Substation Engineer – Utility‑Scale Energy Storage

Design the Substations Powering the Energy Transition

We’re looking for a Substation Engineer to play a pivotal role in delivering some of the largest and most advanced battery energy storage projects in North America. In this role, you’ll help engineer the substations and electrical infrastructure that enable grid‑scale energy storage to operate safely, reliably, and at unprecedented scale.

You’ll work alongside experts in power generation, transmission, storage, and controls—contributing to projects that directly support grid reliability, renewable integration, and long‑term decarbonization goals. This position blends deep technical engineering with real project ownership and influence across the full project lifecycle.

Why Substation Engineers Choose These Projects

• Unmatched project scale: Work on some of the largest utility‑scale energy storage and interconnection projects in the world
• Grid‑first engineering: Designs that directly support reliability, resilience, and renewable integration—not theoretical work
• End‑to‑end ownership: Influence projects from early concept and interconnection design through construction and commissioning
• Stable, long‑term investment: Backed by a robust development pipeline with multi‑decade infrastructure commitments
• Engineering‑driven culture: Technical rigor, sound judgment, and continuous improvement are highly valued
• Exposure to cutting‑edge technology: Advanced BESS, high‑voltage substations, power electronics, and protection schemes

What You’ll Do

As a Substation Engineer supporting energy storage projects, you’ll serve as both a technical authority and a collaborative partner across engineering, construction, procurement, and compliance teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and engineer substation and electrical systems for large‑scale battery energy storage facilities
• Develop, review, and approve engineering drawings, studies, and technical specifications
• Identify inconsistencies in engineering documents and lead corrective actions to improve design quality and efficiency
• Resolve complex technical issues discovered during studies and design reviews
• Prepare engineering scopes of work for major equipment and service contracts
• Partner with project managers to align engineering deliverables with cost, schedule, and risk objectives
• Provide technical leadership and guidance throughout the project lifecycle
• Track engineering milestones and proactively flag technical or schedule risks
• Collaborate with OEMs and suppliers to ensure seamless integration of major substation and BESS equipment
• Apply and interpret applicable electrical codes, safety standards, and permitting requirements
• Support permitting and regulatory discussions related to substation and energy storage design
• Participate in site visits, supplier meetings, and cross‑team coordination (up to 25% travel)

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in utility‑scale solar, energy storage, or power generation engineering and/or construction
• Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following: Substation design, Generation tie or interconnection design, Power electronics, Battery energy storage system (BESS) design
• Solid understanding of energy storage technologies and system architecture
• Familiarity with relevant codes and standards, including NEC, NFPA 855, UL 9540/1973, NFPA 70E, and related building/fire codes
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound engineering judgment, and clearly communicate technical concepts

Preferred Experience

• Direct experience on utility‑scale BESS or high‑voltage substation projects
• Knowledge of IEC standards applicable to power and storage systems
• Experience coordinating with permitting, legal, procurement, and construction teams
• Strong vendor and OEM interface experience
• Track record of improving designs through lessons learned and optimization

Work Environment & Flexibility

This role supports a collaborative engineering organization with both in‑office and remote flexibility. The preferred base is Juno Beach, FL, with openness to remote arrangements for candidates who bring strong substation and energy storage experience and are willing to travel more frequently.

You’ll work in a highly cross‑functional environment with access to modern engineering tools and systems, contributing to projects that are reshaping how the electric grid operates today—and how it will operate for decades to come.

If you’re a substation engineer who wants to work on projects that truly matter—at scale, with stability, and with direct influence—this role offers a rare opportunity to combine technical depth with real impact on the future of energy.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Gaithersburg, MD. This is a fully remote position.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $70.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 21, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.