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CS
CDM Smith
Lead Substation Physical Engineer (Hybrid)
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What they do
An Electrical Substation Engineer is responsible for substation design including schematic development, physical layouts, equipment, and construction cost estimates.
$106,554 / year median in Michigan
Job Description
Company Overview Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here! (https://www.cdmsmith.com/resources/videos/meet-cdm-smith) Join Us! CDM Smith - where amazing career journeys unfold. Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it's a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family. Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world. Job Description As a Lead Substation Physical Engineer, you'll 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. You'll play a key role in advancing critical infrastructure while growing your expertise in a collaborative environment. Lead Substation Physical Engineer 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. #LI-TM1 #LI-Hybrid Skills & Abilities Strong foundation in transmission systems, grid stability, fault analysis, and load flow studies, with experience in modeling using ETAP, CYME, PSCAD, and