Substation Design Manager

At PCL Solar Constructors USA Inc., part of the PCL Family of Companies (PCL), we don’t just build projects—we build opportunities, careers and communities. We are 100% employee-owned, and that shared commitment drives how we work, grow and lead in the construction industry.

About the role

As a Substation Design Manager in Katy, Texas, you’ll collaborate with project managers, engineers, and field teams to deliver cost-effective, reliable substation solutions for utility-scale solar projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the full substation design process from concept and feasibility through detailed design and execution, ensuring technical accuracy, constructability, and compliance with utility and project specifications.
• Review and coordinate equipment vendor drawings and documentation (e.g., transformer, circuit breaker, switchgear, and protection equipment). Ensure vendor designs align with the overall substation design, project requirements, and protection/control schemes.
• Collaborate closely with the Engineer of Record (EOR) to resolve design issues, review technical submittals, and maintain consistency across multiple substation designs and related balance-of-plant systems.
• Provide technical leadership for Protection and Control (P&C) design, including review of relay logic, control schematics, SCADA integration, and interconnection requirements.
• Interpret and implement utility and grid operator requirements, ensuring all designs, relay schemes, and interface points comply with applicable standards and operational practices.
• Coordinate and communicate effectively with project management, PV design teams, and construction teams to optimize design flow, resolve technical challenges, and support timely project delivery.
• Participate in site walks, factory acceptance tests (FATs), commissioning planning, and energization activities, providing technical guidance during construction, testing, and commissioning phases.
• Identify and troubleshoot design nonconformances, determine root causes, and provide corrective action recommendations to maintain quality and performance standards.
• Stay current with industry practices, technologies, and emerging trends in substation design, equipment, and protection systems to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
• Capture lessons learned and success stories for continuous improvement across the project lifecycle, contributing to estimating, design, and construction best practices.
• Maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships, ensuring alignment with project-specific success criteria (CPSSC) and owner objectives.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop engineering staff, promoting a collaborative, high-performance culture within the design team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline; Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation preferred, or equivalent relevant industry/trade experience.
• 7–10 years of progressive experience in electrical or power systems engineering, including at least 2 years in utility-scale solar or renewable energy project construction.
• Proven background in high-voltage substation design, including protection and control (P&C) systems, relay schemes, and SCADA integration.
• Hands-on experience with substation testing, commissioning, and grid synchronization, including familiarity with utility interconnection and energization procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to review and interpret vendor drawings and documentation, ensuring alignment with design intent, protection schemes, and project standards.
• Skilled in identifying and communicating installation priorities to field and trade contractors, preparing and managing construction and commissioning schedules, and leading start-up and closeout processes.
• Solid understanding of contracts and subcontracts, with the ability to manage contractual obligations, project scope, and ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Strong capability to monitor, forecast, and allocate resources, identify schedule impacts, and proactively manage risks and opportunities during both the design and construction phases.
• Proven commitment to promoting and implementing a strong safety culture across design and execution teams.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and collaborate effectively with clients, utilities, and internal stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with a proactive approach to resolving technical and design issues.
• Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced, multi-project environment, with a willingness to travel for site work, testing, and commissioning activities as required.

Benefits

• Employee ownership opportunities that build long-term value
• Annual discretionary performance bonuses
• 401(k) with company match
• Industry-leading medical, dental and vision benefits
• Prescription drug coverage and telemedicine services
• Life, AD&D and disability insurance
• Paid parental leave and family care support
• HSA or FSA for healthcare, dependent care and transportation
• Mental health and wellness support, including Employee Assistance Programs
• Career growth pathways, leadership development and mentorship programs
• Access to world-class training through PCL’s College of Construction and professional development courses
• Ongoing opportunities to learn new skills, explore different roles and grow your career across sectors and regions

PCL is committed to creating a workplace where everyone belongs. Employment decisions are based on merit, potential and the drive to make a difference, regardless of race, gender, age, ability or background.