Project Manager - Substation

About

The Substation Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and closing electrical substation projects safely, on schedule, and within budget. This role manages all phases of substation construction—including engineering coordination, procurement, construction, testing, and energization—while serving as the primary point of contact for clients, utilities, contractors, and internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Execution

• Manage end-to-end delivery of substation projects (greenfield, brownfield, upgrades, expansions)
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, and forecasts
• Ensure compliance with scope, contract terms, and change management procedures
• Lead project kickoff meetings, progress reviews, and closeout activities

Engineering & Technical Coordination

• Coordinate with engineering teams on substation design (HV/MV equipment, protection & control, civil/structural)
• Review drawings, specifications, and technical submittals
• Support equipment procurement including transformers, breakers, relays, steel, and control buildings

Construction & Field Oversight

• Oversee construction activities including site prep, foundations, steel erection, equipment installation, wiring, and testing
• Coordinate subcontractors, inspectors, and commissioning teams
• Resolve field issues, RFIs, and constructability challenges

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce site-specific safety plans and company safety policies
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, NFPA 70E, NESC, and utility standards
• Promote a strong safety culture and conduct job hazard analyses (JHAs)

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as primary client interface for schedule, cost, and technical matters
• Prepare and present project status reports
• Coordinate with utilities, AHJs, and permitting agencies

Financial & Contract Management

• Track project costs, labor, and productivity
• Manage change orders, claims, and contract amendments
• Support invoicing, cost-to-complete, and project closeout documentation

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of experience managing electrical substation or T&D projects
• Strong understanding of substation construction, testing, and commissioning
• Proven experience managing schedules, budgets, and subcontractors
• Proficiency with project management tools (MS Project, Primavera P6, Procore, or similar)
• Willingness to travel to project sites (25–50%+ depending on workload)

Preferred

• Utility-scale or EPC substation experience
• Experience with high-voltage systems (69kV–500kV)
• PMP certification or equivalent
• Familiarity with protection & control systems and relay testing