An Electrical Substation Engineer is responsible for substation design including schematic development, physical layouts, equipment, and construction cost estimates.
This is a 100% travel role, focused on specific states within the Western United States. Candidates must currently live in — or be willing to relocate to — the Western US. About Ampirical At Ampirical, we're shaping the future of the power grid with precision, innovation, and purpose. Just as the ampere is the foundation of electric current, Ampirical is a core force driving the energy sector forward. We focus on quality, forward-thinking solutions, and empowering our team to grow and thrive. We don't just build projects—we build careers. If you're looking for a place where your contributions matter and your professional development is supported every step of the way, we'd love to meet you. Watch this video to get a glimpse into our culture. Why Ampirical? 💰
Hourly Rate :
$38/Hour•$59/Hour•Commensurate (dependent on experience, education, and qualifications) 📈
Profit-Sharing Bonus :
Semi-annual, performance-based (10% to 20% of salary) 🩺
Day-One Benefits :
Medical, Dental, Vision 💼 401(k) with 4% match and immediate vesting 🏖️
PTO :
Starting at 80 hours of vacation & 40 hours of sick time per year + 10 paid holidays 🗓️
Gym membership stipend, wellness program, fertility benefits, pet insurance, and more
Your Role:
Power Commissioning Engineer II•Substation Experience•Remote with
Travel What You'll Do:
Develop commissioning plans for substation projects, including physical design and protection & control (P&C) components. Create relay settings files for SEL, GE, and Basler relays using protection summaries and AC/DC schematics. Perform testing and commissioning on substation equipment such as circuit breakers, power transformers, CTs/PTs, switches, bus systems, and protective relays. Conduct electrical testing including insulation resistance, contact resistance, power factor (Doble), TTR, winding resistance, timing, SFRA, and GPS‑based end‑to‑end relay testing. Test current transformers, relay panels, and verify full protective relay functionality. Support and perform SCADA and
SCADA/RTU I/O
verification, including automation testing. Adjust and verify the operation of group‑operated switches. Troubleshoot relay misoperations, equipment failures, and protection logic issues. Interpret and verify one‑line diagrams, wiring schematics, protection logic, and as‑built drawings. Operate industry‑standard test equipment including Megger, Doble, Vanguard, and Omicron. Maintain accurate documentation including test reports, relay settings, and redline/as‑built drawings. Ensure compliance with
NETA, NERC PRC, OSHA, NFPA
70E, and utility safety standards. Collaborate with engineers, design teams, utilities, contractors, and field personnel. Travel regionally or nationally 100%, including overnight stays. Minimum Requirements Bachelors Degree from an ABET credited school and minimum 2 years (4 years for III or 6 years for Sr.) of experience in testing and commissioning OR Associate's degree in substation and relay technology or Electrical Technology/Power Systems and a minimum of 6 years (6 years for III or 8 years for Sr. ) of experience testing and commissioning OR OR Military technical experience (Prime Power, Electrical, Instrumentation) and a minimum of 8 years ( 10 years for III or 12 years for Sr) of experience in testing and commissioning substations Valid driver's license Ability to pass drug and background screenings No travel restrictions Strong mechanical/technical aptitude and safety‑first mindset NICET Level I (Power Testing) or higher Ability to obtain a TWIC card Preferred Qualifications OSHA 10 or 30 OSHA Electrical Safety / NFPA 70E (or ability to obtain) Experience in energized substations under utility safety rules Familiarity with SEL, GE, ABB, Siemens, Basler, and other relay manufacturers Knowledge of
NETA ATS/ASTM, IEEE, NERC
PRC, and NESC standards 📊
Experience :
Detailed knowledge of relay systems and substation equipment Understanding of substation physical design and P&C Understanding of protection concepts around bus, transformer, transmission line, and distribution line protection Ability to work independently in energized substations Strong drawing/schematic interpretation skills
What Success Looks Like:
Strong documentation discipline and accurate test reporting Effective communication with both field teams and customers Continuous growth in technical skills and industry certifications Reliability and professionalism while working in the field Ampirical is an Equal Opportunity Employer, meaning we do not discriminate based on the following characteristics in our hiring and employment practices: Age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, religion or religious attire, marital status, pregnancy (child birth or related medical conditions), citizenship status or amnesty, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, sickle-cell trait, status as a tobacco user or non-user, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.
