Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Structural Engineer (Substation Focus) - Remote (US)

at AECOM

🏢 About AECOM

AECOM is a global leader in infrastructure consulting, committed to delivering sustainable solutions that positively impact communities. With a focus on innovation and technical excellence, AECOM offers employees the opportunity to work on high-profile projects that shape the future of energy and infrastructure. The company's remote-friendly culture and emphasis on professional growth make it an attractive employer for experienced engineers seeking flexibility.

About This Role

As the Senior Structural Engineer, you will serve as the engineer of record for substation and switchyard projects, taking ownership of structural design from concept through construction. Your work directly supports the reliability and safety of electrical infrastructure critical to power grids. This role also involves mentoring junior engineers and shaping department standards, allowing you to leave a lasting impact on both projects and people.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a project coordination call to align with electrical engineers on equipment loads for an upcoming substation. Mid-morning, you'll dive into STAAD modeling for a steel structure, running calculations and iterating on design. After lunch, you could review a junior engineer's design drawings, providing feedback, and end the day updating the project manager on schedule and budget progress.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who AECOM Is Looking For

  • A seasoned structural engineer with at least 8-10 years of experience specifically in substation and electrical infrastructure design, including steel and concrete structures.
  • Proficient in analytical modeling software (e.g., STAAD, SAP2000, or similar) and capable of performing complex engineering calculations with minimal supervision.
  • A collaborative leader who thrives in multi-discipline environments, coordinating with electrical, civil, and project management teams to deliver integrated solutions.
  • A mentor at heart, with a track record of guiding junior engineers and contributing to the development of design standards and best practices.

📝 Tips for Applying to AECOM

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific substation projects you've led, including voltage levels, structural systems, and your role as engineer of record.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly mention your experience with AECOM's core values: sustainability, innovation, and collaboration—reference a past project that embodies these.

3

Quantify your achievements in past roles, e.g., 'Reduced structural steel costs by 15% through optimized design on a 230kV substation.'

4

Since the role is remote, emphasize your experience working autonomously and your communication strategies for remote collaboration.

5

Research AECOM's recent substation projects (e.g., those with utilities like PG&E or Dominion Energy) and mention how your skills align with their approach in your application.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Highlight your depth of experience in substation structural design, including specific examples of steel and concrete structures you've engineered.", 'Emphasize your ability to act as engineer of record and take ownership of design deliverables, ensuring compliance with codes and client requirements.', "Showcase your mentorship experience and how you've helped develop junior engineers or department standards in previous roles.", "Express enthusiasm for AECOM's mission of building sustainable legacies and connect your work to the broader impact of reliable electrical infrastructure."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore AECOM's Energy & Utilities practice area, particularly their substation and grid modernization projects.
  • → Read about AECOM's sustainability initiatives, such as their commitment to net-zero emissions and how that influences engineering decisions.
  • → Check recent news or press releases on AECOM's substation projects, especially those involving innovative design or remote collaboration.
  • → Review AECOM's company culture and benefits page to understand their remote work policies and professional development programs.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a challenging substation project you led, including design obstacles and how you resolved them.
2 How do you approach coordination with electrical engineers to ensure structural design accommodates equipment loads and clearances?
3 Explain your process for developing and maintaining design schedules and budgets for civil/structural work.
4 How have you mentored junior engineers? Provide a specific example of a mentoring outcome.
5 What analytical modeling tools are you proficient in, and how do you validate your models against hand calculations?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid generic application materials that don't reference substation design or electrical infrastructure—this role is highly specialized.
  • Don't overlook the mentorship aspect; failing to mention experience guiding others can make you seem like a lone contributor.
  • Resist the urge to exaggerate remote work experience without concrete examples of self-management and virtual collaboration.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to AECOM!

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