Lead Engineer - Substation Design

Location: Chennai

Department: Power Engineering

Experience: 5-10

The Big Picture

We are looking for a Subject Matter Expert – Substation Design to lead and build the Substation Design team from scratch while ensuring technical excellence and innovation. This role requires deep expertise in substation engineering and a strong ability to mentor, develop processes, and drive strategic growth in the domain. As a technical leader, you will be responsible for establishing design frameworks, ensuring compliance with global standards, and enabling a scalable and high-performing engineering team.

What you can expect as Subject Matter Expert at Illumine-i:

• Lead & Develop: You’ll establish, mentor, and grow a high-performing Substation Design team.
• Own Design Strategy: You’ll define and execute end-to-end substation design processes, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
• Technical Oversight: You’ll guide the team in the design of substations, including layouts, protection systems, and interconnection studies.
• Standards & Compliance: You’ll ensure adherence to IEEE, IEC, NEC, IS, and other relevant standards for utility-scale substation design.
• Innovation & Optimization: You’ll identify and implement best practices to enhance design efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety.
• Feasibility & Technical Reviews: You’ll lead feasibility studies, technical evaluations, and risk assessments.
• Proposal & RFP Support: You’ll assist in proposal writing, bid preparation, and responding to RFPs.
• Technology Implementation: You’ll guide the team in using design tools such as AutoCAD, ETAP, PSCAD, PVsyst, and other industry-specific software.

Essential Qualifications include: 

• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 5-10+ years of experience in substation design and utility-scale power systems.
• Strong expertise in substation layouts, SLDs, relay protection schemes, and electrical system studies (load flow, short circuit, arc flash, etc.).
• In-depth knowledge of GIS, AIS, HV & EHV equipment selection.
• Hands-on experience with substation automation, SCADA integration, and grid interconnection requirements.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, ETAP, PSCAD, or other relevant design software.
• Familiarity with North American and international grid codes & standards.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities to build a team from the ground up.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment.

Great to have:

• Experience working on North American utility projects.
• Exposure to BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) integration in substations.