How to apply for Senior Lead Substation Engineer - Transmission and Distribution

About AECOM

AECOM is a global infrastructure leader known for delivering innovative, sustainable solutions across transportation, water, energy, and environmental sectors. Their Energy practice is at the forefront of the grid modernization and renewable integration movement, offering employees the chance to work on impactful projects that shape the future of power delivery. With a commitment to technical excellence and sustainable legacies, AECOM provides a collaborative, remote-friendly environment where top engineers can thrive.

About the role

As a Senior Lead Substation Engineer, you will be the technical authority on utility-scale substation projects, guiding them from concept through construction. You'll lead multidisciplinary teams, interface with clients, and ensure the delivery of reliable, resilient substation solutions that support grid expansion and renewable energy integration. This remote role offers the flexibility to work from anywhere in the US while contributing to critical energy infrastructure across North America.

A typical day

A typical day might involve leading a design review meeting with your project team, coordinating with clients on project updates, and mentoring junior engineers on technical challenges. You'll also spend time reviewing drawings, ensuring compliance with standards, and strategizing with project managers to keep deliverables on track. The remote setup allows for flexible hours, but you'll regularly connect with colleagues across the country via virtual meetings.

Who AECOM is looking for

• Extensive experience (typically 10+ years) in substation engineering, with a strong background in physical design, protection & control, and/or SCADA systems for high-voltage transmission and distribution projects.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor engineering teams, manage project deliverables, and ensure quality and technical excellence on complex substation projects.
• Strong client-facing skills with experience building relationships, understanding client needs, and delivering solutions that meet or exceed expectations.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred, with a deep understanding of industry codes and standards (NESC, IEEE, NEC) and experience with renewable energy integration and grid modernization initiatives.

Tips for this application

• Highlight your experience with utility-scale substation projects, specifically mentioning voltage levels (e.g., 69kV, 138kV, 345kV) and project sizes to demonstrate scale.
• Emphasize any remote work experience and your ability to collaborate effectively with distributed teams, as this role is fully remote.
• Showcase your technical leadership by quantifying team sizes you've led, projects you've managed from concept to construction, and any innovative solutions you've implemented.
• Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description such as 'grid modernization,' 'renewable energy integration,' and 'transmission and distribution' to pass AECOM's applicant tracking system.
• If you have experience with AECOM's key clients (e.g., major utilities), mention it explicitly to demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running.

What to cover in your cover letter

In your cover letter, focus on: (1) a specific example of a complex substation project you led from design to construction, highlighting your technical and leadership skills; (2) your experience with renewable energy integration or grid modernization and how it aligns with AECOM's sustainable legacies mission; (3) your ability to build and maintain client relationships, with an example of how you ensured client satisfaction; and (4) your enthusiasm for remote work and how you stay connected and productive in a distributed team environment.

Research before applying

• Explore AECOM's Energy practice and recent projects, especially in transmission and distribution, to understand their project portfolio and client base.
• Read about AECOM's sustainability initiatives and how they integrate renewable energy and grid modernization into their work.
• Familiarize yourself with AECOM's company culture and values, particularly their commitment to technical excellence, collaboration, and sustainable legacies.
• Look up recent news or press releases about AECOM's Energy sector to stay updated on their strategic direction and any major project wins.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Describe a challenging substation project you led. What were the technical hurdles, and how did you overcome them while managing client expectations?
• How do you stay current with emerging trends in substation design, such as digital substations, IEC 61850, or advanced protection schemes?
• Give an example of how you've mentored junior engineers or led a multidisciplinary team to deliver a project on time and within budget.
• What is your approach to ensuring quality and safety in substation design, and how do you incorporate industry standards like NESC and IEEE?
• How would you handle a situation where a client requests a design change that could impact the project timeline or budget?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Avoid focusing only on technical skills without demonstrating leadership and client management experience, as this role requires both.
• Do not neglect to mention specific voltage levels or project types; vague descriptions of substation experience may raise doubts about your depth.
• Avoid implying that remote work means independent work; emphasize your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively in a virtual environment.