Substation Engineer

Job Title: Substation Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on supporting the development of power-related design solutions for transmission and substation projects. You will perform analytical evaluations, contribute to engineering recommendations, and prepare key project deliverables such as drawing packages, cost estimates, and technical specifications. You will apply established engineering methods and standards, work independently on smaller projects, and support senior engineers on larger, more complex efforts. This position offers exposure to high-profile power delivery projects and a strong emphasis on professional development, mentorship, and long-term career growth.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of power-related design solutions by performing analytical evaluations and contributing to project recommendations.
• Assist in preparing key project deliverables, including engineering drawing packages, cost estimates, and technical specifications for substation and transmission projects.
• Carry out routine engineering tasks that require the application of established methods, standards, and procedures in substation engineering and power delivery.
• Execute assignments with clearly defined objectives and limited variables, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to project requirements.
• Work independently on smaller-scale projects, taking responsibility for assigned tasks and deliverables.
• Provide technical support to senior engineers, project engineers, and other technical professionals on larger, more complex projects.
• Collaborate closely with Project Engineers, Engineers-in-Training (EITs), Designers, and BIM Specialists to coordinate and complete project tasks.
• Use engineering and office software tools, including Microsoft Office and electrical design software, to develop, review, and refine project documentation.
• Participate in project planning and scheduling activities as needed, helping to ensure that project milestones and deadlines are met.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support project goals, team needs, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2+ years of experience in power or substation engineering.
• Hands-on experience with substation engineering, substation design, and power delivery projects.
• Experience with utilities engineering and transmission or transmission line projects.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proficiency with electrical design software tools used for substation and power system design.
• Ability to apply established engineering methods, standards, and procedures to routine and moderately complex tasks.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary project team.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in technical documentation and project deliverables.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working on power delivery projects involving high-profile or critical infrastructure is beneficial.
• Familiarity with project planning tools such as Microsoft Project is an advantage.
• Exposure to working with Designers and BIM Specialists on integrated design projects.
• Interest in pursuing professional licensure and additional certifications, supported by mentorship and training programs.
• Strong communication skills for collaborating with engineers, designers, and other technical staff.
• Motivation to grow within a long-established, steadily growing engineering organization with diversified service lines.

Work Environment

This role is based in a downtown Chicago office on a high floor with expansive city and river views, located within walking distance of multiple Metra lines and close access to the L. The office is undergoing renovations to add more space and revamp the lobby, creating a modern and collaborative environment. The work model offers a hybrid schedule that blends remote work with in-office collaboration, with a minimum expectation of three or more days per week in the office. You will work alongside a growing power delivery team that values mentorship, training, leadership development, and support for licensure and certifications. The organization operates in the AEC and power delivery space, focusing on high-profile projects and critical infrastructure, with employee ownership and diversified service lines contributing to a stable and resilient workplace.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $38.46 - $46.54/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)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Chicago,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 5, 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 process due to a disability, please email ... for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: 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.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.