Substation Superintendent

Qcells USA Corp.; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp in Ankeny, IA is seeking a Substation Superintendent to lead field operations on electrical substation projects. You will supervise crews, enforce safety, manage schedules and quality, and coordinate with subcontractors and stakeholders to deliver on time and within budget.

The role requires 8+ years of construction experience with substations, a Journeyman certification or equivalent, and strong leadership.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of construction experience with at least 3+ years in a superintendent or leadership role working in substations.
• Valid Journeyman certification or equivalent experience in electrical construction.
• Must possess all required tools for the role.
• High school diploma, GED, or Line school certificate required.
• OSHA-approved certification preferred (e.g., NCCCO or CIC Certification for crane operations).
• Demonstrated knowledge of substation construction and crew management.

Responsibilities

• Safety Compliance and Program Participation: Observe, comply with safety program and goals; participate in safety processes; report hazards; know emergency procedures.
• Field Operations & Supervision: Supervise construction to meet design, budget, and schedule; direct crews; monitor progress and quality.
• Quality Control & Documentation: Complete daily reports; produce weekly/monthly status; ensure quality control; address RFIs.
• Team Leadership and Mentorship: Provide on-the-job training and mentorship to helpers and apprentices.
• Job Site Management and Communication: Communicate with stakeholders; manage materials, equipment, and logistics; keep areas clean and compliant.

Skills

Electrical systems

Substation construction

Crew supervision

Project coordination

Safety leadership

Education

High school diploma, GED, or Line school certificate

Job description

Description

Title: Substation Superintendent
Department: T&D/C
Location: Ankeny, IA
Supervisor: Field Services Manager III of Transmission/ Substation Project Manager & Construction
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Status: Permanent, Full-Time

Work Status: Project Site

SUBSTATION SUPERINTENDENT

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA for turnkey solutions, customers can reduce uncertainty and risk, leading to enhanced investment returns and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Qcells USA’s complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Development, Module, and EPC teams, while ensuring close coordination with other vital internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance. With several multi-billion-dollar investments, Qcells is pioneering the establishment of the only complete module supply chain in the U.S., including the expansion of our Georgia module manufacturing facility, which stands as the largest in the Western Hemisphere.

As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea.

SUMMARY

The Substation Superintendent is a leadership role that involves overseeing all aspects of field operations for electrical substation construction projects. The position ensures the successful completion of projects on time, within budget, and in compliance with all safety standards. The Substation Superintendent manages a team of skilled workers while ensuring coordination with subcontractors and stakeholders. This role involves the supervision of high and low voltage equipment installations and maintenance, including transformers, breakers, switches, and various electrical systems. The Substation Superintendent will also play a critical role in ensuring project milestones are met while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality control, and efficiency. A hands-on leader, the Substation Superintendent will drive the successful delivery of complex substation projects by coordinating resources, solving on-site challenges, and fostering a collaborative team environment.

This position reports to the Field Services Manager III of Transmission/ Substation Project Manager & Construction or another management personnel that the CEO of the Company may designate.

This position requires full-time on-site presence and 100% travel. Any remote work arrangements must receive prior approval from your direct supervisor or company leadership. Working hours shall be determined based on project requirements and business needs, in consultation with the employee's supervisor.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Safety Compliance and Program Participation:
  • Observe, comply with, and promote the company’s safety program, rules, requirements, and corporate safety goals.
  • Participate in safety-related processes, programs, and training.
  • Engage with the work team to ensure zero injuries and report all safety hazards, accidents, or near misses.
  • Ensure all team members are familiar with emergency procedures, including knowing emergency contact numbers, the locations of the nearest hospitals, and the quickest routes.
• Field Operations & Supervision:
  • Supervise construction efforts to ensure compliance with design, budget, and schedule.
  • Supervise field activities including: Breakers, Switches, Bus, Transformers, Capacitor Banks, etc.
  • Direct and manage crews to meet deadlines while maintaining a safe and organized job site.
  • Monitor project progress, productivity, and quality control to ensure contractual obligations are met.
  • Provide technical support, including interpreting drawings, offering construction methods recommendations, and problem-solving.
  • Supervise the construction of foundations, structures, bus installation, and wiring of high and low voltage systems.
• Quality Control & Documentation:
  • Complete daily reports, documenting project progress with photos and written updates.
  • Develop and distribute project status reports on a weekly and monthly basis.
  • Ensure quality control through inspections and review of completed work.
  • Assist in producing record sets for as-built drawings and address RFIs as needed.
• Team Leadership and Mentorship:
  • Provide on-the-job training and mentorship to helpers, laborers, and apprentice substation technicians.
  • Ensure effective work procedures are followed and that safety protocols are observed.
• Job Site Management and Communication:
  • Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring clarity and professionalism.
  • Manage job site logistics, including materials management, equipment deployment, and workforce coordination.
  • Ensure all work areas are clean, organized, and compliant with safety regulations at the end of each shift.

REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Strong understanding of electrical systems, particularly in substation construction and maintenance.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting electrical, civil, and structural drawings.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with experience in crew supervision and project coordination.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and timelines.
• Skilled in problem-solving and resolving conflicts on site.
• Ability to train, mentor, and develop substation technicians and other team members.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 8+ years of construction experience with at least 3+ years in a superintendent or leadership role working in substations
• Valid Journeyman certification or equivalent experience in electrical construction.
• Must possess all required tools for the role.
• High school diploma, GED, or Line school certificate required.
• OSHA-approved certification preferred (e.g., NCCCO or CIC Certification for crane operations).
• Demonstrated knowledge of substation construction and crew management.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• This role involves heavy physical work, including lifting up to 100 pounds occasionally and up to 50 pounds regularly.
• The job requires standing, walking, using tools, and climbing or balancing as part of the daily tasks.
• Work performed outdoors with exposure to varying weather conditions.
• Travel is required up to 100% of the time to different job sites.
• Must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including hard hats, safety glasses, and fire-retardant clothing.
• Body Position: frequently remains standing and moving up to 90% of the time in an 8-10 hour work day.
• If operating equipment, be able to enter and exit equipment up to 90% of the time in an 8-10 hour work day.
• Move/Traverse: frequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk.
• Carry Weight: frequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Stationary Position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sitting up to 8 hours in a day.
• Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk.
• Carry Weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds.
• Hearing and Speech: frequently communicates with the ability to hear and talk on a regular basis with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far.
• Climb: occasionally ascends/descends on stairway to get to office upper and lower floors.
• Travel: up to 100% as needed.

LOCATION

• Industrial construction sites and/or fabrication shop

EXAMPLE OF MOBILITY BARRIERS ACCESS TO JOB SITE

• Uneven ground level
• Obstructed pathways
• Work performed at low and/or high elevations
• Work performed in confined areas.

CLIMATIC/ENVIRONMENT CONDITIONS AT JOB SITE

• Predominately outdoor climate
• May be exposed to extreme hot or cold weather
• Excessive humidity, rain etc.
• Various noise levels caused by tools, machinery, equipment etc.
• Potential exposure to chemical substances.
• Work performed around hazardous equipment.

Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

It is important to note that the job descriptions provided by Qcells USA Corp are not intended to be comprehensive lists of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the positions. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice, reflecting our dynamic and evolving work environment.

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and or receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

Please contact us to request accommodations at [e-mail].

Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at-will employment opportunity.