Staff Electrical Engineer - Substation (Houston)

Position Overview

Our Electrical Engineers have the opportunity to build out the infrastructure required to power our communities through the design of high voltage substations. As an engineer at Burns & McDonnell, you will receive on‐the‐job training, technical mentorship, and both personal and professional development opportunities to build your career. The Staff Electrical Engineer will be tasked with either protection & controls design or physical design on various substation projects – adapting electrical plans to meet budget constraints, design factors, and client needs. Primary location is in US-TX-Houston, with a Full-time schedule and travel required up to 25% of the time.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and modify electrical diagrams (single-line, three-line, control schematics, communication diagrams, wiring diagrams) and cable lists for new or modified substations.
• Perform electrical calculations including DC battery sizing, AC load sizing, voltage drop, conduit fill, control cable sizing, lightning protection, grounding analysis, and lighting plans.
• Create and update technical specifications for major equipment such as power transformers, circuit breakers, control enclosures, and other high-voltage materials.
• Coordinate with SCADA, substation physical, civil, structural, transmission line, and P&C design engineers to ensure proper system integration and design execution.
• Apply field mark-ups to as-built drawings and assist in client communications as well as manufacturer drawing reviews.
• Research project concerns, analyze issues, and recommend solutions while providing leadership and mentoring to less experienced team members.
• Communicate and collaborate with project managers and other stakeholders throughout the design and construction process.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or a related field from an ABET-accredited program; alternatively, a Bachelor of Science in Electrical or related Engineering Technology with successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.
• Strong knowledge of AC/DC fundamentals, including three-phase power systems and basic protection principles applicable to transmission lines, distribution feeders, and substation equipment.
• Familiarity with substation physical layout including electrical clearances, bus design, ground grid configuration, surge protection, and raceway design.
• Minimum of 3 years of electrical engineering experience, with consulting experience preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills along with strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient in standard engineering techniques and computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite).

Preferred Qualifications

• Successful completion (i.e. passing) of the FE or EIT exam, or possession of a PE license.
• A Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, which may substitute for one year of experience.