Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Harmonic Analysis • Power Quality • Transformers

Substations

Term from Power Systems industry explained for recruiters

A substation is a key facility in the power delivery system that converts high-voltage electricity to lower voltages that can be used by homes and businesses. Think of it like a power traffic control center - it receives electricity from power plants, changes its voltage to suitable levels, and directs it to where it needs to go. When candidates mention substations on their resume, they're usually referring to experience with designing, maintaining, or operating these facilities. Similar terms you might see include "transformer stations" or "switching stations."

Examples in Resumes

Managed maintenance schedules for 12 Substations across three counties

Designed protection systems for new Substation construction projects

Led safety inspections of Electrical Substations and Power Substations

Typical job title: "Substation Engineers"

Also try searching for:

Substation Engineer Power Systems Engineer Electrical Engineer Protection Engineer Substation Technician Substation Designer Power Distribution Engineer

Where to Find Substation Engineers

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you approach planning a new substation project from start to finish?

Expected Answer: A senior candidate should discuss site selection, budget considerations, environmental impact, equipment specifications, safety requirements, and project timeline management. They should mention coordinating with different teams and stakeholders.

Q: What experience do you have with substation automation systems?

Expected Answer: They should explain how modern substations use computer systems to monitor and control equipment, mention experience with different control systems, and discuss how automation improves reliability and safety.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What safety procedures are essential when working in a substation?

Expected Answer: Should describe basic safety protocols like lockout/tagout procedures, personal protective equipment requirements, and the importance of following safety clearances and permits.

Q: Can you explain the main components of a typical substation?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain in simple terms the role of transformers, circuit breakers, switches, and protection equipment, showing understanding of how they work together.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What's the basic purpose of a substation?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that substations transform voltage levels and help distribute power from generation sources to end users in a simple, clear way.

Q: What types of maintenance activities are typically performed in substations?

Expected Answer: Should mention routine inspections, equipment testing, cleaning, and basic preventive maintenance tasks, showing awareness of maintenance schedules.