Substation Discipline Manager

Substation Discipline Manager

The Substation Discipline Manager provides strategic, technical, and leadership for Nexus Engineering Group's substation engineering team. This role is responsible for aligning engineering execution with business objectives, ensuring consistent application of technical standards, and developing a high-performing substation team, as well as working in close coordination with the Power & Energy Director.

The Substation Discipline Manager oversees project execution across the discipline, manages quality and risk, supports strong client partnerships, and plays a key role in mentoring engineers and designers. This position is intended for leaders who value technical excellence, thoughtful decision-making, and long-term team success, while collaborating closely with project management, other engineering disciplines, and Nexus leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Technical & Project Leadership

• Direct and facilitate the design of high-voltage substations (15 kV to 500 kV), including physical layout, structures, wiring, and control systems
• Ensure discipline deliverables meet Nexus, client, utility, and industry technical standards
• Oversee the application of client standards, safety codes, and applicable regulations across substation projects
• Responsible for conducting and coordinating with others on technical QAQC design reviews, independent checks, and quality evaluations of calculations, drawings, and specifications
• Support project teams in resolving complex technical challenges while maintaining scope, schedule, budget, and quality objectives

Quality, Risk & Governance

• Work closely with the Substation SDE (Supervisory Discipline Engineer) on the QA/QC strategy for the substation discipline, including governance, training, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Promote a risk-aware, quality-focused culture with strong understanding of safety codes, constructability, and operational considerations
• Identify discipline-level risks and potential scope changes, partnering with project management to support resolution and client communication

People Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop substation engineers and designers, supporting both technical growth and leadership development
• Establish and support mentorship frameworks that promote skill development, knowledge transfer, and long-term capability building
• Conduct performance reviews, support development planning, and address performance challenges as needed
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and safety-focused team culture
• Support succession planning and career pathways within the substation discipline

Resource Planning & Collaboration

• Partner with project management and engineering leadership to forecast workload, plan staffing needs, and balance resources across projects
• Coordinate closely with civil/structural, transmission line, and project management teams to ensure integrated project delivery
• Collaborate with other Nexus discipline managers and office leaders to improve consistency, efficiency, and delivery performance

Client & Business Support

• Manage client relationships at a strategic level, aligning engineering delivery with client and business objectives
• Support proposal development and project pursuits by providing technical input, execution strategies, and discipline-level risk considerations
• Represent the substation discipline in client meetings and internal leadership discussions as needed

Qualifications

Education & Credentials

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) required
• Valid Driver's License required

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive engineering experience with a strong focus on substation design
• Demonstrated experience leading technical teams and managing cross-functional collaboration
• Proven ability to manage scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk on complex engineering projects

Technical Skills

• Experience in the design of substation physical structures, wiring, and control systems
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical (ACADE), Inventor, or similar design tools
• Strong understanding of safety codes, utility standards, and regulatory requirements
• Ability to interpret and apply client specifications and industry standards

Leadership & Professional Skills

• Results-driven and methodical, with strong analytical and organizational skills
• Leadership-oriented with a proven ability to align teams and drive successful outcomes
• Exceptional communicator with the ability to manage stakeholder expectations and lead with clarity and transparency
• Strategic thinker who balances technical excellence with project and business objectives