About us

National Grid is seeking a Lead Civil / Structural Engineer – Substation Engineering Northborough, MA / Remote Hybrid

Every day we deliver safe and secure energy to homes, communities, and businesses. We are there when people need us the most. We connect people to the energy they need for the lives they live. The pace of change in society and our industry is accelerating and our expertise and track record puts us in an unparalleled position to shape the sustainable future of our industry.

To be successful we must anticipate the needs of our customers, reducing the cost of energy delivery today and pioneering the flexible energy systems of tomorrow. This requires us to deliver on our promises and always look for new opportunities to grow, both ourselves and our business.

Job Purpose

Civil / Structural /Project Engineer to support successful and on-time delivery of substation projects including supporting the capital investment plan, distribution and transmission interconnection projects, and other emerging work or new technologies. Substation projects include equipment replacement, asset separation, rebuilds and greenfield (new) substations.

Key Accountabilities

• With minimal oversight provide project, field, and real time engineering for all civil/structural aspects of substation design and construction. Will work on minor equipment replacements and retrofits, complicated rebuilds and new substations, and everything in between.
• Collaborate with cross functional / multi-discipline teams: Electrical engineers and designers, as well as Construction, Environmental, Permitting, Operations, Security, Project Management, Estimating, Real Estate, and Legal departments to ensure successful project completion.
• Acting as Design Engineer: create detailed civil/structural calculations and drawings for foundations as well as steel and aluminum substation structures while utilizing all applicable building and industry codes and standards (ASCE 113, ASCE 7, ACI, AISC, ADM, NESC, IBC, State Building Codes, etc.).
• Acting as Owner’s Engineer: provide project oversight by directing subcontractors (Civil/Structural/Architectural/Fabricators), interpret and review of submittals, including but not limited to calculations, drawings, material specifications, shop and construction / demolition drawings, topographical and GPR surveys, LiDAR scans, test pits and borings.
• Willing to work continuous 16+ hour days (including holidays) on emergency storm duty assignments away from home, leading outsourced line crews or assessing damage to the distribution system (paid).
• Participate in and/or present substation projects at municipal Planning Board and Zoning Board meetings after normal hours of business.
• Prepare Scopes of Work, issue RFQ’s, respond to RFI’s, review bid packages, and award contracts.
• Conduct field inspections, determine cost effective solutions, and develop comprehensive engineering reports based on applicable design codes, engineering procedures, and sound safety practices.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and develop and track schedules for engineering milestones.
• Prepare Technical Specifications and work with Procurement to order equipment and materials.
• Provide technical guidance, support, and mentorship to less experienced engineers.

Supervisory/Interpersonal- Experience Required

• Able to motivate, counsel, coach, and develop direct reports and others.
• Experience establishing clearly defined goals and standards of employee performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering – Structural concentration preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in civil / structural engineering (less years with PE and/or advanced degree). Substation or other electrical utility experience strongly preferred (e.g. Transmission, Generation, etc.).
• PE license strongly preferred in MA, or the ability to obtain MA license via reciprocity.
• Advanced relevant degree not required but preferred.
• Knowledge of various structural and foundation systems required. Knowledge of various material types such as steel, aluminum, and reinforced concrete is required.
• Knowledge of oil containment systems and flood resilient design is preferred.
• General knowledge of civil site design, stormwater design, and Federal/State/local permitting is required.
• General knowledge of the following is desired but not required: Substation equipment including transformers, circuit breakers, switches, reclosers, metal clad switchgear, control houses, etc. Substation construction and maintenance techniques, electric utility operation practices, including distribution system.
• Demonstration of a high level of personal initiative and ability to interact with a diverse group of personnel. Proven interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Proactively build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders in order to obtain and share information that will benefit National Grid and our customers.
• Demonstration of effective time management and task prioritization and capability to describe highly technical material to non-technical staff.
• Proficient MS Office computer skills (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, etc.).
• Proficient with industry software (AutoCAD, MicroStation, RISA software, MathCad, L-Pile).
• Valid driver's license, dependable vehicle, and acceptable driving record.
• Ability to physically navigate in and around an energized electrical substation.
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills – able to work independently to find solutions.

More Information