Substation Project Manager

CDM Smith; Lafayette (LA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

CDM Smith in Lafayette, Louisiana is seeking a Substation Project Manager to lead multi-discipline engineering teams on critical substation projects across the United States. This role requires managing portfiolio-style capital programs for utilities and fast-paced data center projects.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree, 10 years of experience, and PMP or equivalent certifications. Strong leadership and problem-solving skills are essential to ensure project timelines and quality standards are met.

Qualifications

• 10 years of related experience required.
• Experience with data center substation projects is preferable.
• Design-build and/or EPC project delivery experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage engineering projects from concept through construction support.
• Lead proposal development and coordinate project teams.
• Serve as the main client contact during project execution.

Skills

Project Management

Engineering Coordination

Client Liaison

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree

PMP certification

Registered Professional Engineer (PE)

Job description

Job Overview

CDM Smith (Industrial Division) is seeking a Substation Project Manager to lead multi-discipline engineering teams delivering critical substation programs and projects for utility and mission‑critical clients across the United States.

The role supports portfolio‑style substation capital programs for investor‑owned utilities and fast‑paced projects for data center clients, often with accelerated timelines and parallel workstreams.

Responsibilities

• Manage substation engineering projects from concept development 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, partnering with sales to produce 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 control throughout the project life cycle.
• Serve as mentor and leader of project teams.
• Provide guidance and review at the project level while enforcing discipline and quality standards.
• Act as the main client contact and liaison during project execution, delivering a flagship client experience to grow the account.
• Apply experience and innovation to solve high‑complexity problems in the engineer field.

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; frequency varies with duties.
• Equivalent directly related experience considered in lieu of a degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or 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 (multi‑site capital programs) and managing engineering teams across disciplines.
• Data center/mission‑critical substation experience delivering under accelerated schedules, focusing on energization readiness and schedule certainty.
• Registered Professional Engineer (PE) preferred (discipline aligned to project needs, e.g., electrical or mechanical).
• Additional credentials such as CCM, DBIA and mission‑critical commissioning training/certifications considered 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.