Senior Engineer - Physical Substation

Overview

Senior Substation Engineer – Physical. Lead the design and execution of extra high voltage (EHV) substations (230kV–765kV), ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective solutions for clients. This hybrid role, based out of one of CDM Smith’s offices, blends hands-on technical design with project leadership, client engagement, and mentorship of junior engineers.

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.

Qualifications

• Minimum: 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. The frequency of travel is contingent on duties and project demands.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven experience in EHV substation design across voltage classes 13.8 kV to 765 kV, including open-air and GIS.
• Strong background in physical design and protection & control (P&C) systems for high-voltage substations.
• Proficient in 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, signage/nameplate documentation.
• Skilled in advanced engineering studies and calculations including: lightning protection analysis, conduit fill, voltage drop, surge arrester sizing, and station service loading and auxiliary power equipment sizing.
• Experience designing various bus configurations for EHV substations.
• Proficient in using 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.
• Strong knowledge of SF6 gas-insulated and air-insulated systems and industry standards (IEEE, IEC, NESC, ANSI, OSHA).
• Experience in protection and control integration, including control buildings, panels, and coordination with civil teams on foundations, grading, and drainage.
• Experience in construction, commissioning, testing, and interpreting field markups/redlines; knowledge of 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.

Other Information

• EEO Statement: We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other protected characteristic.
• Why CDM Smith? Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here! (
• Join Us – CDM Smith offers opportunities across disciplines and locations with a focus on career growth and development.
• Job Site Location: United States - Nationwide
• Travel: 10%
• Assignment Category: Fulltime-Regular
• Visa Sponsorship Available: No

Pay and Benefits

• 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.

Other

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 penalties.