Director - Substation Engineering

NEI Electric Power Engineering; Lakewood (CO); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Paid time off

401(k) with employer matching

Professional licensure support

Tuition reimbursement

Bonus program

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

NEI Electric Power Engineering seeks a Director of Utility Substations to provide strategic leadership and technical oversight for substation engineering services to utility clients. You will drive high‑quality execution, establish departmental standards, and mentor Team Leads and engineers to meet revenue and growth targets.

The role emphasizes workforce planning, cross‑functional collaboration, and the development of processes that improve efficiency, reliability, and compliance across

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology from an accredited institution; power systems focus preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in substation engineering, including Protection & Control or Substation Physical, with at least 4 years in a leadership or team management role.
• PE license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning and forecasting for the substation group in alignment with company goals.
• Oversee delivery of substation design packages with focus on quality, schedule, and client satisfaction.
• Develop and enforce SBPs, improve processes, and mentor Team Leads and Engineers.
• Manage staffing, hiring, and resource utilization across projects to meet revenue targets and growth objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Substation design

P&C engineering

Team management

Project budgeting

Electrical power systems

Engineering standards

Communication skills

Industry involvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Details:
Level: Management
Location: Remote or Lakewood CO
Position Type: Full Time
Education Level: 4 Year Degree
Salary Range: $150,000.00 - $200,000.00 per year
Travel Percentage: Typical: 11 - 25%
Shift: Day
Job Category: Engineering
Title: Director – Utility Substations

About the Position

As the Director of Utility Substations, you will provide strategic leadership and technical oversight for teams delivering substation Physical, and Protection & Control (P&C) engineering services to utility clients. This role is responsible for driving consistent, high-quality execution across the portfolio while aligning team performance with organizational objectives and client expectations.

The Director leads a functional group of engineering teams within the substation discipline, with accountability for establishing and maintaining departmental standards, best practices, and quality assurance processes. This role focuses on enhancing operational efficiency, improving workflows, and strengthening technical capabilities through structured processes and training.

In addition, the Director is responsible for guiding the group to meet business objectives, including revenue targets, resource utilization, and strategic growth initiatives. Key responsibilities include workforce planning and resource alignment across projects, mentoring and developing Team Leads and engineers, and fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance environment focused on client success.

The Director also plays a critical role in shaping the group’s technical direction, advancing industry engagement, and ensuring the team is well-positioned to deliver reliable, compliant, and constructible substation solutions.

Essential Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Forecasting

• Collaborate with VP to develop and implement a multi-year group plan to achieve department and company goals for growth, efficiency, and profitability.
• Collaborate with VP, Business Development and Sales to identify potential clients that could benefit from NEI’s expertise.
• Strengthen existing client relationships and encourage repeat business by ensuring exceptional project delivery and proactive communication. Encourage and monitor client feedback to address concerns and continuously improve service quality. Assist with client contacts and communication.

Industry Involvement

• Ensure the team has representation on the right IEEE or other industry committees and sub boards.
• Produce a plan for the department to produce at least one white paper or conference presentation a year.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Builds and maintains a high‑performing substation group, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with other departments and leaders to ensure alignment of goals, objectives, and expectations across the organization.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Resource Allocation and Management

• Develop appropriate team structure and mix of staff.
• Lead hiring efforts for lead engineers and team leaders.
• Assist in interviewing and onboarding new team members across substation design teams.
• Forecast future staffing needs.
• Monitor and manage group workload and team utilization, forecasting workloads based around project sizes and scope.

Management of Execution and Performance

• Manage quality and deliverables across multiple teams ensuring client satisfaction and timely completion of project deliverables.
• Review the work of teams for general quality and ensure accuracy as required.
• Monitor group progress and performance, identify and address obstacles and adjust as needed to ensure successful project completion.
• Review and manage documentation around financial statements, including, but not limited to, revenue, write‑offs, COGS, overhead expenses, and net income.
• Serve as a mentor to Team Leads and Engineers across teams.
• Participate and engage with the Business Development team to provide technical guidance, pricing details, and scope to ensure cross‑functional alignment.
• Facilitate a seller‑doer model to maintain existing client relationships and build new ones.
• Prepare a variety of documents and reports associated with projects including cost estimates, budget reports, and studies.
• Maintain professional understanding of all applicable codes and standards, and construction practices.

Process Development and Improvement

• Develop, outline, update, and implement Standard Best Practices (SBPs) and enforce them to ensure high‑level execution from various team members.
• Coordinate the creation and implementation of new tools, processes, workflows, and training programs that enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and quality across the group.

Must Have Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology (BSEE or BSEET) from an accredited institution; power systems focus preferred.

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive experience in substation engineering, including Protection & Control (P&C) or Substation Physical, with at least 4 years in a leadership or team management role.

Licensure

• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.

Technical Expertise

• Strong knowledge of electrical power systems, substation design, and Protection & Control (P&C) engineering, including protective relaying principles and Substation Physical principles.
• Experience delivering comprehensive substation design packages.
• Proficiency with industry‑standard regulations, compliance requirements, and strong background creating cohesive processes.
• Working knowledge of applicable codes, standards, and utility practices related to substation design and operation.

Leadership & Professional Skills

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage complex projects and initiatives, driving high‑quality outcomes.
• Proven track record of improving processes, enhancing efficiency, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong organizational and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage competing demands.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage stakeholders at all levels.
• High level of professional judgment, accountability, and decision‑making capability.
• Proven ability to build relationships, foster collaboration, and contribute to a positive, inclusive team culture.

Additional Requirements

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word).
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently in a fast‑paced environment.
• Authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis.

Working Conditions

• Work Environment: Office setting; some field work may be required.
• Travel: Minimal: 5 - 15%
• Physical Activities: Must be able to lift 25 lbs.
• Managerial Responsibility: Director responsible for reviewing project related financial statements, team utilization and forecasting, and project oversight when necessary. Also responsible for management and oversight of Team Leads and Engineers assigned to the discipline.

Team Member Benefits

• 100% Employer paid medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, and long‑term disability premiums.
• Voluntary life insurance.
• Paid time off.
• 401(k) with employer matching; 100% immediate vesting.
• Paid parental leave.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Annual and discretionary bonus program.
• Employer paid licensure (FE/PE), certifications, seminars, and conferences.
• Eight paid holidays, including a floating holiday.
• Annual team building.
• Hybrid work environment with remote flexibility.
• Career development, training, and coaching opportunities.
• Pet insurance.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are a proud equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or genetic information.