Substation Project Lead — Underground Construction

Utility Supply and Construction Company; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Hydaker-Wheatlake Company is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead substations construction projects, with a focus on underground methods and practices. You will own projects from award through closeout, ensuring safety, schedule, budget, and quality targets are met with strong profit realization.

As grid modernization drives demand, you will coordinate with field crews, utility owners, engineers, and suppliers to deliver complex, schedule-critical work while maintaining rigorous safety

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience as a Project Manager in the utility industry with substation experience preferred.
• Hands-on knowledge of underground construction methods and practices.
• Proficiency with scheduling and project management software.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and civil construction drawings.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive project plans including scope, schedules, and budgets.
• Coordinate with utility owners and stakeholders to define project goals and act as primary contact for clients, subcontractors, and internal teams.
• Provide regular project updates and address concerns promptly.
• Monitor budgets, expenditures, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Submit accurate information for progress and final billings.
• Oversee contract compliance and negotiate change orders.
• Plan and track procurement of long-lead equipment and materials.
• Allocate and manage personnel, equipment, and materials to meet project needs.
• Coordinate outage and clearance planning with utility owners.
• Review drawings, specifications, and submittals; manage RFIs.
• Plan and oversee underground scopes (duct banks, conduits, grounding grids, foundations, excavation, boring).
• Identify project risks and mitigate them.
• Enforce safety policies and standards.

Skills

Scheduling software

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management

Tools

MS Project

Primavera P6

AutoCAD

Job description

Hydaker-Wheatlake Company is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead substations construction projects, with a focus on underground methods and practices. You will own projects from award through closeout, ensuring safety, schedule, budget, and quality targets are met with strong profit realization.

As grid modernization drives demand, you will coordinate with field crews, utility owners, engineers, and suppliers to deliver complex, schedule-critical work while maintaining rigorous safety