Substation Design Engineer

Salary: $75,700.00 - $160,100.00 Annually
Location : 4505 Middlebrook Pike Knoxville, TN
Job Type: Full-Time/Regular
Job Number: 01142
Department: Electric Systems Engineering
Opening Date: 03/24/2026
Closing Date: 4/14/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Classification: Engineer

Work Hours: 40+ hours/week; M-F
About KUB: KUB is one of the largest public utilities in the country providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric, gas, water, wastewater, and fiber services to more than 520,000 customers in Knoxville and parts of seven surrounding counties. We are looking for employees who want to be a part of a mission driven organization with strong values that support a skilled, diverse, and inclusive workforce.
About the Role: Play a critical role in delivering reliable, high-voltage substation infrastructure ranging from 13.2kV to 161kV. This position is responsible for the complete engineering and design of substation facilities-from initial concept and system studies through detailed design, construction support, and commissioning. You'll contribute directly to grid reliability by developing robust protection and control systems, coordinating across departments, and ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule. This role offers the opportunity to work on capital upgrades, system improvements, and customer-driven initiatives that strengthen and modernize the electric system. Preferably looking for a candidate who has protection and control engineering experience in an electric utility or similar environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Substation Engineering
  • Develop site and bus layouts, grounding, foundations, and equipment drawings
  • Perform electrical calculations for power, control, metering, and communication systems
• Protection & Control
  • Create relay/control panel layouts, schematics, wiring, and connection diagrams
  • Specify equipment and prepare material lists
• Project & Field Support
  • Manage capital and customer-driven projects
  • Coordinate with internal teams and contractors
  • Support construction, commissioning, and storm response efforts

Qualifications
Physical Requirements:

Works primarily in an office setting, but field visits and field activities may be required. These field visits may include: emergency response activities and support beyond normal business hours, heavy lifting or strenuous work and mobility over rough terrain. Requires bending, stooping, lifting, and working in awkward and strenuous positions at times. Occasionally requires above normal mental and visual alertness. Physical demands for a specific position within this classification may vary and/or exceed those demands described above.
Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field from an ABET accredited four-year college or university
• Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in related field
• Advanced analytical and project management skills and strong written and oral communication, interpersonal, and team skills
• Ability to work independently on multiple projects in a timely manner
• Ability to work collaboratively with individuals at all levels in the organization in a team environment
• Experience in substation design, protection and controls with various digital and electro-mechanical relays
• Valid driver's license
  Please note that due to job responsibilities, KUB does not provide immigration sponsorship for and/or based on this position.

Preferred Requirements:

• Professional Engineer license in State of Tennessee or ability to obtain Professional Engineer license in the State of Tennessee through comity
• Three (3) or more years of experience in electrical engineering, preferably with an electric utility
• Experience with Microstation, AutoCAD, Cyme, ArcGIS, and/or ArcMap

Selection Process
About the Selection Process:

Phase 1 - Apply online

Phase 2 - Experience, training, and education evaluation

Phase 3 - Interview with department representatives

Phase 4 - Written, performance, and behavioral exercises

Phase 5 - Background Investigation

Phase 6 - Physical assessment and/or drug screen*

* KUB is part of the Tennessee Drug Free Workplace Program
If special accommodations are needed at any phase of the selection process, please notify Human Resources in advance.
Knoxville Utilities Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer

• Generous health benefits with low premiums and deductibles
• Benefits start day 1
• Competitive 401(k) contribution and match
• PTO available for use after your first payday
• 11 paid holidays
• Free financial advising
• Educational assistance & professional development opportunities
• Employee physical & mental wellness programs

01

If you would like to attach a resume to your application, please make sure it is attached in the "Attachments" section.

• Yes; I have attached my resume to my application.
• No; I'm not attaching a resume to my application.

02

If you answered "Career/Job Fair," Employee Referral," or "Other" to the 'how did you first hear about this opportunity' question, please include details here. If 'no,' please type "N/A" in the text box.
03

Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?

• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Professional degree
• Doctorate degree

04

Describe why you are interested in this position and working at KUB.
05

Please describe any experience in the utilities industry (electric, water, wastewater, gas, and/or fiber). If none, write "N/a".
06

Have you Interviewed with KUB in the past? If so, for what position?
07

Describe your reasons for leaving your jobs within the past seven years.
Required Question