Application guide
How to apply for Substation Design - Electrical Engineer (Remote US)
AECOM
About AECOM
AECOM is a global infrastructure leader known for delivering innovative, sustainable solutions across transportation, water, energy, and environmental sectors. Working here means contributing to projects that shape communities and improve quality of life, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and technical excellence. The company's commitment to remote work and flexible arrangements makes it an attractive choice for professionals seeking work-life balance without compromising on impactful projects.
About the role
As a Substation Design Electrical Engineer at AECOM, you'll be responsible for physical substation design tasks that support utility-scale power delivery projects. You'll perform specific engineering assignments, gather data, conduct calculations, and collaborate with experienced engineers to solve problems and ensure project success. This remote role offers the opportunity to work on critical infrastructure that powers communities while enjoying the flexibility of working from anywhere in the US.
A typical day
A typical day might involve reviewing design specifications, performing calculations for grounding or bus systems, and coordinating with other engineers via virtual meetings. You'll also spend time analyzing data, preparing reports, and possibly mentoring junior engineers, all while adhering to project budgets and schedules. The remote setup allows for flexibility, but you'll need to maintain clear communication with your team and clients.
Who AECOM is looking for
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field, with a focus on power systems.
- 3-5 years of experience in physical substation design within the power delivery industry, including familiarity with utility-scale projects.
- Proficiency in engineering software tools such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, or substation design packages (e.g., SDS, CDEGS).
- Strong analytical skills and ability to perform calculations, interpret data, and identify discrepancies in results.
- EIT or PE certification (or progress toward it) is preferred, along with experience guiding entry-level engineers.
Tips for this application
- Highlight specific substation design projects you've worked on, including details like voltage levels, equipment specifications, and your role in the design process.
- Emphasize your ability to work remotely and collaborate effectively with distributed teams, as this is a fully remote position.
- Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description such as 'physical substation design,' 'power delivery,' and 'utility scale' to pass AECOM's applicant tracking system.
- Showcase any experience with sustainable design practices or innovative solutions, as AECOM values sustainability in infrastructure.
- If you have experience with AECOM's software or methodologies, mention it; otherwise, research their tools and mention your ability to quickly learn new systems.
What to cover in your cover letter
["Your passion for power delivery and how your substation design experience aligns with AECOM's projects.", "Specific examples of how you've contributed to utility-scale substation design, including any complex challenges you solved.", 'Your ability to work independently and manage budgets/schedules with moderate supervision, as mentioned in the job description.', "Your interest in AECOM's mission of building sustainable legacies and how you can contribute to that through your work."]
Research before applying
- AECOM's recent power delivery projects, especially substation design work, to understand their client base and technical focus.
- AECOM's sustainability initiatives and how they integrate into their engineering projects.
- The company's remote work culture and tools they use for collaboration, to assess fit and prepare for interview questions.
- AECOM's organizational structure and the specific team you'd be joining, if possible, to tailor your questions and answers.
Likely interview topics
Based on the job description, expect questions about:
- Technical questions on physical substation design, such as grounding, bus layout, and equipment selection.
- How you approach gathering and correlating engineering data, and a time you identified discrepancies in results.
- Your experience with calculations and tests related to substation design, and how you ensure accuracy.
- A situation where you proposed a new approach to solve a problem, and the outcome.
- How you mentor or provide guidance to entry-level engineers, as the role involves this responsibility.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not demonstrating specific experience in physical substation design; generic electrical engineering experience won't suffice.
- Failing to show familiarity with the power delivery industry and utility-scale projects, which is a key requirement.
- Ignoring the remote aspect and not addressing how you stay productive and connected while working remotely.
Deadline
No deadline is listed. Roles without a deadline usually close once the employer has enough candidates, so apply soon if you are interested.