← Search all jobs

Substation Physical Engineer

ICF International

Listing collected from ICF International's career site. NextChapter is independent of ICF International.

Remote · Chicago, IL · Posted September 15, 2026

Just laid off? Start here: a plan for the first weeks

See every open role at ICF International

More in Illinois job market · Professional Services & Consulting · Engineering jobs

More roles at ICF International

Similar jobs

Where Chicago, IL ranks

Where Chicago, IL placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.

How AI is used in this kind of work

AI use among electrical engineers is little observed so far. Measured exposure for electrical engineers: 6% (little observed).

Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.

Check how this applies to your own job

ICF International has filed one layoff notice in the last twelve months, covering 82 workers, most recently October 2026. These are public filings with state labor departments, and an open role can sit alongside them. See the filings

Skills this job asks for

Say which you have and which you want to build. We use it to match you to jobs like this one.

About the job

Description

Title: Substation Physical Engineer - REMOTE

Location: Remote US

Ready to make a difference?

ICF is seeking a Substation Physical Engineer, to work primarily on the design of projects on distribution substations at voltages from 12kV to 69kV with the goal of providing excellent quality work for our clients. While the core responsibilities will center on distribution-level projects, involvement in transmission substation projects or voltages above 69kV can also be expected.

We are a relentlessly client-focused group who are re-imagining, re-designing, and re-engineering the way electric utilities tackle industry problems. We are looking for passionate and innovative people who are constantly looking for ways to provide better quality engineering services for our clients.

Why you will love working here:

Quality of life: Fully remote, flexible schedule, work-life balance

Investment in the community: Donation matching, volunteer opportunities

Investment in you: Tuition reimbursement, access to professional development resources, 401k matching, Employee Stock Purchase Plan

And many, many more (Ask your recruiter for more details!)

The Ideal Candidate

You are a highly motivated engineer who takes pride in the services you provide. You ensure the project is done right and all deadlines are met. You should be proactive, self-sufficient, and able to productively work out of your home without supervision. You always strive to expand your knowledge and improve work processes to increase quality and efficiency. You are an active member of the team that works well with others and prioritizes the goals of the group. You enjoy taking on new responsibilities and learning new skill sets whenever needed.

What you will be doing:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited, leading and overseeing the design and preparation of substation physical design drawings and including:

Substation One Line and Three Line

Station General Arrangements & Sections

Electrical Details

Grounding Plan & Details

Conduit Plan & Details

Control Cubicle Layout, Sections, Cable Tray, Lighting, and Grounding

Low-Voltage AC Panels

Grounding Plan & Details

Lightning Protection

Illumination Plan & Details

Leading the design and preparation of engineering studies such as:

AC Load

Illumination

Grounding

Lightning Shielding

Development of Bill of Materials based on Design Criteria

Coordination with protection & controls, civil / structural, and drafting disciplines to ensure quality deliverables

Support client meetings, technical discussions, and project planning efforts

Participate in site visits and constructability reviews

Interpreting and incorporating vendor information into design deliverables

Apply client standards related to the work

Perform/ensure company’s Quality assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) processes are being followed on all design packages

Ensure compliance with industry codes (e.g., IEEE, NESC, NEC) and utility standards

Continuous improvement of job-related engineering, technical and professional knowledge, skills, and performance

Mentor and guide junior engineers and designers

What we need you to have (minimum qualifications):

BS in Engineering, preferably electrical with Power Focus

2+ years of experience in substation physical design for electric utilities

What we would like you to have:

2+ years of experience working with Bluebeam, AutoCAD, and MicroStation

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Strong initiative and leadership qualities to support career advancement

Advanced user of Microsoft products, specifically Word and Excel

Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain within 6 months

Proficiency in AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar design tool

Familiarity with substation design standards and practices (IEEE, NESC, utility specs)

Ability to manage multiple projects and mentor junior staff

Experience leading substation projects modelled in 3D using Autodesk Inventor

Familiarity with substation grounding studies and CDEGS

Familiarity with Agi32 illumination software

To learn more about this team and how our grid engineering solutions help electric utilities balance cutting-edge technology with cost-efficiency and reliability> ICF Power Delivery Services

#GEA25

#POWERDELIVERY

#INDEED

#LI-CC1

Bot and Third-Party Applications

Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration . Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact Candidateaccommodation@icf.com for assistance.

Working at ICF ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer . Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our  EEO policy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email  Candidateaccommodation@icf.com  and we will be happy to assist . All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Read more about  workplace discrimination righ t s or our benefit offerings which are included in the  Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted . This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at  candidateaccommodation@icf.com . We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is : $81,499.00 - $138,549.00

Nationwide Remote Office (US99)