Senior Project Manager- Substation Engineer

Ardurra; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 130,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Ardurra is seeking a Senior Project Manager - Substation Engineering to lead complex electrical substation projects for utility and industrial clients. This role blends technical leadership, project execution, and customer success to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery aligned with client expectations.

The ideal candidate has deep knowledge of substation design and construction, strong cross-functional leadership, and a customer-first mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or Mechanical Engineering (BSME) or related field.
• 10 years of experience in high-voltage electric substation design.
• 10+ years of project management experience.
• Professional Engineer (PE) registration and willingness to obtain additional licenses.
• Knowledge of NEC and NESC code requirements.
• Experience in the utility industry.
• Willingness to travel up to 30%.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and supervise engineering professionals and technicians.
• Lead detailed design of high-voltage substations including layout, elevations, wiring, and protective schemes.
• Prepare and review calculations for faults, grounding, and protection systems.
• Coordinate substation IED selection and interface with SCADA and security systems.
• Manage budgets, schedules, and project risks.

Skills

Substation design

Project management

Electrical engineering

Client communication

Leadership

Education

BSEE

BSME

Job description

Senior Project Manager- Substation Engineer

Ardurra is seeking a Senior Project Manager - Substation Engineering to lead complex electrical substation projects while serving as a trusted partner to our utility and industrial clients. This role blends technical leadership, project execution, and customer success, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and aligned with client expectations.

The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of substation design and construction, strong cross-functional leadership skills, and a customer-first mindset.

What You'll Do

• As a Substation Engineer, you will:
• Plan, organize, and supervise the work of engineering professionals and technicians.
• Lead detailed design of high-voltage substations, including:
• General arrangement and equipment layout
• Elevations and sections
• Bus and cable layout and calculations
• Grounding design and analysis
• Shielding design and analysis
• Facility lighting
• Single- and three-line diagrams
• Protection and control schematics
• Wiring and connection diagrams
• Foundation layout and design
• Secondary containment design and calculations
• Protective relay settings
• Prepare and/or review:
• Calculations for faults, grounding, lightning protection, and rigid bus bracing and supports
• AC and DC auxiliary system sizing
• Arrester and insulator coordination and selection
• Project specifications for materials, equipment, and construction requirements
• Perform other electrical design and studies, including substation design; arc flash, system, capacitor, and grounding studies; and design support for electrical power supply elements in street lighting and traffic signal designs.
• Perform point selection for substation IEDs and interface with SCADA, communications, and security systems.
• Your work will directly contribute to shaping environments where people live, work, and thrive, all while growing your career within a supportive, people-first culture.

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE), Mechanical Engineering (BSME), or a related field from an accredited four-year college or university
• 10 years of experience in high-voltage electric substation design
• 10+ years of project management experience
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) and willingness to obtain additional licenses in other states
• Detailed knowledge of NEC and NESC code requirements
• Strong understanding of power utilization equipment, including switchgear, protective relays, breakers, transformers, motors, and generators
• Experience in the utility industry
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to engage with clients, partners, and team members
• Experience managing budgets, schedules, and risk
• 30% Travel Required

Preferred Qualifications

10-12 years' experience working in utility substations

Previous experience leading a design team and mentoring junior engineers

• PMP or equivalent project management certification

Why Ardurra?

While Ardurra offers competitive compensation and rich benefits programs, it is our culture that truly sets us apart from our peers.We nurture a family-like culture, striving to create a work environment that is enjoyable, challenging and rewarding but also fun. We are acutely focused on developing our staff, whether through our internal Ardurra Academy or through our industry-leading Leadership program. We have made a deliberate and focused commitment to nurture a people-centric culture where people are: valued as individuals; supported in their professional and career development with multiple, varied career paths; provided the tools and resources to be successful, engaged, and satisfied in their work; and positive benefits, time-off programs, and flexibility to help maintain a healthy balance between work and home.

Ardurra is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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