Job Details

Senior Engineer - Physical Substation

As a Senior Substation Engineer Physical, you will lead the design and execution of extra high voltage (EHV) substations (230kV765kV), ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective solutions for clients. This hybrid role blends hands-on technical design with project leadership, client engagement, and mentorship of junior engineers. You will play a key role in advancing critical infrastructure while growing your expertise in a collaborative environment.

Job Title: Senior Engineer - Physical Substation

Employment Type: Regular

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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 Qualifications:

• Proven experience in Extra High Voltage (EHV) substation design across voltage classes ranging from 13.8kV to 765kV, 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.
• Skilled in performing advanced engineering studies and calculations.
• 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.

EEO Statement: CDM Smith is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Why CDM Smith? Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

Job Site Location: United States - Nationwide

Amount of Travel Required: 10%

Assignment Category: Fulltime-Regular

Visa Sponsorship Available: No

Skills and Abilities: 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.

Background Check and Drug Testing Information: CDM Smith reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.

Pay Range Minimum: $119,829

Pay Range Maximum: $209,726

Additional Compensation: All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.

Work Location Options: Hybrid Work Options may be considered for successful candidate.

Massachusetts Applicants: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.