The Planet Group

Job Description

Department Summary

The Substation Engineering department delivers comprehensive, multi-discipline engineering design and leadership for high-voltage electric distribution projects associated with company-owned and operated substations throughout Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. The team is responsible for both in-house and consultant-led designs, supporting new substation construction as well as upgrades, repairs, and modifications to existing facilities. Key areas of focus include substation layout design, project scoping, grounding analysis, standards development, procurement and construction support, and overall project execution. This position is part of the Layout Engineering group, supporting capital projects across the service territory.

Role Summary

• The Senior Electrical Engineer will lead and support multiple substation projects, acting as the subject matter expert in layout engineering. This role involves identifying and developing the engineering and construction scope necessary for successful project execution, coordinating and managing both internal and external engineering services, and providing authoritative technical review and guidance throughout the project lifecycle. The engineer will collaborate closely with Project Managers and Engineers on procurement, contracting, and construction activities to ensure alignment with project goals. Additionally, they will oversee the completion of all closeout tasks, including the preparation of record drawings, test documentation, and redlines, ensuring a thorough and accurate project wrap-up.
• The Senior Electrical Engineer will represent our client as the design authority for substation layout and will regularly report project status, risks, and progress related to scope, quality, cost, and schedule to their supervisor.
• This role requires frequent travel to project sites for activities such as pre-engineering assessments, construction reviews, milestone inspections, technical troubleshooting, and final walk-downs. Candidates must be comfortable working in rugged, industrial environments, including undeveloped sites, active construction zones, and energized substations. Safety is a top priority, especially when working near live electrical equipment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Other duties as assigned or may be necessary
• Prepare specifications for purchases of electrical equipment and materials and estimating material, labor, or construction costs for budget preparation
• Ensure compliance with specifications, codes, or customer requirements by directing or coordinating installation, manufacturing, construction, maintenance, documentation, support, or testing activities
• Ensure that installation and operations conform to standards and customer requirements by preparing electrical systems specifications, technical drawings, or topographical maps and - Investigate and resolve project issues in a timely manner
• Collaborate with customers, coworkers, and others to discuss existing or potential engineering products or projects and monitor project progress and budget, and prepare reports for upper management
• Perform a wide range of engineering tasks by operating computer-assisted design or engineering software and equipment
• Design, maintain, implement, or improve electrical instruments, facilities, components, equipment products, or systems for industrial, commercial, or domestic purposes
• Design, control, and implement electrical systems and products and serve as the primary point of contact with clients for all electrical engineering project matters. Manage the development and implementation of electrical systems.

Skills:

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Knowledge of applicable codes related to electronic engineering Broad Knowledge
• Proficient in design and calculation software Expert Knowledge
• Written and verbal communication skills Broad Knowledge
• Organizational skills and attention to detail Expert Knowledge
• Analytical and problem-solving skills Broad Knowledge
• Knowledge of the theory and practice of electric utility distribution planning, construction, operation, and maintenance Expert Knowledge
• Working knowledge of electric utility operation (i.e. generation, transmission and distribution of three phase alternating current power) Expert Knowledge
• Knowledge of distribution planning principles is an asset Expert Knowledge
• Software experience with Microstation, ProjectWise, SAP

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in from an ABET accredited program OR Engineering degree from a non-ABET accredited program

Candidates for technical engineer positions also need to have relevant experience, as well as proficiency in basic computer programs such as the Microsoft Office suite. Technical engineers should also have excellent analysis, problem-solving, and communication skills. They should also work well independently with minimal supervision, as well as in a team setting with other engineers and related colleagues.

The staffing industry has seen an increase in people falsely representing themselves as recruiters to gather personal information from job seekers. For your safety, do not provide sensitive data to anyone you have not spoken with thoroughly, never provide banking information during the application process and always double check the email address of the Recruiter to ensure it’s from an official Planet domain (@theplanetgroup.com or @launchcg.com) - and not a domain with an alternative extension like .net, .org or .jobs.

The Planet Group and our companies are equal opportunity employers. It is our practice not to discriminate against any employee or applicant based on any criteria, condition or basis protected by laws or regulations in the locations where we do business. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. We celebrate diversity and are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect. We believe that diversity, equity and inclusion enable us to better meet our mission and values while serving our clients across the globe. If you have a disability or handicap and would like us to accommodate you in any reasonable way, please inform your recruiter, or contact us, so that we can discuss the appropriate alternatives available.