Operations & Maintenance Substation Specialist

Location: Overland Park, KS; Phoenix, AZ; Tampa, FL; Cary, NC; Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Houston, TX; Dallas, TX

About the role

The O&M Substation Specialist is responsible for providing technical support to the substation O&M program and general technical support to all O&M services. The role has two primary goals: first, to provide technical support to substation efforts including maintenance planning and estimation; second, to provide rapid technical support in emergency field settings, including coordinating and driving responses to emergency situations in coordination with the project manager. Ancillary duties include electrical and controls technical support and estimating support to other O&M services including solar generation and battery energy storage.

While the position is eligible for multiple office locations, the preferred locations for this role are Overland Park, Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, Denver, Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando, Bloomington (MN), and Phoenix. Strong candidates in other listed locations will be considered.

This role is part of Black & Veatch’s Infrastructure Advisory Business, supporting the Delivery Team within the Strategic Asset Management Solution. You will work on a wide range of projects, including asset management plans, gap assessments, asset management strategies, investment plans, risk and resilience assessments, and maintenance strategies.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and oversight to substation maintenance activities.
• Develop maintenance schedules and estimates for substations and other technologies.
• Provide emergency onsite field support and work oversight for substation and distribution systems repairs and remediation.
• Act as the substation technical lead for the Substation Operation and Maintenance.
• Ensure all maintenance activities comply with safety regulations, industry standards, and company policies.
• Support oversight of testing, calibration, and troubleshooting of substation systems, including reviews of means and methods for repairs and testing.
• Provide general electrical technical support to operations and maintenance efforts for other power generation and storage systems (solar, BESS, etc.).
• Oversee estimating of substation maintenance activities and BOP activities, including maintenance schedule development, execution strategy, labor, equipment, and materials.
• Provide technical support to other service areas such as solar and battery energy storage as able.
• Provide technical and onsite oversight in emergency/emergent situations for substation projects.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians in substation Operations and Maintenance execution.
• Act as a project manager, including management of a project team.

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering or related program.
• 9–12 years of experience in Substations and Distribution Systems Operations & Maintenance.
• Experience estimating both commissioning and maintenance activities.
• Competent in equipment troubleshooting, protection and control systems, and SCADA.
• Experience with testing protocols and test equipment.
• At least 5 years in transmission and distribution substations.
• Experience in isolation and switching procedures.
• Deep broad-based technical knowledge, leadership ability, and strong project execution skills.
• Strong understanding of maintenance planning, scheduling, and execution.
• Understanding of construction and constructability practices.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Effective problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Ability to coach, mentor, and develop team members.
• Time management skills to ensure effective maintenance planning and execution.
• Drive for results with perseverance and patience.
• Effective communication and listening skills for collaboration across multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to self-develop and stay updated with industry advancements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Ability to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (e.g., criminal/civil background check, drug screen, motor vehicle records search).

Skills

• Builds networks
• Develops talent
• Customer focus
• Directs work
• Drives vision and purpose
• Financial acumen
• Manages complexity
• Manages conflict
• Tech savvy
• Values differences
• Business insight

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and 401K match with benefits starting on day 1.
• Hybrid or flexible work options available after the first 90 days.
• Comprehensive health care benefits (medical, dental, vision, disability, and wellness program).
• Flexible work schedules, paid vacation, holiday time, sick time, and dependent sick time.
• Company-matched 401k plan.
• Adoption reimbursement and tuition reimbursement.
• Vendor discounts and employment referral program.
• AD&D insurance, pre-taxed accounts, and voluntary legal plan.
• B&V Credit Union.
• Performance-based bonus program (for eligible professionals).
• 100% ESOP-owned company, empowering professionals to drive personal growth and company success.

Schedule

• Hybrid schedule out of an existing Black & Veatch office.
• Frequent travel, including emergency field/site-based oversight.
• Travel to Black & Veatch HQ for team meetings and training as scheduled.