Substation Engineer - Protection & Control/Physical Design

In Norcross, Georgia, Patterson & Dewar Engineers offers a hybrid Substation Engineer role that blends design, field activities, and commissioning for electric cooperatives and municipal utilities. This position concentrates on protection and control systems alongside physical substation design, with opportunities to collaborate with senior engineers while gaining hands-on experience in the field and in the office.

Responsibilities

• Create physical substation layouts and arrange equipment, delivering detailed design packages.
• Develop protection and control designs, including one-line and three-line diagrams, schematics, wiring diagrams, relay settings coordination support, and panel layouts for both new construction and upgrades.
• Prepare drawings and comprehensive project documentation.
• Produce work that covers one- and three-line diagrams, protection and control schematics, wiring diagrams, panel elevations, SCADA and communications, AC and DC diagrams and calculations, equipment specifications, and bills of materials.
• Coordinate with utility clients, field crews, manufacturers, and internal project teams.

• Support substation construction, commissioning, and field troubleshooting activities.
• Assist with wiring, testing, and installation tasks within substations as needed.
• Conduct site visits and field verifications for existing and new substations.
• Learn utility standards, client preferences, and industry best practices.
• Collaborate with senior engineers and actively pursue opportunities to grow technically and professionally.
• Develop proposals including scope of work and estimates.
• Maintain working knowledge of applicable codes and standards such as NEC, NESC, and IEEE.

Requirements

• BS in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• Substation design experience for electric cooperatives and municipal utilities is preferred.
• Knowledge of protection and control design and substation physical layout.
• Familiarity with relay schematics, AC/DC wiring, SCADA, and substation equipment.
• Willingness to work in an office environment with experienced engineers for mentoring and collaboration.

• Willingness to work in substations and support field activities, including wiring and equipment installation.
• Comfort with asking questions and learning through hands-on experience.
• Effective written and verbal communication with clients and colleagues.
• Experience using AutoCAD or similar design software.
• Understanding of utility construction practices and safety requirements.
• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 25 percent annually.
• Willingness to work extended hours to meet project deadlines.
• Attention to detail and strong problem-solving abilities.
• Strong organizational skills.

Technologies

• AutoCAD
• AutoCAD Electrical
• SCADA

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Attributes of a Successful Candidate

• Integrity in both professional conduct and project delivery.
• Knowledge of utility communication systems, automation, and electrical engineering principles.
• Initiative, self-sufficiency, and a strong drive to learn new technologies.
• Willingness to travel and adapt to non-standard hours as project needs require.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication with clients and team members.
• Strong troubleshooting abilities and use of appropriate test equipment and best practices.
• Commitment to safety and the welfare of coworkers and clients.

Desirable

• Experience with AutoCAD Electrical
• Registered Professional Engineer

Selection Criteria Essentials

• BS in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited university.
• Experience with substation design for electric cooperatives and municipal utilities is preferred.
• Knowledge of protection and control design and substation physical layout.
• Familiarity with relay schematics, AC/DC wiring, SCADA, and substation equipment.
• Willingness to work in-office alongside experienced engineers for mentoring and collaboration.
• Willingness to work in substations and support field activities, including wiring and equipment installation.
• Comfort with asking questions and learning through hands-on experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively and honestly, both written and verbal, to clients and colleagues.
• Experience using AutoCAD or similar design software.
• Understanding of utility construction practices and safety requirements.
• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 25 percent annually.
• Ability to work extended hours to meet project deadlines.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.