Manager, Substation Engineering

qtsdatacenters; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 221,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays and time off

Tuition assistance

Parental leave

Job summary

QTS Data Centers is seeking a Manager of Substation Engineering to lead the design and technical execution of utility infrastructure for our data center campuses. You will direct a technical team, collaborate with energy leaders, utilities, and project leaders across regions to deliver critical substations and capacity.

The role requires deep HV substation knowledge, a track record of delivering large projects, and strong leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in electrical, civil, or structural engineering or engineering technology.
• 10+ years in engineering and execution of high voltage substation projects with construction management.
• 2+ years of people leadership experience.
• Experience collaborating with executives and across all organizational levels.
• Knowledge of substations equipment (transformers, breakers, switchgear, relays) from 15kV to 345kV.

Responsibilities

• Lead a portion of the team driving design and execution of substation and utility projects.
• Develop and manage a team of substation engineers, including performance and career development.
• Provide technical guidance for design, installation, and commissioning of substations.
• Drive standards, tools, and processes to improve project execution.
• Oversee construction, installation, and commissioning of substation equipment.
• Identify risks and develop mitigation plans; collaborate with stakeholders across the organization.

Skills

People leadership

HV substations

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical, civil, or structural engineering or engineering technology

Job description

Who we are:

As a global leader in digital infrastructure, QTS designs, builds and operates advanced data centers that support strategic AI, cloud and digital transformation initiatives. We are driven by a mission to connect the world for good and our people make it possible. Every single day, the creativity, dedication and genuine care for our communities are what push us forward and make this a truly special place to be.

The Manager, Substation Engineering will lead the design and technical execution of QTS utility infrastructure.

This role will lead a technical team supporting the delivery of utility capacity at multiple data center campus across multiple regions or countries. This role will interface and collaborate with many critical stakeholders, including but not limited to: energy leaders responsible for utility contracts and negotiations; utility engagement developing relationships with utilities; pre-development leads evaluating new properties; operations leaders managing load growth projections; and development team project leaders planning and building new data centers and substations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Other duties may be assigned.

• Lead a portion of the team driving design and technical execution of substation and utility projects.
• Lead and develop team of substation engineers, with responsibilities including performance management, technical development, career development, project assignments, and various administrative duties.
• Provide technical guidance, oversight, and decisions to support development, design, and installation of high voltage substations.
• Establish and drive strategies to improve project execution through standards, tools, and processes.
• Oversee the construction, installation, and commissioning of substation equipment and systems.
• Identify project execution risks and develop associated mitigation plans.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to substation operations.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the organization to provide technical support and solutions for utility and power related challenges.
• Stay current with industry trends, technologies, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Provide technical support and training to junior engineers and field personnel.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, civil, or structural engineering or engineering technology.
• 10 or more years of engineering and execution of high voltage substation projects, along with construction management.
• 2 or more years of people leader experience.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with executives and collaborating effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Strong knowledge of substation equipment, including transformers, circuit breakers, switchgear, and protective relays. This should include 15kV through 345kV.
• Strong knowledge of industry standards and codes (e.g., IEEE, NESC, ANSI, NEC).
• Ability to develop and execute strategic initiatives.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% to project sites as needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• 12 or more years of experience in substation engineering.
• 4 or more years of people leaders experience.
• Experience leading large-scale power projects (500+ MW).
• Established relationships with leading utility construction & EPC partner.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate construction agreements >$25 million in value.
• Experience managing an extensive portfolio of work.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing situations at a high-growth company.
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and deliver high-quality work in tight timeframes.

TOTAL REWARDS

This role is also eligible for a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; flexible spending and HSA accounts; paid holidays; paid time off; paid volunteer days; employee assistance program; tuition assistance; parental leave; military leave assistance; QTS scholarship for dependents; wellness program, and other company benefits. This role is bonus-eligible and may qualify for equity.

In accordance with applicable law, the following represents a reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation for this role if hired in Virginia.

Please note that this information is provided for those hired in Virginia only, and this role is open to candidates outside of Virginia with compensation that aligns with your location. The successful candidate's starting salary will be determined based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as skills, experience, and geographic location.

The estimated pay range for this role, if based in Virginia, is:

$144,824.10 - 221,474.67

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