Substation Design Engineer
KNOXVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, Knoxville, TN, United States
Classification: Engineer
Work Hours: 40+ hours/week; M-F
About KUB: KUB is one of the largest public utilities in the country providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric, gas, water, wastewater, and fiber services to more than 520,000 customers in Knoxville and parts of seven surrounding counties. We are looking for employees who want to be a part of a mission driven organization with strong values that support a skilled, diverse, and inclusive workforce.
About the Role: Play a critical role in delivering reliable, high-voltage substation infrastructure ranging from 13.2kV to 161kV. This position is responsible for the complete engineering and design of substation facilities—from initial concept and system studies through detailed design, construction support, and commissioning. You’ll contribute directly to grid reliability by developing robust protection and control systems, coordinating across departments, and ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule. This role offers the opportunity to work on capital upgrades, system improvements, and customer-driven initiatives that strengthen and modernize the electric system. Preferably looking for a candidate who has protection and control engineering experience in an electric utility or similar environment.
Key Responsibilities
Substation Engineering
Develop site and bus layouts, grounding, foundations, and equipment drawings
Perform electrical calculations for power, control, metering, and communication systems
Protection & Control
Create relay/control panel layouts, schematics, wiring, and connection diagrams
Specify equipment and prepare material lists
Project & Field Support
Manage capital and customer-driven projects
Coordinate with internal teams and contractors
Support construction, commissioning, and storm response efforts
Qualifications
Physical Requirements
Works primarily in an office setting, but field visits and field activities may be required. These field visits may include: emergency response activities and support beyond normal business hours, heavy lifting or strenuous work and mobility over rough terrain. Requires bending, stooping, lifting, and working in awkward and strenuous positions at times. Occasionally requires above normal mental and visual alertness. Physical demands for a specific position within this classification may vary and/or exceed those demands described above.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field from an ABET accredited four-year college or university
Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in related field
Advanced analytical and project management skills and strong written and oral communication, interpersonal, and team skills
Ability to work independently on multiple projects in a timely manner
Ability to work collaboratively with individuals at all levels in the organization in a team environment
Experience in substation design, protection and controls with various digital and electro-mechanical relays
Valid driver’s license
Please note that due to job responsibilities, KUB does not provide immigration sponsorship for and/or based on this position.
Preferred Requirements
Professional Engineer license in State of Tennessee or ability to obtain Professional Engineer license in the State of Tennessee through comity
Three (3) or more years of experience in electrical engineering, preferably with an electric utility
Experience with Microstation, AutoCAD, Cyme, ArcGIS, and/or ArcMap
Selection Process
About the Selection Process:
Phase 1 – Apply online
Phase 2 – Experience, training, and education evaluation
Phase 3 – Interview with department representatives
Phase 4 – Written, performance, and behavioral exercises
Phase 5 – Background Investigation
Phase 6 – Physical assessment and/or drug screen*
* KUB is part of the Tennessee Drug Free Workplace Program
If special accommodations are needed at any phase of the selection process, please notify Human Resources in advance.
Knoxville Utilities Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Work Hours: 40+ hours/week; M-F
About KUB: KUB is one of the largest public utilities in the country providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric, gas, water, wastewater, and fiber services to more than 520,000 customers in Knoxville and parts of seven surrounding counties. We are looking for employees who want to be a part of a mission driven organization with strong values that support a skilled, diverse, and inclusive workforce.
About the Role: Play a critical role in delivering reliable, high-voltage substation infrastructure ranging from 13.2kV to 161kV. This position is responsible for the complete engineering and design of substation facilities—from initial concept and system studies through detailed design, construction support, and commissioning. You’ll contribute directly to grid reliability by developing robust protection and control systems, coordinating across departments, and ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule. This role offers the opportunity to work on capital upgrades, system improvements, and customer-driven initiatives that strengthen and modernize the electric system. Preferably looking for a candidate who has protection and control engineering experience in an electric utility or similar environment.
Key Responsibilities
Substation Engineering
Develop site and bus layouts, grounding, foundations, and equipment drawings
Perform electrical calculations for power, control, metering, and communication systems
Protection & Control
Create relay/control panel layouts, schematics, wiring, and connection diagrams
Specify equipment and prepare material lists
Project & Field Support
Manage capital and customer-driven projects
Coordinate with internal teams and contractors
Support construction, commissioning, and storm response efforts
Qualifications
Physical Requirements
Works primarily in an office setting, but field visits and field activities may be required. These field visits may include: emergency response activities and support beyond normal business hours, heavy lifting or strenuous work and mobility over rough terrain. Requires bending, stooping, lifting, and working in awkward and strenuous positions at times. Occasionally requires above normal mental and visual alertness. Physical demands for a specific position within this classification may vary and/or exceed those demands described above.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field from an ABET accredited four-year college or university
Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in related field
Advanced analytical and project management skills and strong written and oral communication, interpersonal, and team skills
Ability to work independently on multiple projects in a timely manner
Ability to work collaboratively with individuals at all levels in the organization in a team environment
Experience in substation design, protection and controls with various digital and electro-mechanical relays
Valid driver’s license
Please note that due to job responsibilities, KUB does not provide immigration sponsorship for and/or based on this position.
Preferred Requirements
Professional Engineer license in State of Tennessee or ability to obtain Professional Engineer license in the State of Tennessee through comity
Three (3) or more years of experience in electrical engineering, preferably with an electric utility
Experience with Microstation, AutoCAD, Cyme, ArcGIS, and/or ArcMap
Selection Process
About the Selection Process:
Phase 1 – Apply online
Phase 2 – Experience, training, and education evaluation
Phase 3 – Interview with department representatives
Phase 4 – Written, performance, and behavioral exercises
Phase 5 – Background Investigation
Phase 6 – Physical assessment and/or drug screen*
* KUB is part of the Tennessee Drug Free Workplace Program
If special accommodations are needed at any phase of the selection process, please notify Human Resources in advance.
Knoxville Utilities Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer
#J-18808-Ljbffr