Lead Engineer, Electrical Planning and Design

About us

National Grid is hiring a Electrical Substation Lead Engineer for our Options Solutions Engineering (OSE) department in Syracuse, NY.

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

A Lead Substation Engineer is responsible for a wide range of engineering activities, including developing electrical requirements and equipment scopes for transmission and distribution substation projects throughout National Grid's New York service territory. This position requires effective engagement and collaboration with internal team members and stakeholders to support project development and execution.

In this role, the Lead Substation Engineer provides technical leadership and direction to the Options Solutions Engineering (OSE) project team in the development of Stage 4.2 conceptual engineering reports, known as Option Scope Documents (OSDs). The OSE team is responsible for identifying technically sound and cost-effective solutions that address project sponsor requirements while ensuring the feasibility of proposed options.

The Lead Substation Engineer will also serve as OSE's lead representative for National Grid's Design to Value (DTV) program, supporting the company's capital efficiency objectives through the identification, development, and implementation of innovative engineering solutions and process improvements. In this capacity, the engineer leads a cross-functional team of DTV champions, collaborates with regional DTV partners, and drives initiatives that maximize value and optimize capital investment across the business.

Key Accountabilities

• Determine the substation scope of work required to address project needs. This includes reviewing existing station drawings, verifying equipment ratings and condition, evaluating interactions with other in-flight projects, and conducting site visits to understand constraints and challenges. Develop and document multiple project options within the Option Scope Document, including evaluation of technical feasibility and cost effectiveness.
• Utilize National Grid engineering standards, drawings, and Geographic Information System (GIS) data to support scope development, engineering evaluations, and feasibility assessments.
• Serve as the lead author of conceptual engineering reports, coordinating with engineers from multiple disciplines to develop comprehensive and complete Option Scope Documents.
• Collaborate with engineers and management to resolve complex technical issues, evaluate alternatives, and address unique project challenges.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to project team members on projects of moderate to high complexity. Mentor new employees and interns as needed.
• Organize, prioritize, and manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining established schedules and deliverable commitments.
• Maintain qualifications and training required for substation access, including compliance with applicable NERC/CIP requirements.
• Maintain project documentation, records, and communications in accordance with department procedures and record-retention requirements.
• Serve as OSE's lead representative for National Grid's Design to Value (DTV) program. Lead a cross-functional team of DTV Champions in identifying, developing, and evaluating capital efficiency initiatives that deliver measurable value to the business.
• Partner with New England DTV team and engineering leadership to advance DTV objectives, track and report program performance, facilitate periodic management reviews, and support the development and maintenance of program tools, dashboards, and communication platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology from an ABET-accredited engineering program is required. An emphasis on electric power systems is preferred.
• Minimum of ten years of relevant engineering experience without a Professional Engineer (PE) license, or eight years with a PE license. Experience requirements may be reduced for candidates with advanced engineering degrees or relevant professional certifications.
• Demonstrated knowledge of applicable industry standards, safety requirements, and electrical design codes related to power substations is required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, oral, and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with stakeholders across multiple disciplines.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license, or the ability to obtain one within one year of hire, preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage priorities and deadlines on large-scale projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record that meets National Grid's Safe Driver Policy requirements required.

More Information

Salary: $139,000 - $163,000 per year

National Grid utilizes an assessment that evaluates the job qualifications/characteristics using AI or statistically based scoring. For more information, please view NYC Local Law 144.

This position has a career path which provides for advancement opportunities within and across bands as you develop and evolve in the position; gaining experience, expertise and acquiring and applying technical skills. Candidates will be assessed and provided offers against the minimum qualifications of this role and their individual experience.

National Grid is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of protected class. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. National Grid maintains affirmative action programs for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

Our employment practices are designed to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly and with respect throughout the hiring process and during employment. National Grid complies with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, and we encourage a culture of respect for all.

National Grid will not be providing visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future. You must have the ability to work without a need for current or future visa sponsorship.

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