Senior Substation Project Engineer

Join us as we Rise to the Challenge

At KCI, we’re building an enduring community that provides unparalleled value to our employee-owners. We make our mark designing and delivering our world-class solutions, so we invest deeply in supporting and developing our team. We reward integrity and commitment, and when we do well, you do well. Our employees have the freedom to innovate, unlimited growth, a voice that matters, a lifestyle that works, and skin in the game. Achievements are shared and celebrated. As a team, we are motivated to better ourselves, each other, and the world around us. 

THE COMPANY

KCI Technologies, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned engineering, consulting and construction firm serving clients throughout the United States. KCI is recognized as an industry leader, employing cutting-edge technologies, management practices and strategic growth initiatives. Employee ownership fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, encourages technical expertise, and shapes strategic planning.

KCI is currently ranked #53 on Engineering News-Record’s list of the Top 500 design firms in the nation.

KCI BENEFITS INFORMATION

We offer a competitive compensation package, family friendly benefits, a collaborative working environment, and the training, mentoring and resources you need to advance in your career.

We understand that you have choices, and we know that together we will make a great team! 

KCI is committed to building a diverse and inclusive staff, and we encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and individuals with disabilities to apply.

KCI Technologies, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

As Energy Senior Project Engineer (Senior Project Engineer) at KCI, you will oversee the successful execution of engineering projects, ensuring adherence to quality standards, timelines, and budgetary constraints. The Senior Project Engineer plays a crucial role in driving project success and maintaining client satisfaction through their expertise and leadership. Work with the Project Manager for successful project execution.

Key Technical Skills Required:

The successful candidate will play a key role in strengthening client relationships and supporting strategic initiatives within the transmission and substation markets, with opportunities to contribute to regional growth and practice leadership.

Core Substation & Power System Expertise

• Advanced experience leading substation and power system engineering projects, including HV/MV substations, transmission interconnections, and grid infrastructure from concept through IFC delivery
• Strong capability in power system studies, including load flow, short circuit, protection coordination, grounding, arc flash, and system reliability analysis
• Ability to translate system study results into practical, constructible design solutions aligned with utility requirements and project constraints
• Strong understanding of utility interconnection requirements and the interface between generation, transmission, and distribution systems

Substation Design & Technical Leadership

• Advanced experience in electrical power system design for generation, transmission, and distribution systems
• High-voltage substation engineering (34 kV–765 kV), including both physical and electrical design
• Strong understanding of utility standards and substation design practices, Engineering Standards, Codes & Compliance: NEC, IEEE, NESC & RUS
• Lead and review development of single-line, three-line, AC/DC schematics, and wiring diagrams, P&C schematics, grounding layouts, and equipment arrangements
• Design and integration of station service systems, grounding, conduit, and foundations
• Strong working knowledge of substation physical design principles, including bus configurations (ring bus, breaker-and-a-half, double bus), equipment clearances, conduit and cable routing, grounding systems, and constructability
• Protection & Control system design, including Relay philosophies and relay selection, Control panel layouts, I/O assignments and connection diagrams
• Ability to perform and review engineering calculations, including grounding grid design, cable sizing, voltage drop, and equipment selection
• Integration of physical substation design with P&C drawings

Project Delivery & Client Interface

• Proven ability to manage project scope, schedule, and budget, for a high-quality delivery and client satisfaction
• Ability to serve as a primary technical point of contact with utility clients, supporting coordination, issue resolution, and alignment with client expectations
• Experience supporting all phases of projects, including conceptual design, detailed engineering, IFR/IFC packages, construction support, and as-built documentation
• Experience reviewing vendor drawings, equipment submittals, and performing technical bid evaluations

Team Development & Mentorship

• Ability to build, mentor, and lead a substation engineering team, supporting technical development and consistent delivery
• Experience establishing and enforcing QA/QC processes, engineering standards, and delivery workflows
• Strong coordination across multidisciplinary teams (P&C, Civil/Structural, Telecom)
• Ability to support practice growth, including proposal development, technical scoping, and alignment with strategic client opportunities

Field Integration & Construction Support

• Extensive experience supporting field activities, including site walkdowns, constructability reviews, and field investigations
• Ability to provide construction oversight, including equipment installation review and issue resolution
• Experience supporting testing, energization, and commissioning of substation and power system infrastructure
• Strong understanding of how field conditions impact engineering design and project execution

Tools, Standards & Technical Proficiency

• Proficiency with power system analysis tools such as ETAP, SKM PowerTools, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, or PSCAD
• Proficiency with design tools such as AutoCAD and/or MicroStation

The key responsibilities of this role include:

Project Management and Leadership:

• Plan, develop, coordinate and direct large projects or engineering programs.
• Supervise subordinate supervisors or team leaders.
• Conduct research in problem areas of scope and complexity.
• Ability and willingness to research and work in different geographies.
• Serve as a staff specialist, applying advanced theories and concepts.
• Assist in proposals, negotiations, and presentations.
• Collaborate with internal departments for client relationship development.
• Manage work routines and assign job activities.
• Attend project team meetings.
• Provide task performance reports.
• Coordinate with other practices and sub-consultants.
• Provide technical oversight and guidance.
• Serve as task manager of select projects.

 Training, Development, and Compliance:

• Mentor and train staff.
• Comply with all KCI policies and procedures.
• Ensure projects comply with ISO standards.
• Conduct employee performance appraisals, when applicable.
• Develop professional relationships through active participation in industry associations and community involvement.
• Identify and assist in attracting talent to KCI.

 Financial Management and Reporting:

• Complete all tasks on time and within budget while fully meeting project scope.
• Operate within specified (corporate or project) budget parameters.
• Assist with receivables management.
• Work with the Project Manager to actively manage project budgets.
• Achieve or exceed budgets individual utilization targets.

 Project Execution and Technical Oversight:

• Conduct site visits and gather data.
• Prepare design calculations, drawings, specifications, and cost estimates.
• Review and approve shop drawings.
• Compare field data to base plan.
• Prepare preliminary concept designs.
• Read and interpret technical documents.

* Essential Duties and Responsibilities are the basic job functions that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Education and/or Work Experience Required: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field (AEC Industry)
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.
• Proven experience in planning, organizing, estimating, scheduling and monitoring engineering projects.
• Proven experience in project management roles, with a track record of successful project delivery.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with clients, team members, and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of industry standards and best practices related to construction management, quality assurance, and safety protocols.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues and implement effective solutions in a fast-paced environment.

Education and/or Work Experience Preferred:

• Master’s Degree

Certificates, licenses, and/or Registrations Required:

• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.)

Pre-employment drug screening and background check are conditions of employment. Motor vehicle checks may be required based upon position.