Application guide

How to apply for Lead Substation Electrical Engineer

AECOM

About AECOM

AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm that builds sustainable legacies through innovative projects. Working here means contributing to large-scale energy initiatives that shape the future of power delivery, with a strong focus on sustainability and resilience.

About the role

As a Lead Substation Electrical Engineer, you will lead the design and delivery of critical substation projects for utilities and energy clients across North America. This remote role offers the chance to work on grid modernization, renewable integration, and other impactful projects while collaborating with top engineering talent.

A typical day

A typical day might start with a virtual team stand-up to discuss project milestones, followed by reviewing design drawings and calculations. You might spend time in client calls or mentoring junior engineers, and later dive into technical analysis or QA/QC reviews. The flexibility of remote work allows you to structure your day around deep work and collaboration.

Who AECOM is looking for

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (or related) with substantial experience in substation design and engineering.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license is strongly preferred.
  • Proven leadership in managing project teams and delivering high-quality substation designs.
  • Deep knowledge of relevant codes and standards (IEEE, NEC, etc.) and experience with renewable or utility-scale projects.
  • Excellent communication and client-facing skills, with the ability to work independently in a remote setting.

Tips for this application

  • Tailor your resume to highlight specific substation projects you've led, emphasizing your role in design and delivery.
  • Quantify your achievements (e.g., voltage levels, project budgets, team sizes) to demonstrate impact.
  • In your cover letter, explicitly mention your interest in renewable energy and grid modernization to align with AECOM's focus.
  • Research AECOM's recent energy projects and reference them in your application to show genuine interest.
  • Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and mirrors your resume, as recruiters often check.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Highlight your experience leading substation design projects from concept to construction.', 'Emphasize your technical expertise in high-voltage equipment, protection, and control systems.', 'Showcase your ability to work collaboratively in a remote environment and manage multiple stakeholders.', 'Express enthusiasm for contributing to a sustainable energy future through innovative engineering.']

Research before applying

  • Explore AECOM's Energy practice and recent press releases about substation or grid projects.
  • Understand their commitment to sustainability and how it influences engineering decisions.
  • Review any case studies or articles about their work in renewable energy integration.
  • Check employee reviews on Glassdoor to get a sense of the company culture and remote work environment.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

  • Describe a complex substation project you led and how you overcame technical challenges.
  • How do you stay current with evolving grid modernization and renewable integration trends?
  • Walk us through your approach to ensuring quality and safety in design.
  • How do you manage project timelines and budgets while maintaining technical excellence?
  • Why are you interested in AECOM, and how does this role fit into your career goals?

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Submitting a generic resume that doesn't highlight substation-specific experience.
  • Not addressing the remote aspect of the role – make sure you convey your self-management skills.
  • Overlooking the importance of renewable energy and grid modernization – align your experience with these areas.

Deadline

No deadline is listed. Roles without a deadline usually close once the employer has enough candidates, so apply soon if you are interested.