Substation Discipline Manager

About the role

The Substation Discipline Manager provides strategic, technical, and leadership for Nexus Engineering Group’s substation engineering team. This role aligns engineering execution with business objectives, ensures consistent application of technical standards, and develops a high‑performing substation team while working closely with the Power & Energy Director. The manager oversees project execution across the discipline, manages quality and risk, supports strong client partnerships, and mentors engineers and designers. The position is intended for leaders who value technical excellence, thoughtful decision‑making, and long‑term team success, collaborating closely with project management, other engineering disciplines, and Nexus leadership.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Conduct and coordinate technical QA/QC 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.
• Work closely with the Substation SDE on the QA/QC strategy for the 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) required.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• 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.

About Nexus Engineering Group

Nexus Engineering Group is a distinguished independent full‑service engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCm) firm that provides comprehensive support to clients from concept through startup. With over a decade of demonstrated engineering and design success, Nexus is known for integrity, expertise, and a collaborative, engaging work environment. Team members contribute to impactful projects and align with a firm renowned for creativity, dedication, and relentless focus on achieving client goals.