Engineer - Substations Engineering

Provides technical expertise in the design, construction, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and repair of electric substations. This role assists with complex substation projects, ensures engineering quality and system reliability, and serves as a subject matter expert. The Engineer partners across functions to support long-term system planning, drives innovation in design and technology.

Core Responsibilities

Note: This is not an all-inclusive listing

• Supports the planning, design, construction, and commissioning of new substations and major substation modifications (4 kV to 345 kV).
• Collaborates with internal staff and contractors in construction, maintenance, and modification of substations.
• Develops detailed technical specifications for major substation equipment; evaluate proposals, oversee manufacturing inspections, and coordinate delivery and installation.
• Supports substation protection, control, monitoring, and communication systems, including microprocessor-based technologies.
• Assists with vendor, contractor, and consultant negotiations; evaluate bids and provide recommendations for procurement of equipment and services.
• Manages capital projects, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and execution.
• Assists in creating project budgets and forecasts for substation capital projects.
• Collaborates with system planning teams on conceptual design, layout, and long-range substation and system expansion planning.
• Prepares and reviews construction and maintenance work orders, ensuring accuracy and compliance with standards.
• Provides troubleshooting and resolution of substation control and system issues.
• Researches, evaluates, and implements emerging technologies, design practices, and equipment to enhance system performance and reliability.
• Mentors and provides technical guidance to engineers and engineering support staff.

Behavioral Competencies

These are in addition to MGE's Core Competencies

• Manages Complexity - Makes sense of complex, high-quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• Decision Quality - Makes sound, timely decisions even in ambiguous or high-impact situations.
• Plans and Aligns - Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Collaborates - Builds partnerships and works effectively across teams, functions, and external stakeholders.
• Drives Results - Consistently achieves results, even under challenging circumstances.
• Instills Trust - Gains the confidence of others through honesty, integrity, and technical credibility.

Skills

• Knowledge of substation design principles and practices (4 kV-345 kV)
• Experience in substation protection, control, and monitoring systems
• Proficiency in developing technical specifications and evaluating vendor proposals
• Project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and risk management
• Understanding of utility industry standards, safety codes, and regulatory requirements
• Analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Effective communication skills (technical and non-technical audiences)

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution
• Desire to obtain professional Engineer (PE) license

Experience

• Ideally 3+ years of progressively responsible experience in electric utility engineering, with significant experience in substation design and project leadership
• Demonstrated experience leading complex engineering projects and influencing technical decisions across functions