Also called: Substation Engineer
Designs the fenced-in yards of transformers and switches that step power up and down across the grid.
You lay out where giant transformers, breakers and steel structures go, design the grounding grid underneath, and visit construction sites to answer the crew's questions. Your designs bring power to new neighborhoods, factories and data centers.
Grid expansion for data centers and renewables is driving demand.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in electrical engineering; PE license.
Ways in: 4-year college. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Electrical Engineering.
Growing faster than average (about 7% over 10 years). Electrical engineers overall.
Medium risk for 10 years. CAD automation and AI produce standard substation layouts faster; site visits, custom designs and PE approval stay human.
Classes: Physics, Drafting or CAD class, Algebra II, Electrical CTE.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-2071.
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