Substation Project Manager

CDM Smith; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

CDM Smith seeks a Substation Project Manager in Columbus, Ohio, to lead multi-discipline engineering teams on critical substation programs. This role involves managing complex projects from design to construction and requires a Bachelor's Degree with 10 years of relevant experience. Certifications like PMP and experience in substation design are necessary. Ideal candidates should possess strong client interaction skills and a background in engineering or construction management.

Qualifications

• 10 years of related experience required.
• PMP (PMI), CCM or DBIA certification required.
• Experience with substation design and operations.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex substation engineering projects from concept to completion.
• Lead proposal development in collaboration with Sales Leadership.
• Direct multi-discipline engineering teams to meet project objectives.

Skills

Project Management

Engineering

Client Liaison

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Substation Project Manager

CDM Smith (Industrial Division) seeks a Substation Project Manager to lead multi‑discipline engineering teams and deliver critical substation programs and projects across the United States. The role includes physical substation design and protection for brownfield and greenfield substations up to 345 kV, with a focus on constructability and operational readiness.

Responsibilities

• Manage small to large complex substation engineering projects from early concept through detailed design and construction support, including breaker and transformer replacements, new bay additions, and protection relay upgrades.
• Lead proposal development by defining scope, schedule, staffing, and cost; partner with Sales Leadership to produce compliant, competitive submissions.
• Direct multi‑discipline substation engineering teams (physical, P&C, civil/structural) and coordinate compliance deliverables to meet quality, schedule, and budget objectives.
• Manage quality, risk, schedule, and change management.
• Mentor and lead multi‑discipline project teams, providing guidance and review to ensure discipline and quality standards.
• Serve as main client contact and liaison during project execution, delivering a high‑quality client experience to grow accounts.
• Apply experience and innovation to solve problems of high complexity within the area of expertise.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• 10 years of related experience.
• PMP (PMI), CCM or DBIA certification required (within 12 months of hire or promotion onto the Approved Project Manager list).
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience considered in lieu of a degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field.
• Design‑build and/or EPC project delivery experience, including procurement coordination, construction oversight, and commissioning/turnover support.
• Experience with portfolio‑level substation program planning and execution (e.g., multi‑site capital programs).
• Data center / mission‑critical substation experience delivering under accelerated schedules.
• Registered Professional Engineer (PE) preferred (discipline aligned to project needs, e.g., electrical or mechanical).
• Additional relevant credentials (e.g., CCM, DBIA) and/or mission‑critical commissioning training/certifications are a plus.

EEO Statement

CDM Smith is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.