Operations Manager - Electrical Testing Group

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 160,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

Paid Time Off (PTO)

401(k)/Profit Sharing

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

A prominent engineering firm based in Columbia, Maryland, is looking for an entrepreneurial Operations Manager to lead a new Electrical Testing Group Business Unit. This role demands strong leadership and communication skills, with responsibilities including operational execution, team alignment, and business unit development. Ideal candidates will have 7+ years in power systems testing and a proven track record in project management. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including an employee stock ownership plan.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in power systems testing, commissioning, or utility operations.
• Proven leadership experience managing people, budgets, and project delivery.
• Strong understanding of protective relaying, automation, and SCADA systems.

Responsibilities

• Execute the ETG business plan, achieve P&L, revenue, performance goals.
• Integrate functions of the local operation, lead, manage, and build team.
• Recruit, train, and develop field engineers and technicians.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Conflict resolution

Project management

Entrepreneurial mindset

Tools

EOS

SCADA systems

Protective relaying

Job description

About Wunderlich‑Malec Engineering

Wunderlich‑Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee‑owned ESOP and one of the largest and most well‑established engineering companies in the United States. When you join WM you become part of a company that is:

• 100% employee‑owned with 40+ years of industry history
• ENR (Engineering News Record) Top 500 firm
• Rated as a top System Integrator Giant

Operations Manager – Electrical Testing Group

We are seeking an entrepreneurial Operations Manager to lead our newest regional location from the ground up. This position combines operational leadership with entrepreneurial drive, serving as both Integrator and Builder of a new ETG Business Unit. You’ll take ownership of day‑to‑day execution, lead a growing technical team, manage P&L objectives, and work side‑by‑side with ETG leadership to bring our proven business model to a new region.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Leadership & Execution: Execute the ETG business plan, achieve or exceed P&L, revenue, and performance goals; lead regional operations including scheduling, resource planning, quality assurance, safety, and project delivery; implement and maintain operating systems, testing standards, documentation; manage field operations for protective relaying, SCADA, and IEC 61850 systems; ensure alignment between technical execution and business objectives.
2. Integration & Team Alignment: Integrate functions of the local operation, lead, manage, and hold team members accountable; build and nurture a cohesive leadership team under the EOS framework; resolve issues, identify root causes, address conflict constructively and drive solutions.
3. Business Unit Development: Build the BU from the ground up—recruit, train, and develop field engineers and technicians; establish vendor partnerships and client relationships; drive growth through operational excellence, market development, and client satisfaction; create and maintain structure and process as the BU transitions to sustainable operation.
4. Vision & Collaboration: Collaborate closely with the ETG Visionary and National Leadership Team to ensure clear direction; translate vision into measurable goals; maintain partnership with ETG leadership; cascade key messages and decisions across the team.
5. Systems, Structure, and Process: Operate within ETG’s EOS framework—own scorecard, lead local L10s, manage KPIs; ensure consistency in core processes; demonstrate project management discipline; uphold ETG’s values of safety, integrity, quality, and innovation.

Success Timeline

First 6‑12 Months: Establish foundation—hire key staff, build client relationships, deliver first projects successfully, and drive the BU toward break‑even.

12‑24 Months: Transition into the Growth Phase—solid team structure, sustainable backlog, strong client confidence; local L10s running consistently, scorecard metrics trending upward, P&L tracking toward profitability by month 12.

Beyond 24 Months: BU is mature—operating as a profitable, independently functioning unit within the national ETG network, recognized for technical quality and reliability.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in power systems testing, commissioning, or utility operations.
• Proven leadership experience managing people, budgets, and project delivery.
• Strong understanding of protective relaying, automation, and SCADA systems.
• Entrepreneurial mindset—thrives in building structure from scratch.
• Excellent communication, organization, and conflict‑resolution skills.
• Experience with EOS or similar operating systems preferred.
• Willingness to travel regionally and work in a dynamic field environment.

Why This Role is Exciting

You’ll lead one of the most exciting phases of ETG’s national expansion—bringing our brand of technical excellence and culture of accountability to a new region. You will build a business with your own imprint while being part of a nationwide team of leaders doing the same. The role offers the energy of a startup with the stability and support of a 40‑year engineering powerhouse.

Benefits

Wunderlich‑Malec is proud to offer a comprehensive employee‑owner benefit package. Full‑time employees may be eligible for the following benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic and Supplemental Life and AD&D, Long‑Term Disability, Voluntary Short‑Term Disability, Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account, Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays, Tuition Reimbursement, Referral Bonus Program, 401(k)/Profit Sharing, 100% ESOP, Employee Assistance Program, Will Preparation Resources, Worldwide Travel Assistance.

Salary Range

The expected salary range is $160,000–$190,000 annually, depending on qualifications, plus a discretionary bonus and employee stock program.

Job Description Disclaimer

*Job Descriptions are not exhaustive lists of all skills, responsibilities, or efforts associated with a job. They reflect principal job elements essential for performing the job and evaluating performance.

EEO Statement

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.