Principal Structural Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Structural Substation Engineer to lead the design, analysis, and delivery of structural systems supporting high-voltage substations up to 400 kV. This role focuses on the civil/structural aspects of substation infrastructure, including steel structures, equipment support frames, control buildings, cable trenches, and foundations. 

The ideal candidate brings extensive experience in substation structural engineering and is proficient in AutoCAD and Structural software’s as StaadPro, Advanced Steel for detailed design and drawing development. The position requires the ability to manage technical design packages, provide mentorship, and collaborate across disciplines to deliver safe, efficient, and constructible substation designs for both greenfield and brownfield projects. 

Key Responsibilities 

1. Structural Design & Analysis 

• Lead the design of substation steel structures, gantries, bus supports, equipment foundations, control buildings, and ancillary facilities. 

• Perform and review structural analysis and design calculations using STAAD.Pro or equivalent structural-analysis software. 

• Perform structural analysis and design calculations for concrete and steel per IEC, Eurocodes, ACI, AISC, and other applicable standards. 

• Prepare and review construction drawings, general arrangements, and detailed structural layouts using AutoCAD /  MicroStation. 

• Develop foundation design packages for transformers, circuit breakers, GIS/HIS equipment, and cable support systems. 

• Integrate substation civil/structural design with electrical layouts, geotechnical constraints, and site development requirements. 

•  Prepare load combinations and structural-calculation reports in accordance with applicable project codes, utility standards, and design-basis requirements. 

2. Leadership & Project Management 

• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to structural engineers and CAD designers. 

• Manage project deliverables, schedules, and budgets for structural engineering scopes. 

• Support business development activities, including proposals, cost estimation, and scope definition. 

• Represent the structural engineering function in client meetings, design reviews, and regulatory coordination. 

3. Construction & Field Support 

• Provide engineering support during construction, installation, and commissioning of substation structures. 

• Review and respond to RFIs, site queries, and field change requests. 

• Conduct constructability reviews and ensure designs are practical, safe, and cost-effective. 

4. Documentation & QA/QC 

• Prepare and review structural calculation reports, bills of quantities, and construction documentation. 

• Ensure designs comply with company QA/QC procedures and client standards. 

• Participate in reviews, interdisciplinary coordination, and internal audits to maintain technical excellence. 

5. Innovation & Standards Development 

• Contribute to the development of standard design libraries, templates, and workflows for substation structural engineering. 

• Assess and integrate new materials and technologies to improve safety, resiliency, and sustainability. 

• Stay up to date with industry standards, codes, and best practices relevant to substation structural design. 

Qualifications

Qualifications & Experience 

Required: 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (or related discipline). 

• 6+ years of experience in structural engineering for high-voltage substations (HV/MV, up to 400 kV preferred). 

• Proven experience with steel and concrete design, structural analysis, and substation-specific structures. 

• Proficiency in STAAD.Pro for structural modelling, load definition, analysis, member design, reaction extraction, and calculation reporting. 

• Proficiency in AutoCAD / MicroStation for substation drawings and layouts production. 

• Strong knowledge of international standards (IEC, ACI, AISC, Eurocodes, IEEE, NFPA). 

• Solid understanding of substation layout requirements, electrical clearance constraints, and equipment integration. 

Preferred: 

• Field experience in construction supervision, inspection, or commissioning support. 

• Knowledge of seismic, wind, and extreme weather design for substation structures. 

• Experience with GIS substations, HV AIS substations, or retrofit projects. 

• Familiarity with utility/client standards from major power companies. 

• Experience with 3D modeling, BIM tools, or CDE platforms. 

Soft Skills: 

• Strong leadership and team mentoring abilities. 

• Effective communicator with clients, contractors, and internal teams. 

• Organized and adaptable, able to manage multiple projects. 

Additional Information

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.