How to apply for Substation Engineer - Physical - Remote (U.S.)

About AECOM

AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm that designs and builds sustainable legacies, from transportation and water systems to power and energy projects. Working here means joining a team of experts dedicated to solving complex challenges and making a positive impact on communities worldwide. AECOM's commitment to innovation and sustainability makes it an exciting place to grow your career.

About the role

As a Substation Engineer specializing in physical design, you'll be responsible for the detailed design of utility-scale substations, including equipment layout, bus design, and grounding. Your work ensures the reliable and safe delivery of electricity, directly supporting the modernization of the power grid. This remote role offers the flexibility to work from anywhere in the U.S. while contributing to impactful infrastructure projects.

A typical day

A typical day might start with checking emails and project updates, then diving into design tasks like creating equipment layouts or reviewing clearance calculations using CAD software. You'll likely have virtual meetings with your team or clients to discuss design progress, and you'll spend time reviewing vendor documents and ensuring your designs meet all applicable standards. The rest of your day could be dedicated to drafting, revising drawings, or coordinating with other engineers to resolve design issues.

Who AECOM is looking for

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (or related field) with a focus on power systems.
• Experience in physical substation design, including knowledge of equipment (transformers, circuit breakers, switches), bus configurations, and clearance requirements.
• Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, or 3D modeling tools (e.g., Substation Design Suite).
• Understanding of relevant codes and standards (NESC, IEEE, IEC) and ability to apply them to design.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently in a remote environment, with moderate supervision.

Tips for this application

• Tailor your resume to highlight specific substation physical design projects, including the voltage levels (e.g., 69kV, 138kV, 345kV) and your role in the design process.
• In your cover letter, explicitly mention your experience with physical design aspects like equipment layout, bus design, and grounding, as the job emphasizes this specialization.
• Showcase any experience with remote collaboration tools and your ability to manage your own schedule, as this is a remote role.
• If you have experience with AECOM's specific software tools (e.g., PLS-CADD, CYME, or similar), mention it to stand out.
• Research AECOM's recent power projects and mention how your skills align with their focus on sustainability and grid modernization.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Emphasize your hands-on experience in physical substation design, detailing specific projects and the scope of your work.', 'Highlight your knowledge of industry standards (NESC, IEEE) and your ability to produce accurate, constructible designs.', 'Explain your ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a remote setting, with examples of past success.', "Express enthusiasm for AECOM's mission of delivering sustainable infrastructure and how you can contribute to that vision."]

Research before applying

• Look into AECOM's recent power delivery projects, especially those involving substation design and renewable energy integration.
• Review AECOM's sustainability commitments and how they incorporate sustainable practices into engineering design.
• Understand AECOM's company culture and values, particularly their focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Check if AECOM has any industry recognitions or awards related to power engineering that you can reference in your application.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Walk me through a recent substation physical design project you worked on. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?
• How do you ensure your designs comply with NESC and other applicable codes? Can you give an example of a code requirement that significantly impacted a design?
• Describe your experience with design software (e.g., AutoCAD, MicroStation). How do you stay updated with new tools?
• Given this is a remote role, how do you manage your time and communicate effectively with your team?
• What is your approach to coordinating with other disciplines (e.g., civil, protection & control) in a substation design project?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Don't submit a generic resume that doesn't highlight your substation physical design experience; this role is highly specialized.
• Avoid focusing only on your academic background; emphasize practical experience and project work.
• Don't neglect to mention your ability to work remotely; failing to address this may raise concerns about your fit for the remote setup.