Senior Project Developer / Project Manager

Root Edge; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Root Edge in Phoenix seeks a Senior Project Developer / PM for HV substations to own projects from development through commissioning, guiding design, cost, schedule, and risk with a hands‑on technical leadership approach.

You will coordinate external EPCs, engineering firms, and OEMs, interface with utilities and ISOs, and apply IEEE/NESC standards to deliver high‑reliability grid infrastructure on a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) required.
• PE license preferred, but not required.
• 12–20+ years of experience in substation engineering, EPC, consulting, or owner‑side delivery.
• Prior experience as a technical lead, project manager, or owner‑facing engineer.
• Direct involvement in 345kV and/or 500kV substation projects.
• Strong understanding of utility interconnection and grid integration processes.
• Based in, or willing to relocate to, the Greater Phoenix area (hybrid).

Responsibilities

• Act as the owner’s technical lead for HV/MV substations supporting renewable, storage, and transmission projects.
• Lead substation scope from conceptual development through IFC, construction, and energization.
• Manage and technically oversee external EPCs, engineering firms, consultants, and OEMs.
• Drive key decisions related to design standards, equipment selection, constructability, cost, and schedule tradeoffs.
• Own substation schedules and milestones, coordinating closely with development, interconnection, permitting, and construction teams.
• Interface directly with utilities, ISOs/RTOs, and interconnection stakeholders on studies, submissions, and agreements.
• Review and approve engineering deliverables, specifications, studies, and vendor packages with an owner’s mindset.
• Apply applicable IEEE, NESC, and utility standards with practical, execution‑focused judgment.
• Serve as a senior technical contributor in a small, collaborative team with real authority and accountability.

Skills

Substation engineering

Owner-facing roles

Stakeholder management

Design standards

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Senior Project Developer / Project Manager – HV Substations

Location: Phoenix, AZ (Hybrid)

Sector: Power Delivery, Grid Infrastructure, Renewables & Energy Storage

Function: Project Development | Owner’s Engineering | Project Management

The Role

This position is designed for experienced substation professionals who want to move upstream in the value chain—from designing and executing scopes to owning projects, decisions, and outcomes.

Our client is a well‑capitalized developer and long‑term owner of grid‑connected infrastructure across the U.S. Southwest, including renewable generation, energy storage, and transmission assets. The organization operates with a lean, highly technical development team, supported by institutional capital, proven execution capability, and a deep pipeline of active projects.

As a Senior Project Developer / PM – HV Substations, you will serve as the owner’s technical and delivery lead for substation scope. You will guide projects from early development through construction and commissioning, managing external engineers, utilities, OEMs, and contractors while maintaining strategic oversight of cost, schedule, risk, and long‑term asset value.

This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone who wants to stay close to the technical details while expanding influence into development strategy, commercial decision‑making, and execution ownership.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the owner’s technical lead for HV/MV substations supporting renewable, storage, and transmission projects.
• Lead substation scope from conceptual development through IFC, construction, and energization.
• Manage and technically oversee external EPCs, engineering firms, consultants, and OEMs.
• Drive key decisions related to design standards, equipment selection, constructability, cost, and schedule tradeoffs.
• Own substation schedules and milestones, coordinating closely with development, interconnection, permitting, and construction teams.
• Interface directly with utilities, ISOs/RTOs, and interconnection stakeholders on studies, submissions, and agreements.
• Review and approve engineering deliverables, specifications, studies, and vendor packages with an owner’s mindset.
• Apply applicable IEEE, NESC, and utility standards with practical, execution‑focused judgment.
• Serve as a senior technical contributor in a small, collaborative team with real authority and accountability.

Background & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE required).
• PE license preferred, but not required.
• 12–20+ years of experience in substation engineering, EPC, consulting, or owner‑side delivery.
• Prior experience as a technical lead, project manager, or owner‑facing engineer.
• Direct involvement in 345kV and/or 500kV substation projects.
• Strong understanding of utility interconnection and grid integration processes.
• Comfortable operating across technical, commercial, and stakeholder‑facing dimensions of a project.
• Based in, or willing to relocate to, the Greater Phoenix area (hybrid flexibility).

Why Candidates Take This Role

• Step onto the owner/developer side without losing technical depth.
• Own outcomes, not just scopes or drawings.
• Work within a nimble, high‑impact team with fast decision‑making and minimal bureaucracy.
• Backed by long‑term capital and a robust project pipeline.
• Gain exposure to development strategy, cost control, and asset‑level decision‑making.
• Contribute to critical grid infrastructure that enables renewable growth, load expansion, and energy security.

Who This Is Ideal For

Senior substation engineers or technical project managers who want to:

• Stay technical while expanding commercial and strategic influence.
• Move beyond consulting or EPC delivery into true project ownership.
• Play a visible, trusted role in shaping infrastructure that will operate for decades.