Substation Electrical Engineer

Actalent is seeking a qualified Electrical Engineer for a consultant position supporting a major regional electric utility in Vancouver, WA. This Electrical Engineer 1 position will support a substation design engineering organization within the utility’s transmission services group. The role involves reviewing, checking, and designing electrical drawings for power substations; analyzing electrical facilities; performing Station Service system evaluations; and conducting short circuit and Arc Flash studies.

Responsibilities

• Draft electrical drawings for new substations (69kV–500kV) and recommend modifications to existing substations and related electrical facilities.
• Draft electrical drawings for substations below 69kV and recommend required updates or additions.
• Perform Station Service system analyses in support of engineering, maintenance, telecommunications, and substation engineering teams.
• Conduct short circuit and Arc Flash studies to support proper equipment sizing and accurate arc flash labeling for appropriate PPE selection.
• Support pre‑construction planning, engineering, and design activities for installing substation equipment and electrical systems.
• Provide input on engineering requirements, design criteria, and technical parameters to ensure equipment and facilities meet all operational, maintenance, reliability, and safety expectations.
• Coordinate with internal and external technical staff to ensure timely completion of designs and communicate potential delays or concerns to project leadership.
• Provide recommendations on applying the National Electrical Code (NEC) and National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) to substation and related electrical projects.
• Use quantitative analytical techniques to model and analyze substation design strategies.
• Plan and organize substation design projects, troubleshoot design issues, develop solutions, and recommend effective design methods.
• Maintain documents, files, emails, and records in accordance with applicable compliance and information‑governance standards.
• Conduct print verifications and field planning activities in energized substations, including reviewing open cabinets while adhering strictly to minimum approach distance requirements.
• Visit substations and proposed sites (voltages ranging from low voltage up to 500kV) to verify design prints and coordinate with field personnel during construction or planning meetings.
• Escort personnel without site access permits when required, subject to applicable training.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• At least 6 months of experience with electrical engineering concepts applicable to transmission systems.
• 6 months of experience in the design or technical review of high‑voltage substation physical designs in one or more of the following areas: Protective Relay & Control, Metering/SCADA, Remedial Action Schemes, or high‑voltage outdoor equipment.
• Experience should include new substation construction, capacity additions, position extensions, automation or reliability improvements, equipment replacements, maintenance, and as‑built documentation.
• 6 months of experience applying professional engineering principles and techniques related to physical substation design.
• 6 months of experience supporting projects involving new substations, capacity increases, extensions, reliability upgrades, equipment relocations or replacements, maintenance, and as‑built work.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Vancouver, WA.

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $40.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Vancouver,WA.

This position is anticipated to close on Feb 13, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.