Manager: Physical Design Engineer

ICF International; United States; On-site; USD 160,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

ICF International seeks a Department Manager, Substation Physical Engineering to lead and grow our substation engineering practice nationwide. You will oversee operations, technical oversight, staff development, and financial performance while guiding a multidisciplinary team to deliver high‑quality engineering solutions for utility clients.

The ideal candidate holds a PE license, a BS in Electrical Engineering or related discipline, and 12+ years in substation engineering, with proven

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering, or related discipline.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• 12+ years of experience in substation engineering, design, analysis, or related power delivery services.
• 12+ years

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of substation engineers, designers, and technical specialists, establishing performance expectations and fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
• Manage department staffing, recruiting, hiring, workload forecasting, and resource allocation to ensure successful project execution and business objectives.
• Oversee the delivery of substation engineering projects, ensuring work is completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with QA standards and client expectations.
• Provide technical leadership and strategic direction for complex substation projects ranging from distribution through EHV transmission levels.
• Establish, maintain, and improve engineering standards, QA/QC processes, design procedures, and workflows to drive technical excellence and efficiency.
• Own department operational performance including utilization, backlog management, staffing forecasts, revenue targets, profitability, and overall financial performance.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with utility clients, contractors, equipment vendors, and industry partners while supporting project pursuits and contract negotiations.

Skills

Leadership

People development

Strategic thinking

Client relationship management

Financial acumen

Operational management

Substation engineering

Communication

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering or related

Job description

Ready to make a difference?

We are seeking a Department Manager, Substation Physical Engineering to lead and grow our substation engineering practice. In this leadership role, you will be responsible for the operational management, technical oversight, staff development, financial performance, and strategic growth of a department delivering substation physical engineering services to utility clients nationwide.

You will provide leadership to a multidisciplinary team of substation physical engineers, designers, and technical specialists while ensuring the successful delivery of high-quality engineering solutions. The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise in substation engineering with proven people leadership, business acumen, and client relationship management skills.

Our team is passionate about re-engineering how electric utilities solve their toughest challenges. We combine innovation, technical rigor, and a client-first mindset to deliver exceptional engineering solutions across planning, design, analysis, modernization, and construction support services.

The Ideal Candidate

• Proven leader with experience managing engineering teams and promoting employee development, engagement, and retention.


• Strategic thinker who understands how to scale engineering organizations while maintaining technical excellence and quality.


• Strong communicator capable of leading teams, managing stakeholders, and building trusted client relationships.


• Experienced in balancing technical delivery, resource planning, financial performance, and business development objectives.


• Demonstrates accountability, sound judgment, and the ability to make decisions in a dynamic consulting environment.


• Passionate about mentoring future leaders and creating opportunities for career growth across the organization.


• Committed to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and fostering a culture of safety, quality, and collaboration.


• Critical thinker with the ability to evaluate complex technical and business challenges and develop practical solutions for clients.

What You Will Be Doing

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of substation physical engineers, designers, and technical specialists, establishing performance expectations, supporting career development, conducting performance reviews, and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.


• Manage department staffing, recruiting, hiring, workload forecasting, and resource allocation to ensure successful project execution and achievement of business objectives.


• Oversee the delivery of substation engineering projects, ensuring work is completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with company quality standards and client expectations.


• Provide technical leadership and strategic direction for complex substation projects ranging from distribution through EHV transmission voltage levels, serving as a senior technical resource for staff and clients while promoting engineering best practices and innovation.


• Establish, maintain, and improve engineering standards, QA/QC processes, design procedures, and operational workflows to drive technical excellence, consistency, and efficiency across the department.


• Own department operational performance, including utilization, backlog management, staffing forecasts, revenue targets, profitability, and overall financial performance.


• Partner with project managers and business leaders to monitor project performance, manage risks, resolve resource constraints, and proactively address schedule, budget, and quality concerns.


• Develop and maintain strong relationships with utility clients, contractors, equipment vendors, and industry partners while supporting project pursuits, proposal development, scope definition, contract negotiations, and client satisfaction initiatives.


• Identify and execute opportunities for business growth, service expansion, and market development while supporting strategic planning and contributing to the long-term success of the substation engineering practice.


• Champion company safety, quality, compliance, and professional development programs while ensuring adherence to applicable industry standards, client requirements, and regulatory obligations.


• Provide executive oversight of engineering activities including substation physical design, grounding, lightning protection, AC station service, equipment selection, major equipment specifications, constructability reviews, and engineering studies.


• Support the development and adoption of advanced engineering technologies, digital design workflows, 3D modeling, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance project quality and delivery efficiency.

What You Need to Have (Minimum Qualifications)

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering, or related engineering discipline.


• Professional Engineer (PE) license.


• 12+ years of experience in substation engineering, design, analysis, or related power delivery services.


• 12+ years