Insights • April 10, 2025
A Day in the Life of a Substation Engineer
Milhouse’s power engineering team designs and maintains the critical infrastructure that keeps electricity flowing, from generation sources to homes and businesses. We help utility providers develop robust power systems that ensure reliability, efficiency, and safety. Our expertise spans distribution network design, substation configuration, system protection, and utility telecommunications, supporting new infrastructure and ongoing system upgrades.
David Duncan, an electrical engineer, is one of the Milhouse team members who works on these distribution and substation projects for our power team. Below, he shares insights into his daily responsibilities, how he entered this field, and how Milhouse’s collaborative environment helped foster his professional development.
Can you describe a typical day in your role? What tasks and responsibilities do you handle regularly?
A typical day involves reviewing and marking up panel layouts, schematics, and wiring diagrams for substation upgrades. I collaborate with designers, project managers, and other disciplines to ensure the drawings are accurate and meet client and system standards. I’m also involved in procuring the materials and components needed for the designs I’m working on, ensuring everything aligns with project specifications and timelines. There’s a great mix of technical detail, problem-solving, coordination, and sometimes site visits, which keeps the work both challenging and rewarding.
How did you get started on this career path?
Fresh out of college, I had no plans to work in power. It didn’t seem like the “fun” side of engineering. Then, a friend recommended a job opening, and after reading the description, it sounded fascinating
“I had no idea how complex and essential the power industry is, especially when it comes to substations. Once I got into it, I realized this was exactly the kind of work I went to school for. It’s technical, impactful, and rooted in everything I love about electrical engineering.”
– David Duncan, Electrical Engineer
What’s your favorite aspect of working as an electrical engineer in the power industry and what do you find most rewarding about your work?
I love that our work has a direct and lasting impact. We help power communities and keep critical systems running safely and reliably. I enjoy being behind the scenes, knowing that even though most people don’t think about electricity, they notice when it’s gone. The problem-solving aspect keeps things interesting, and it’s rewarding to know that what we do has a significant impact on everyday life.
Why should someone pursue a career in Electrical Engineering?
Electrical engineering is technically challenging in the best way, and it pushes you to think critically, solve complex problems, and grow your skills with every project. Again, nobody notices electricity until it’s gone, and that’s precisely why this field offers purpose and job security. Our work is essential, and as the power demand grows and technology evolves, so do the opportunities in this career. It’s a great path if you want stability, constant learning, and the chance to support the systems people rely on daily.
How has Milhouse supported your professional growth and development? Are there specific training programs or advancement opportunities that have been valuable to you?
Milhouse has supported me through mentorship, internal training sessions, and opportunities to take on challenging projects. I’ve been encouraged to grow at my own pace and guided by experienced engineers.
What is your favorite project that you’ve worked on?
My favorite projects are substation retrofits because they’re never standard. You’re constantly adapting. I enjoy digging into old engineering drawings, sometimes drafted by hand decades ago, and figuring out how to integrate modern systems with legacy infrastructure. It’s a challenge every time, but you always learn something new. There’s something satisfying about combining the old with the new to create a solution that works for today.
At Milhouse, we don’t just hire power engineers; we nurture industry leaders. Our substation and distribution engineers gain hands-on experience and receive structured mentorship, creating a unique environment for career advancement. We combine technical expertise with project ownership, allowing new team members to apply their skills to real-world challenges while being guided by experienced leaders. As a result, our power team remains at the forefront of the industry, providing rewarding long-term career opportunities with a team that values growth.
