Preconstruction Manager - Substation - Michels Power, Inc.

Position Summary

As a Preconstruction Manager – Substation, you will lead and support preconstruction planning for high-voltage substation projects, ensuring projects are set up for safe, efficient, and profitable execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion and promote a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with all safety and environmental standards

• Perform site visits and constructability assessments, including:

  • Access and logistics evaluation
  • Site layout and staging reviews
  • Identification of constructability risks and constraints

• Develop and refine:

  • Construction methodologies and sequencing plans
  • Project schedules and phasing strategies
  • Outage planning and coordination requirements

• Support estimating by:

  • Developing labor production rates, crew compositions, and equipment needs
  • Identifying procurement strategies, long-lead items, and temporary infrastructure needs

• Collaborate with estimating teams during bid phase to ensure accurate, executable project plans

• Partner with Superintendents, General Foremen, and Foremen to optimize:

  • Crew planning and deployment
  • Equipment utilization
  • Mobilization efficiency

• Work closely with Project Managers and Project Engineers to:

  • Align scope and execution strategies
  • Update schedules and support project readiness

• Contribute to pre-construction reviews, bid strategy sessions, and project handoff to operations

Why Michels Power, Inc.

• Ranked No. 1 Electrical Transmission & Distribution Contractor by Engineering News-Record

• National leader in substation EPC construction (AIS & GIS systems)

• Family-owned and operated with long-term stability

• Strategic growth driven by quality, safety, and innovation

• Invests approximately $5,000 per employee annually in training and development

• High-impact work supporting critical infrastructure and communities

• Strong safety culture—everyone is responsible, regardless of title

• Part of the Michels family of companies, one of North America’s largest and most diversified infrastructure contractors

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) & Health Savings Account (HSA)

• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance

• 401(k) Retirement Plan

• Legal Assistance & Identity Theft Protection Plans

What It Takes

• 7+ years of substation construction experience

• Direct experience with high-voltage substation projects (115kV–345kV+) including AIS and/or GIS systems

• Experience supporting or delivering large-scale EPC substation projects

• Strong understanding of:

  • Substation construction methods
  • Construction sequencing and outage coordination
  • Labor productivity and field operations

• OSHA 30 or equivalent safety training

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record

• Willingness to travel and support project-based assignments nationwide

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with:

  • Grounding grid systems
  • Structural foundations and steel erection
  • Buswork, breakers, transformers, and control house installation

• Ability to utilize advanced project planning and scheduling software

• Experience estimating or planning large, complex substation projects