Construction Manager - Substation

Shirley Parsons; Tracy (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm in California is seeking a Renewable Energy Staffing Consultant to oversee and manage substation projects. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, at least 5 years of experience in the field, and strong leadership capabilities. This role involves technical authority on projects, team management, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. A contract position offers the chance to work in an essential sector powering clean energy initiatives.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in substation engineering, construction, relay protection, or commissioning.
• Experience leading teams or managing field crews in high-voltage environments.
• Deep knowledge of High Voltage/Medium Voltage equipment.
• Deep knowledge of HV/MV equipment: transformers, breakers, switchgear, relays, grounding systems.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, MicroStation, ETAP, SKM, Bentley Substation, ASPEN, SEL software.
• Strong understanding of T&D systems, protection schemes, and utility standards.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage substation projects from concept through commissioning.
• Build, mentor, and manage a team of engineers and technicians.
• Ensure compliance with all industry standards and safety regulations.
• Oversee construction activities, FAT/SAT testing, energization, and commissioning.
• Develop schedules, project plans, and resource allocations for multiple concurrent projects.

Skills

Substation engineering

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

AutoCAD

ETAP

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

MicroStation

SKM

Bentley Substation

SKM

Bentley Substation

ASPEN

SEL software

Job description

Renewable Energy Staffing Consultant | Renewable Energy Recruitment Specialist | Powering Clean Energy Projects with Top Talent | Shirley Parsons

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Serve as the organization’s primary technical authority on substation engineering, construction, protection & control, and commissioning.
• Provide expert oversight on substation design packages, including one-line diagrams, three-lines, relaying schemes, equipment layout, grounding, and SCADA integration.
• Review and validate engineering calculations, equipment specifications, and system studies.
• Troubleshoot complex electrical issues and provide solution‑driven guidance to project teams and clients.
• Ensure compliance with all industry standards (IEEE, NERC, ANSI, NFPA, OSHA).

Team Building & Management

• Build, mentor, and manage a team of engineers, field technicians, relay technicians, and construction personnel.
• Develop team skillsets through training, coaching, and performance feedback.
• Assign responsibilities, manage workloads, and ensure effective collaboration across functional groups.
• Promote a culture of safety, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.

Project Delivery

• Lead and manage substation projects from concept through commissioning, ensuring delivery on‑time, within scope, and on budget.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including utilities, EPC partners, contractors, vendors, and regulatory authorities.
• Oversee construction activities, FAT/SAT testing, energization, and commissioning.
• Develop schedules, project plans, and resource allocations for multiple concurrent projects.
• Evaluate vendor proposals, manage procurement, and support contract negotiations.

Quality, Safety, and Compliance

• Ensure all substation work meets company, client, and regulatory requirements.
• Drive safety culture and enforce safety standards on all job sites.
• Implement QA/QC practices for engineering deliverables and field installations.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the primary point of contact for technical direction, project updates, and engineering decisions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with utilities, engineering partners, and customers.
• Provide technical presentations and consultation to clients during project development and execution.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in substation engineering, construction, relay protection, or commissioning.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams or managing field crews in high‑voltage environments.
• Deep knowledge of High Voltage/Medium Voltage equipment: transformers, breakers, switchgear, relays, control panels, grounding systems, etc.
• Proficiency in industry tools (AutoCAD, MicroStation, ETAP, SKM, Bentley Substation, ASPEN, SEL software).
• Strong understanding of T&D systems, protection schemes, and utility standards.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem‑solving abilities.

Preferred

• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Experience with EPC or utility‑scale substation projects
• Relay testing certification (NETA, NICET, or OEM training)
• Experience building technical teams or departments from the ground up

Certification

• OSHA 30 Construction
• NFPA 70E Electrical Safety
• CPR/First Aid
• NCCER, Journeyman Electrician, or Master Electrician License (a plus)

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Contract

Job function

• Project Management
• Services for Renewable Energy