Power Systems Engineer - Strategic Projects

The successful candidate will lead and support a diverse portfolio of projects involving substations, transmission systems, renewables integration, grid modernization, system planning, equipment replacement programs, and operational improvements. Assignments will vary based on business needs and may require collaboration across engineering, operations, construction, regulatory, and executive leadership teams.

This position offers exceptional exposure to utility modernization and provides opportunities to influence critical infrastructure investments and strategic initiatives., Engineering & Project Leadership

• Lead special projects involving high-voltage substations, transmission systems, protection and control systems, and grid infrastructure.
• Perform engineering studies, technical evaluations, and system assessments.
• Develop project scopes, technical specifications, design criteria, and engineering recommendations.
• Support conceptual, preliminary, and detailed engineering design activities.
• Coordinate engineering efforts through project lifecycle phases including planning, design, construction, commissioning, and closeout.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend implementation strategies.

System Modernization & Strategic Initiatives

• Support utility modernization efforts including:
• Substation automation
• Digital substations
• SCADA and communications systems
• Grid resiliency initiatives
• Asset management programs
• Renewable energy integration
• Energy storage projects
• Investigate operational challenges and develop innovative technical solutions.
• Conduct benchmarking, research, and technical due diligence for strategic investments.

Technical Analysis

• Guide system studies to meet project objectives including:
• Load flow analysis
• Short-circuit studies
• Arc flash analysis
• Equipment loading assessments
• Reliability evaluations
• Power quality investigations
• Analyze equipment performance and failure trends.
• Develop recommendations to improve system reliability, safety, and operational efficiency.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Energy and Power teams including System Studies, Protection & Controls, Substation and Transmission Design, Generation, and other Jacobs business units.
• Interface with consultants, vendors, contractors, and external stakeholders.
• Present technical findings and recommendations to leadership.
• Support capital budgeting, forecasting, and project prioritization efforts. #LI-CC1 #epjobs #naepjobs

• Curious and innovative.
• Comfortable working in ambiguity.
• Able to quickly learn new technologies and business areas.
• Equally effective in the office, field, and executive settings.
• Self-directed and capable of leading initiatives with limited supervision.
• Passionate about modernizing and strengthening the electric grid.
• Enjoys guiding and developing less-experienced engineers through project delivery, engineering standards, and industry best practices.

Why This Role Is Unique

Unlike a traditional substation engineering position, this role provides the opportunity to work across disciplines and tackle the utility’s most critical and visible challenges. One month may involve evaluating a new 230kV substation, while the next may focus on battery energy storage integration, wildfire mitigation, transmission upgrades, or strategic infrastructure planning. This position is designed for engineers who enjoy variety, ownership, and making a measurable impact on the future of the power system.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution.
• 12+ years of utility, transmission, substation, or power systems engineering experience.
• Experience with high-voltage systems ranging from 69kV through 500kV.
• Knowledge of substation equipment including:
• Power transformers
• Circuit breakers
• Disconnect switches
• Instrument transformers
• Protection and control systems
• Bus configurations
• Familiarity with applicable industry standards including IEEE, NESC, NEC, and utility design practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and changing priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain.
• Utility transmission owner/operator experience.
• Experience supporting renewable generation interconnections (PV, wind, BESS).
• Familiarity with relay protection and control systems.
• Experience with EPC or consultant-managed projects.
• Knowledge of:
• PSCAD
• ETAP
• SKM
• ASPEN
• CAPE
• CYME
• PSSE
• PowerWorld
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Experience with FERC, NERC, WECC, or regional reliability requirements.