How to apply for Lead Substation Engineer

About AECOM

AECOM is a global infrastructure firm focused on building sustainable legacies through innovative infrastructure and environmental solutions. The Energy practice works on transmission, distribution, renewable energy, and grid modernization projects across North America. This role offers a remote work environment and the chance to work with top engineering professionals in the power delivery sector.

About the role

As a lead substation engineer, you will provide technical leadership for the planning, design, and delivery of utility-scale substation projects. You will work with multidisciplinary teams, clients, and project managers from concept through construction. This role is central to helping utilities and energy clients navigate grid expansion, renewable integration, and infrastructure modernization.

A typical day

A typical day might involve leading design reviews, coordinating with project managers and clients, and mentoring junior engineers. You could also be solving technical issues, preparing reports, or attending virtual meetings with multidisciplinary teams. The remote setup means most interactions happen online, with occasional travel for site visits or client meetings.

Who AECOM is looking for

• Experienced engineer with a background in substation design and delivery for transmission, distribution, or renewable energy projects.
• Able to lead technical teams and coordinate with clients, project managers, and other disciplines.
• Skilled at solving complex technical challenges and ensuring quality and client satisfaction.
• Comfortable mentoring others and building strong client relationships in a remote work setting.

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific substation projects you have led, including scope, voltage levels, and outcomes.
• Emphasize experience with utility-scale projects and any work related to grid modernization or renewable integration.
• Show your ability to work remotely and collaborate with distributed teams; mention tools or methods you use.
• Include examples of mentoring or leading engineers, as the role involves technical leadership.
• Tailor your resume to mention AECOM's Energy practice and its focus areas like transmission, distribution, and grid modernization.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your experience leading substation design and delivery from concept to construction.', 'Specific examples of complex technical challenges you solved in substation projects.', 'How you have mentored or led engineering teams and worked with clients.', "Your interest in AECOM's Energy practice and its work in renewable integration and grid modernization."]

Research before applying

• AECOM's Energy practice and recent projects in transmission, distribution, and renewable energy.
• AECOM's overall business lines and how the Energy practice fits into the company.
• Recent news or reports about grid modernization and renewable integration that AECOM has been involved in.
• AECOM's remote work policies and how teams collaborate across locations.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Walk us through a substation project you led from concept to construction. What was your role and what challenges did you face?
• How do you approach technical leadership and mentoring within a remote team?
• Describe your experience with grid modernization or renewable energy integration projects.
• How do you ensure quality and client satisfaction on utility-scale substation projects?
• What is your process for coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and project managers?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Not providing specific examples of substation projects you have led or contributed to.
• Ignoring the remote aspect of the role; failing to show how you manage remote collaboration.
• Overlooking the leadership and mentoring component; focusing only on technical tasks.