Electrical Design Engineer – Substation (EHV/AIS/GIS) Job Role, Skills, and Career Growth in Power Sector

September 1, 2025 Indianjobhub

Electrical Design Engineer – Substation (EHV/AIS/GIS) Job Role Explained

The energy and infrastructure sector in India and across the globe continues to witness rapid transformation, especially with growing investments in renewable integration, smart grids, and sustainable power delivery. At the center of this transformation lies the Electrical Design Engineer (Substation) role, a highly specialized position demanding advanced technical knowledge, practical design expertise, and a deep understanding of both Indian and international standards.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the role of an Electrical Design Engineer specializing in substation design engineering, with particular focus on Extra High Voltage (EHV) substations. It is structured to help both aspiring engineers and industry professionals understand the responsibilities, required skills, and career growth opportunities in this crucial engineering discipline.

Introduction to the Role

An Electrical Design Engineer – Substation is responsible for the complete planning, design, and execution support of substation projects ranging from 220 kV and above. These engineers play a pivotal role in ensuring that substations, which serve as the backbone of power transmission and distribution systems, are safe, efficient, reliable, and compliant with regulatory codes.

In large organizations like L&T Energy – CarbonLite Solutions, the engineer is tasked with designing AIS (Air-Insulated Substations) and GIS (Gas-Insulated Substations) that meet the growing demand for power while adhering to sustainability goals.

Core Responsibilities

1. Primary Engineering

Primary engineering forms the foundation of substation design. Engineers are expected to handle:

Substation Layout Design (Indoor/Outdoor): Preparation of layouts that optimize space utilization, safety, and operational convenience.
Single Line Diagrams (SLDs): Development of clear and accurate SLDs to represent electrical flows and connections.
Equipment Sizing and Selection: Conducting equipment sizing calculations for transformers, circuit breakers, isolators, busbars, CTs, and PTs.
Conductor Sag and Tension Calculations: Ensuring reliability of overhead connections by determining mechanical strength and flexibility under various load conditions.
Short Circuit Force (SCF) Calculations: Analysis to ensure structural and equipment stability during short-circuit events.
Earthing and Lightning Protection Design: Designing robust grounding and lightning protection systems to safeguard equipment and personnel.
Technical Specifications and Bid Evaluation: Preparing detailed specifications for procurement and conducting technical bid evaluations to select suitable vendors.

2. Secondary Engineering

Secondary engineering focuses on protection, automation, and control systems in substations:

Protection and Control Design: Designing and reviewing relay protection schemes for safeguarding electrical equipment.
Substation Automation Systems (SAS): Integration of digital control systems for monitoring and managing substations remotely.
Telecommunication Systems: Designing communication links for SCADA and load dispatch centers.
Cable Scheduling and Control Drawings: Preparing interconnection control cable schedules for optimized wiring.
Relay Setting Calculations: Establishing protection relay parameters to ensure selective fault clearing.
Insulation Coordination Studies: Analyzing and designing insulation systems to withstand overvoltages and transients.

3. Project Experience and Standards

Candidates with exposure to international projects in the Middle East or familiarity with local country standards and practices gain a strong advantage. Engineers are expected to work seamlessly with codes such as IS, IEC, and IEEE standards, ensuring compliance across global projects.

Desired Experience

For this role, professionals with 5–10 years of substation design engineering experience are considered ideal. Specific expectations include:

Hands-on design expertise in 220 kV and above EHV AIS/GIS substations.
Practical exposure to Indian and international standards governing substation engineering.
Experience in preparing technical reports, specifications, and bid evaluation documents.
Strong background in earthing system design, lightning protection, conductor mechanical calculations, and equipment sizing.
Ability to handle complex protection and automation systems in modern substations.
Proven track record of working in multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

Essential Skills for Success

Technical Skills

Electrical Engineering Fundamentals: Strong foundation in power systems, transmission, and distribution.
Design Software Proficiency: Familiarity with AutoCAD, ETAP, CYME, PSCAD, and other design tools.
Analytical Skills: Ability to perform calculations for short-circuit analysis, equipment rating, and load flow.
SCADA and Automation Knowledge: Understanding of digital substation systems and communication protocols.
International Standards: Hands-on experience with IS, IEC, IEEE, ANSI, and Middle East standards.

Soft Skills

Communication Skills: Effective collaboration with cross-functional teams, clients, and vendors.
Problem-Solving Mindset: Ability to resolve complex design and operational issues.
Attention to Detail: Precision in calculations, layouts, and technical documentation.
Team Collaboration: Working closely with project managers, civil engineers, and procurement specialists.

Knowledge of Standards and Codes

An Electrical Design Engineer must be proficient in interpreting and applying various national and international standards. Some commonly used references include:

IS (Indian Standards): Guidelines set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission): Widely used global standards for electrical design.
IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers): Standards particularly relevant for protection, automation, and grounding.
ANSI/NEMA Standards: Applicable in certain international projects.

Industry Relevance

The role of an Electrical Design Engineer for substations is not limited to power utilities. It extends to:

Renewable Energy Projects: Integration of solar and wind energy into the grid through substations.
Smart Grid Infrastructure: Designing substations with automation and real-time monitoring features.
Industrial Power Systems: Supporting manufacturing plants, refineries, and process industries.
International Projects: Delivering engineering services to Middle Eastern and African countries.

With global energy transition efforts underway, substation engineers are playing a critical role in enabling sustainable, reliable, and resilient energy networks.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Pursuing a career as an Electrical Design Engineer – Substation opens multiple avenues for growth:

Senior Design Engineer / Lead Engineer: Leading substation design teams across large projects.
Project Engineering Manager: Managing engineering deliverables for complex multi-billion-dollar projects.
Specialist Roles: Focusing on areas like substation automation, protection design, or renewable integration.
Global Exposure: Opportunities to work on international projects, particularly in the Middle East and Africa.

In organizations like L&T Energy – CarbonLite Solutions, career progression is aligned with exposure to cutting-edge technologies, leadership training, and international collaboration.

Why This Role Is Critical

The reliability of any power grid depends heavily on the efficiency and robustness of its substations. Poor design can lead to:

Equipment failure
Grid instability
Safety hazards
Financial losses

Thus, an Electrical Design Engineer acts as a guardian of grid reliability and safety, ensuring every project is engineered to the highest standards.

Key Takeaways

Experience Range: 5–10 years in substation design engineering.
Primary Focus: 220 kV and above AIS/GIS substations.
Core Skills: Primary and secondary engineering, equipment sizing, relay protection, automation, and compliance with IS/IEC/IEEE standards.
Advantage: Experience in Middle East projects and knowledge of local/international practices.
Professional Traits: Strong technical expertise, effective communication, and collaborative approach.

Conclusion

The Electrical Design Engineer – Substation role is a prestigious and demanding career path within the electrical engineering profession. It requires a blend of technical mastery, regulatory knowledge, and practical design experience. For engineers seeking to advance their careers in the power sector, this position offers an opportunity to work on challenging projects, collaborate with global teams, and contribute directly to building the energy infrastructure of tomorrow.

As the world shifts toward carbon neutrality and renewable integration, the demand for skilled substation design engineers will only increase. For professionals with the right blend of skills, experience, and adaptability, this role offers not only job security but also the chance to make a meaningful impact on sustainable power systems worldwide.

Apply Here

INDIAN JOB HUB