Project Manager

Mesa Associates, Inc.; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Mesa Associates, Inc. in Lexington, Kentucky is seeking an experienced Project Manager with substation expertise to lead high‑voltage utility substation projects from initiation through closeout.

You will guide cross‑functional teams, manage schedules and budgets, ensure safety and client satisfaction, and coordinate with the PSO support for successful outcomes across multiple programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in project management, engineering, construction management, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of relevant project experience, including heavy industrial construction and high voltage substations.
• Experience leading engineering/design projects and PMI methodologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and project scheduling software.
• Ability to manage multiple projects or a program simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional planning/engineering/construction teams in utility substation projects.
• Develop and manage key project documents: Execution Plans, Initiation Docs, Communication Plans.
• Monitor and control project progress, budgets, and schedules.
• Identify risks, manage scope changes, and forecast spending and accruals.
• Coordinate design and construction activities and communicate with clients.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team coordination

Independent judgment

Travel readiness

Power Delivery knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/related field

PM Certification (PMP)

Tools

Primavera

Microsoft Office

Project scheduling software

Job description

Lexington, Kentucky Lexington, KY 40502, USA

Description

PDS General / Power Delivery Substation

This position is not eligible for recruiting or sourcing by outside parties.

Disclaimer: Be cautious and only respond to emails from our “mesainc.com” domain. We will never ask for sensitive information, such as bank account details, SSN, etc., via email. If you receive any communication asking for such information, it is not from Mesa. For any concerns or to verify the authenticity of a message, please contact us through our official channels.

Mesa Associates, Inc. is seeking an experienced Project Manager with substation expertise to join our Power Delivery team. This role is ideal for a driven leader who understands the technical and operational demands of utility substation planning, engineering & construction projects and can confidently guide multidisciplinary teams from project initiation through closeout.

You will lead high-voltage power delivery substation projects, ensuring safety, quality, budget, and schedule objectives are consistently achieved while maintaining exceptional client satisfaction. With the full support of our Project Support Office (PSO), you’ll play a central role in delivering successful outcomes across a program of substation projects.

What You’ll Do

• Lead cross-functional planning/engineering/construction teams in the execution of utility substation design & construction projects.
• Develop and manage key project planning documents, including:
• Project Execution Plans
• Project Initiation Documentation
• Communication Plans
• RFI Log Creation and Maintenance
• Meeting Facilitation and Engagement of Stakeholders
• Log of Meeting Minute
• Meeting Status Reporting
• Monitoring and Controlling Project Progress
• Drive accountability to scope, schedule, budget, and quality objectives
• Ensure all Mesa & assigned client business processes and procedures are followed
• Schedule & Budget Management
• Monitor and control project schedules and budgets
• Project Forecasting and Accruals
• Identify, document, and manage scope changes affecting cost and timeline
• Partner with associate project managers, coordinators, schedulers, analysts, and controllers to forecast spending, accruals, and financial performance
• Support Program Managers/Directors in maintaining strong cost and schedule performance
• Proactively identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies
• Track, assign, and resolve issues to minimize impact
• Maintain accurate and current project status reporting systems
• Technical & Client Coordination
• Support design teams in resolving technical challenges
• Coordinate design and construction activities to ensure efficient information flow
• Communicate effectively with internal teams, clients, and stakeholders across multiple programs
• Participate in client meetings and substation site visits while adhering to all safety requirements

What You Bring

• Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in project management, engineering, construction management, or related field
• Minimum 6 years of relevant project experience, which should include:
• Heavy industrial construction, preferably related to high voltage substations
• Engaging with and leading engineering/design projects
• PMP Preferred, but not required
• Firm understanding of PMI Project Management Methodologies and Processes
• Demonstrated experience managing power utility substation design projects
• Ability to manage multiple projects or a program simultaneously
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and project scheduling software
• Working knowledge of corporate accounting practices and business operations
• Core Competencies
• Strong leadership and decision-making abilities
• Independent judgment with minimal supervision
• Ability to interpret and apply scopes of work, technical criteria, and design requirements
• Exceptional organizational and prioritization skills
• Professional presence and stakeholder management capability
• Proven ability to manage emergent or fast-track projects
• Willingness to attend meetings at substation sites and client facilities, including occasional travel up to 10% to client locations mostly in Kentucky
• Commitment to following all Mesa and client safety protocols
• Ability to work effectively with remote and distributed teams

Notice to External Search Firms: Mesa Associates, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be obligated to pay a placement fee for unsolicited resumes. Mesa Associates, Inc. Talent Acquisition engages with approved search firms directly for specific hiring needs.

Qualifications

Skills

Required

Project Management

Advanced

Microsoft Office

Advanced

PMP

Advanced

Preferred

Primavera

Some Knowledge

Behaviors

Required

Dedicated

Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Team Player

Works well as a member of a group

Education

Preferred

Bachelors or better in Engineering or related field.

Experience

Required

Firm understanding of PMI terminologies and processes

Power Delivery / Substation Knowledge

Utility Project Management experience

6 years

Minimum 6 years of relevant project experience

Licenses & Certifications

Preferred

Project Mgmt Prof (PMP)

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.