Substation EPC Program Lead

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising is seeking a knowledgeable and experienced leader for substation projects in Portland, Oregon. The role requires oversight of engineering and construction activities, with a strong focus on project management and client communication.

Ideal candidates will possess extensive experience in high-voltage substation design and execution, strong leadership skills, and a proactive approach to risk management. This full-time position demands U.S. citizenship and a commitment to maintaining high industry standards.

Qualifications

• 10 years related experience.
• A minimum of 5 years of project management experience.
• Familiar with estimating and scheduling software.

Responsibilities

• Assume leadership for the substation scope within EPC programs.
• Advise clients on technical aspects of substation development.
• Plan, direct, and monitor all aspects of substation execution.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Risk management

Technical delivery

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Responsibilities

• Assume leadership responsibility for the substation scope within large, multidisciplinary EPC infrastructure programs, with a focus on technical delivery, coordination, and execution alongside contractor partners.

Advise clients on the technical, regulatory, and execution aspects of substation development, including site development, physical and electrical design, permitting, constructability, outage planning, protection and control integration, and equipment strategy.

Plan, direct, and monitor all aspects of substation scope execution, working in partnership with the EPC contractor responsible for construction. Responsibilities include oversight and coordination of:

Site selection and layout development

Engineering (physical design, electrical systems, protection & controls, grounding, SCADA/communications)

Environmental planning and compliance

Permitting and land use coordination

Procurement support and long‑lead equipment strategy (e.g., transformers, breakers, major electrical equipment)

Construction support and field coordination

Outage coordination, energization, and commissioning support

Serve as the primary substation interface between the owner, engineering teams, and the EPC contractor to ensure alignment on design intent, execution strategy, system integration, and constructability.

Coordinate closely with transmission line, system planning, real estate and environmental teams to ensure seamless integration across the broader program.

Anticipate and identify risks and issues specific to substation delivery, including equipment lead times, design coordination challenges, outage constraints, system integration risks, and contractor execution challenges. Support the client in issue resolution, risk mitigation, and timely decision‑making.

Develop and implement execution plans, work processes, and tools specific to the substation scope to improve efficiency, enhance coordination with the contractor, and maintain transparency.

Provide oversight of design and construction activities performed by others, ensuring compliance with client requirements, industry standards, and program QA/QC expectations.

Direct and coordinate a multidisciplinary team of HDR staff and subconsultants. Promote alignment through effective communication and ensure resources are in place to meet scope and contract requirements.

Monitor scope, schedule, and budget performance for the substation portion of the program, while ensuring conformance with contract documents. Support change management processes and ensure alignment with overall program goals.

Engage with clients, utilities, agencies, and stakeholders to support permitting, approvals, communication, and resolution of technical and execution challenges.

Mentor and develop staff working on substation projects and programs.

Perform other duties as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineering (PE) License
• Significant experience in substation design and/or EPC delivery
• Experience delivering or overseeing high‑voltage substation projects (e.g., 69kV–500kV+)
• Due to applicable government contract requirements, this position requires U.S. citizenship.
• Strong understanding of substation design standards, protection and control systems, permitting processes, and construction methods
• Experience working collaboratively with EPC contractors or construction partners
• Familiarity with alternative delivery models (EPC, P3, DBFOM)
• Experience working within a Program Management Office (PMO) environment
• PMP certification
• Willingness to travel and support project and field coordination activities

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• 10 years related experience
• A minimum of 5 years of project management experience
• Familiar with Microsoft Office, estimating and scheduling software, project management software
• Must have the ability to interact with various design teams, have excellent organizational, project management and communication (both written and verbal) skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must

Location

Primary Location

Industry

Power

Schedule

Full‑time

Employee Status

Regular

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.