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Work on this bottleneck

Grid interconnection queues

How this is computedA posting is filed under a bottleneck when its title names one of that bottleneck’s terms, or its description names them at least twice (title only for software and business roles); its role family is the first family whose title terms its title names.Method →Code → open roles filed here · Why it binds, and who holds it

The administrative line to be connected to the electricity grid. In several markets it is the slowest step in building anything.

The roles it needs

Judged by Substrata, open to challenge · 2026-09-24 · not reviewed by anyone who hires for it

Open roles

All with filters →

What these postings ask for

Counted across the open roles above, by a published list of terms

Named in postingsKindPostingsShare
High-voltage workSkillHow this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →
NFPA 70E / arc-flashCredentialHow this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →
Power-system studies (PSS/E, ETAP, PSCAD)SkillHow this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →
Bachelor’s degree askedCredentialHow this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →
Protection and relaysSkillHow this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →
Schematics and electrical troubleshootingSkillHow this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →
FMEA / root-cause analysisSkillHow this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →
MATLAB / LabVIEWSkillHow this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →
PLC and industrial controlsSkillHow this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →
Professional Engineer (PE)CredentialHow this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →
CAD (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Creo, NX)SkillHow this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →
Commercial driving licenceCredentialHow this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →
Electrical licence / journeyman cardCredentialHow this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →
Lean / Six SigmaCredentialHow this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →
OSHA 10 / 30CredentialHow this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →

Power and grid engineering: the official record

What O*NET and ESCO say the work is and needs

O*NET 17-2071.00 · ISCO 2151.1.5

Electrical Engineers

Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Core tasks

  • Design, implement, maintain, or improve electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, components, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, or domestic purposes.
  • Oversee project production efforts to assure projects are completed on time and within budget.
  • Direct or coordinate manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance, support, documentation, or testing activities to ensure compliance with specifications, codes, or customer requirements.

Most important knowledge

  • Engineering and Technology
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Design
  • English Language
  • Mathematics

Essential skills in ESCO: power distribution engineer

  • ensure compliance with safety legislation
  • assess financial viability
  • engineering principles
  • identify customer's needs
  • ensure compliance with environmental legislation
  • power engineering
  • change power distribution systems
  • engineering processes
  • electrical engineering
  • ensure safety in electrical power operations
  • manage electricity transmission system
  • electrical power safety regulations
  • inspect overhead power lines
  • supervise electricity distribution operations

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0) · ESCO API, European Commission

O*NET 51-8012.00 · ISCO 2151.1.6

Power Distributors and Dispatchers

Coordinate, regulate, or distribute electricity or steam.

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Core tasks

  • Coordinate with engineers, planners, field personnel, or other utility workers to provide information such as clearances, switching orders, or distribution process changes.
  • Respond to emergencies, such as transformer or transmission line failures, and route current around affected areas.
  • Control, monitor, or operate equipment that regulates or distributes electricity or steam, using data obtained from instruments or computers.

Most important knowledge

  • English Language
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Mathematics
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Telecommunications

Essential skills in ESCO: substation engineer

  • make electrical calculations
  • create AutoCAD drawings
  • use technical drawing software
  • mechanical engineering
  • manage engineering project
  • engineering principles
  • inspect facility sites
  • electrical engineering
  • electrical discharge
  • electric current
  • electricity consumption
  • mechanics
  • perform project management
  • ensure compliance with environmental legislation

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0) · ESCO API, European Commission

Electricians and lineworkers: the official record

What O*NET and ESCO say the work is and needs

O*NET 47-2111.00 · ISCO 7411.1.1.2

Electricians

Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Core tasks

  • Prepare sketches or follow blueprints to determine the location of wiring or equipment and to ensure conformance to building and safety codes.
  • Place conduit, pipes, or tubing, inside designated partitions, walls, or other concealed areas, and pull insulated wires or cables through the conduit to complete circuits between boxes.
  • Work from ladders, scaffolds, or roofs to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures.

