The Substation Engineering Lead is responsible for technical leadership, design oversight, and execution of high voltage (4kV–230kV) and EHV (above 230kV) substation projects. This role serves as the primary technical authority for substation engineering deliverables and provides guidance, mentorship, and coordination across multidisciplinary project teams.

• Lead all aspects of substation design for HV and EHV projects.
  
• Direct development and review of:
  
  • One-line diagrams
    
  • Three-line diagrams
    
  • Potential and current schematics
    
  • Control schematics
    
  • Alarm schematics
    
  • Communications schematics
    
  • Wiring diagrams
    
  • Protection and control specifications
    
  • I/O mapping and points mapping
    
  • Relay settings and coordination studies
    
  • Design calculation documentation
    
  • Construction documentation (sequencing, RFP support, bid packages)
    
• Serve as the Engineer of Record when applicable.
  
• Perform and oversee QA/QC of engineering deliverables.
  
• Ensure compliance with client standards, utility requirements, NERC/FERC regulations, and industry best practices.
  

• Provide technical direction and mentorship to substation engineers and P&C designers.
  
• Work seamlessly with Protection & Control Designers to develop schematics and associated wiring diagrams.
  
• Remove technical impediments that obstruct the engineering team from achieving project milestones.
  
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality, efficiency, and consistency across projects.
  
• Promote a culture focused on high-quality production and technical excellence.
  

• Coordinate engineering efforts with internal and external stakeholders including:
  
  • Transmission line engineers
    
  • Distribution line engineers
    
  • Civil/structural engineers
    
  • Telecom engineers
    
  • SCADA/automation teams
    
• Identify when cross-discipline coordination is required and proactively drive integration.
  
• Ensure alignment between physical and P&C design teams.
  

• Attend and lead client technical review meetings.
  
• Serve as a technical specialist in system protection and communications.
  
• Identify key client interests and drivers; communicate these effectively to project teams.
  
• Develop technical strategies that align engineering execution with client expectations.
  
• Support procurement activities including equipment technical evaluations and vendor coordination.
  
• Provide technical support during construction, commissioning, and energization.
  

• Advise management on technical resource allocation and execution strategies to maximize team ROI.
  
• Assist in identifying technical risks and mitigation strategies early in project lifecycles.
  
• Support proposal development, scope definition, and technical approach narratives.
  
• Thrive in a fast-paced, multi-project environment while maintaining high standards of accuracy and accountability.
  

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program required.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required (or ability to obtain within 6–12 months).
• 8+ years of progressive experience in substation engineering (HV and EHV).
• Demonstrated experience leading design efforts for substations ranging from 4kV to 500kV+.
• Experience serving as technical lead or Engineer of Record on substation projects.
• Strong background in protection and control design, relay coordination, and substation communication systems.
• Experience supporting procurement, construction, commissioning, and energization activities.

At Westwood, our purpose is to create a better world for people through our work. We transform the energy grid, design resilient infrastructure, and develop communities that will flourish today and for future generations. With over 50 years of experience and a legacy of innovation, we stand at the forefront of our industry, dedicated to understanding the unique needs of the markets we serve.

Our approach revolves around people. We are committed to building a culture that attracts, retains, and develops high performers. Our team values relationships, innovation, dedication, initiative, and growth. We believe fostering a collaborative “One Team” mentality yields superior outcomes in everything we do.

We customize our technical capabilities and geographic reach to meet our clients where they are and help them realize their vision. We are partners in our clients’ success, driving to provide solutions that make a lasting difference. Safety, sustainability, and operational excellence are not just facets of our work; they are intrinsic to our identity, guiding every decision we make.

We are deeply invested in the communities we serve. Through our projects and giving-back initiatives, we enrich the lives of those we serve, engage others within our industry, and create a lasting impact on communities around the world. To us, success transcends the completion of projects; it is reflected in the lives we have positively impacted by our work.

Join us in creating a better world.

In 2025, Westwood was recognized as #77 on the ENR Top 500 Design Firms. Additionally, Westwood was ranked #5 for ENR's Top Design Firm for Solar, #6 for Battery Storage, and #3 for Wind (2025). The firm consistently ranks on the industry's top 25 lists and receives recognition for its involvement in award-winning projects nationwide.

Westwood provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diverse backgrounds strengthen our business. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.