Substation Design Engineer

Substation Engineer – Power Delivery Projects

Downtown Chicago

Design the Substations That Keep Cities Powered

We’re seeking a motivated Substation Engineer to join our Downtown Chicago team and support the design and delivery of complex substation projects that power communities and critical infrastructure. This role offers hands‑on technical work, exposure to large‑scale utility projects, and the opportunity to grow under experienced engineers while making a visible impact from day one.

If you’re passionate about power delivery, enjoy solving technical challenges, and want to work in a collaborative, urban office environment, this is an opportunity to build your career where engineering meets real‑world impact.

What You’ll Do

As a Substation Engineer, you’ll support project execution from concept through detailed design, working closely with project managers, senior engineers, and multidisciplinary teams:

• Support the development of project scopes, schedules, and budgets while helping ensure technical and financial goals are met
• Communicate effectively with Project Managers, clients, and internal teams to maintain alignment throughout the project lifecycle
• Perform engineering calculations and technical studies, including grounding analysis, lightning protection, and AC/DC load studies
• Develop equipment specifications for procurement and support factory acceptance testing (FAT) as needed
• Apply a strong understanding of physical substation design, including:
  • Substation yard layouts, plans, and sections
  • Grounding and lightning protection systems
  • Control buildings, raceways, and auxiliary AC/DC power systems
  • Bills of material
• Contribute to protection and control (P&C) design, including one‑line and three‑line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, relay panel layouts, and equipment wiring
• Coordinate design activities with Civil/Structural, Transmission Line, Networks, and other internal teams to ensure fully integrated project delivery
• Work independently on smaller substation projects while supporting senior engineers on larger, more complex efforts
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and technical support to Engineers‑in‑Training (EITs) and Designers

Key Responsibilities

• Perform analytical evaluations and contribute to substation and power‑delivery design recommendations
• Assist in preparing engineering drawing packages, cost estimates, and technical specifications
• Execute routine engineering tasks using established substation standards, methods, and procedures
• Complete assignments with clearly defined objectives while ensuring accuracy, quality, and constructability
• Collaborate with Engineers, EITs, Designers, and BIM Specialists to meet project deliverables
• Support team and project needs through additional responsibilities as assigned

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
• 2 years of experience
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and electrical design software
• Foundational knowledge of substation engineering and power delivery systems
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a team environment

Preferred Experience

• Prior exposure to substation engineering, power delivery, or utility‑scale infrastructure projects

Work Environment & Location

• Downtown Chicago office with city views and convenient access to public transportation
• Hyrbid Schedule: 3 days in office, 2 remote
• Opportunity to work closely with experienced substation engineers and project leaders on impactful utility projects

Why This Role Matters

This role offers more than technical tasks—it’s a chance to grow into a trusted Substation Engineer while contributing to infrastructure projects that directly affect how people live and work. You’ll gain exposure to complex substation designs, client‑facing utility projects, and mentorship that supports long‑term career development in the power and utilities industry.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL.

The pay range for this position is $38.46 - $67.31/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in Chicago,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 23, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

Salary : $38 - $67