Substation Engineer 1 (Entry Level) - Grid (Summer 2027)
The Substation Engineer role involves designing high voltage and extra-high voltage substations and transmission systems, collaborating with project teams to develop power transmission designs and specifications. This entry-level position emphasizes the use of modern engineering tools, including automation and AI, to solve problems and improve workflows, with a hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility between office and remote work.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
Confidential Client is seeking an entry-level Substation Engineer (Substation Engineer 1) with a target start date in summer 2027. This hybrid, full-time contractor role is based in Staples Mill, VA (near Richmond) and focuses on the design of high-voltage and extra-high-voltage substations and transmission systems. This is a hands-on engineering role that will let you apply academic training while gaining practical, project-based experience.
What You’ll Do
- Work on multidisciplinary project teams designing new substations and transmission system components.
- Support power transmission design tasks and prepare procurement specifications for major electrical equipment and installation services.
- Participate in design reviews with clients and vendors; travel to sites for construction coordination and field verification as needed.
- Use data, automation, and modern tools (including agentic AI where appropriate) to develop calculations, summarize technical documents, and draft design deliverables.
- Contribute technical drawings, models, and specifications; verify outputs with engineering judgment and QA processes.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering (strong preference for Electrical Engineering; Mechanical, Aerospace, or Chemical degrees considered).
- Understanding of practical electrical engineering applications and system-level design principles.
- Ability to read and produce technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and to visualize 3D structures without computer aid.
- Proficiency with MS Office applications and strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Willingness to learn and apply automation and modern tools to improve workflows and reduce rework.
- NOTE: Confidential Client does not sponsor U.S. work authorization for this position.
Valued (but Not Required) Skills
- BSEE, MSEE, or equivalent from an ABET-accredited program.
- Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and Engineer-in-Training (EIT) designation.
- Experience or coursework in coding, 3D modeling/design, Python, MATLAB, or advanced Excel for automation.
- Familiarity with designing or developing AI applications/agents and applying agentic AI appropriately to engineering tasks.
- Related engineering internship, co-op experience, or prior exposure to power industry projects.
Tools & Technologies
- MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Programming / scripting (Python, MATLAB) — valued for automation and calculation workflows
- 3D modeling / CAD tools and design visualization
- Familiarity with AI-assisted tooling and agentic AI workflows is a plus
Work Arrangement, Location & Travel
- Hybrid: expected in-office ~3 days/week and remote ~2 days/week.
- Location: Staples Mill, VA (Richmond area). Dependent on candidate location, a relocation package may be available.
- Travel: occasional travel to client/vendor offices and field sites for reviews and construction coordination.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $62,998 - $90,586 per year.
- Eligible employees may receive a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, parental leave, and potential discretionary bonus opportunities.
- Additional benefits may include tuition assistance, licensure bonus, referral bonus, and wellbeing programs.
Additional Notes
- This is an entry-level engineering role intended for candidates ready to apply academic knowledge in practical power-system projects.
- Candidates are expected to exercise sound engineering judgment and verify all outputs when using automation or AI tools.
- Confidential Client is an equal opportunity employer and follows applicable employment laws.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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