Most important knowledge

  • Building and Construction
  • Administration and Management
  • Mechanical
  • Mathematics
  • Design

Essential skills in ESCO: industrial electrician

  • install electricity sockets
  • use measurement instruments
  • splice cable
  • react to events in time-critical environments
  • use safety equipment in construction
  • inspect construction supplies
  • resolve equipment malfunctions
  • install electric switches
  • electricity
  • inspect electrical supplies
  • install electrical and electronic equipment
  • follow health and safety procedures in construction
  • work ergonomically
  • use precision tools

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0) · ESCO API, European Commission

O*NET 49-9051.00 · ISCO 7413.1.2

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers.

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed. Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Core tasks

  • Adhere to safety practices and procedures, such as checking equipment regularly and erecting barriers around work areas.
  • Drive vehicles equipped with tools and materials to job sites.
  • Open switches or attach grounding devices to remove electrical hazards from disturbed or fallen lines or to facilitate repairs.

Most important knowledge

  • Building and Construction
  • English Language
  • Education and Training
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Transportation

Essential skills in ESCO: overhead line worker

  • inspect underground power cables
  • electricity
  • follow safety procedures when working at heights
  • work ergonomically
  • electric current
  • electrical discharge
  • inspect overhead power lines
  • repair overhead power lines
  • install power lines
  • repair underground power cables
  • transmission towers
  • electrical power safety regulations
  • wear appropriate protective gear

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0) · ESCO API, European Commission

O*NET 49-2095.00

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay

Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Core tasks

  • Inspect and test equipment and circuits to identify malfunctions or defects, using wiring diagrams and testing devices such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, or ammeters.
  • Prepare and maintain records detailing tests, repairs, and maintenance.
  • Consult manuals, schematics, wiring diagrams, and engineering personnel to troubleshoot and solve equipment problems and to determine optimum equipment functioning.

Most important knowledge

  • Mechanical
  • Mathematics
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Public Safety and Security
  • English Language

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0)

Where to train

Public programmes for these role families, each on its official page

College · United States

Electrical Lineworker Program (ELP) ↗

Northwest Lineman College

15-week pre-apprentice program; Class A CDL required

Climbing, overhead and underground distribution, transmission, equipment, CDL and crane training at campuses in ID, CA, TX and FL.

Official page checked 2026-09-24. Listed, not reviewed or endorsed.

College · United States

Electrical Lineworker ↗

Forsyth Technical Community College

8 weeks; 18+, high school diploma/GED, valid driver's license; mandatory 4-hour orientation

Trains entry-level line workers for public and private utilities: pole climbing, bucket trucks, power line installation and repair.

Official page checked 2026-09-24. Listed, not reviewed or endorsed.

Apprenticeship · United States

Electric Power Lineworker Apprenticeship Program ↗

Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX)

4-year program, 96 hours per year over three non-consecutive weeks

Related instruction for DOL lineworker apprenticeships; participants must be affiliated with an electric company, cooperative or contractor.

Official page checked 2026-09-24. Listed, not reviewed or endorsed.

University · United States

Master's in Power Systems Engineering Online (MEng) ↗

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Online, 30 graduate credit hours

Prepares electrical engineers for utility practice; engineers from other disciplines may succeed with AC circuits and maths background.

Official page checked 2026-09-24. Listed, not reviewed or endorsed.

University · United Kingdom

MSc Electrical Power Systems Engineering ↗

The University of Manchester

12 months full-time, in person

Power systems and high-voltage engineering MSc using Manchester's High Voltage Lab.

Official page checked 2026-09-24. Listed, not reviewed or endorsed.

Public programme · Japan · open to career changers

Polytech Center (職業能力開発促進センター) job-seeker vocational training ↗

JEED (Japan Organization for Employment of the Elderly, Persons with Disabilities and Job Seekers)

Public vocational training for job seekers and in-service workers

National public training centres focused on manufacturing (machinery, electrical, electronics) to support re-employment.

Official page checked 2026-09-24. Listed, not reviewed or endorsed.

Apprenticeship · United Kingdom

Data Centre Engineering Operations (DCEO) Apprenticeship ↗

Amazon (AWS) UK

36 months, 40-hour week; Level 4 (Electrical Power Protection and Plant Commissioning Engineer); 18+, STEM A Level/BTEC or Level 3 apprenticeship

Blended-learning apprenticeship testing and maintaining the electrical power systems that run AWS data centres.

Official page checked 2026-09-24. Listed, not reviewed or endorsed.