• Experience managing engineering consultants and multi-disciplinary project teams.
• Knowledge of IEEE, NESC, ASCE, and utility industry standards.
• Experience supporting engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning activities.
• Strong project management and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interface with senior leadership and external partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Experience supporting renewable energy generation projects.
• Knowledge of transmission interconnection processes and ISO requirements.
• Experience reviewing system impact studies, facility studies, and transmission planning documentation.
• Utility-scale project development experience.
• Experience with EPC, engineering consulting, or utility organizations.

What You'll Bring

• Strong technical expertise in substation engineering and power systems.
• Exceptional leadership and project execution capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Strong commercial awareness and risk management skills.
• Proven ability to work independently in a remote environment.
• Commitment to safety, quality, schedule, and budget performance.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a leading renewable energy organization and play a key role in the delivery of critical transmission and substation infrastructure projects supporting North America's evolving energy landscape.

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