Director – Utility Substations

Director – Utility Substations

About the Position

As the Director of Utility Substations, you will provide strategic leadership and technical oversight for teams delivering substation Physical, and Protection & Control (P&C) engineering services to utility clients. This role is responsible for driving consistent, high-quality execution across the portfolio while aligning team performance with organizational objectives and client expectations.

The Director leads a functional group of engineering teams within the substation discipline, with accountability for establishing and maintaining departmental standards, best practices, and quality assurance processes. This role focuses on enhancing operational efficiency, improving workflows, and strengthening technical capabilities through structured processes and training.

In addition, the Director is responsible for guiding the group to meet business objectives, including revenue targets, resource utilization, and strategic growth initiatives. Key responsibilities include workforce planning and resource alignment across projects, mentoring and developing Team Leads and engineers, and fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance environment focused on client success.

The Director also plays a critical role in shaping the group’s technical direction, advancing industry engagement, and ensuring the team is well-positioned to deliver reliable, compliant, and constructible substation solutions.

Salary Range: $150,000 – 200,000 / year

The salary range above is based upon the Denver, Colorado labor market.

This opportunity is available to both local / in-office (Lakewood, Colorado) and full-time remote candidates.

Essential Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Forecasting

• Collaborates with VP to develop and implement a multi-year group plan to achieve department and company goals for growth, efficiency, and profitability

• Collaborates with VP, Business Development and Sales to identify potential clients that could benefit from NEI’s expertise

• Strengthens existing client relationships and encourages repeat business by ensuring exceptional project delivery and proactive communication. Encourages and monitors client feedback to address concerns and continuously improve service quality. Assists with client contacts and communication

Industry Involvement

• Ensuring the team has representation on the right IEEE or other industry committees and sub boards

• Producing a plan for the department to produce at least 1 white paper or conference presentation a year. 

Leadership and Collaboration

• Builds and maintains a high-performing substation group, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement

• Collaborates with other departments and leaders to ensure alignment of goals, objectives, and expectations across the organization

• Performs other duties as assigned

Resource Allocation and Management

• Develops appropriate team structure and mix of staff

• Leads hiring efforts for lead engineers and team leaders

• Assists in interviewing and onboarding new team members across substation design teams

• Forecasts future staffing needs

• Monitors and manages group workload and team utilization, forecasting workloads based around project sizes and scope

Management of Execution and Performance

• Manages quality and deliverables across multiple teams ensuring client satisfaction and timely completion of project deliverables

• Reviews the work of teams for general quality and ensures accuracy as required

• Monitors group progress and performance, identifies and addresses obstacles and adjusts as needed to ensure successful project completion

• Reviews and manages documentation around financial statements, including, but not limited to, revenue, write-offs, COGS, overhead expenses, and net income

• Serves as a mentor to Team Leads and Engineers across teams

• Participates and engages with the Business Development team to provide technical guidance, pricing details, and scope to ensure cross-functional alignment

• Facilitates a seller-doer model to maintain existing client relationships and build new ones. 

• Prepares a variety of documents and reports associated with projects including cost estimates, budget reports, and studies

• Maintains professional understanding of all applicable Codes and Standards, and construction practices

Process Development and Improvement

• Develops, outlines, updates, and implements Standard Best Practices (SBPs) and enforces them to ensure high-level execution from various team members
• Coordinates the creation and implementation of new tools, processes, workflows, and training programs that enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and quality across the group. 

Must Have

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology (BSEE or BSEET) from an accredited institution; power systems focus preferred 

• Experience: 10+ years of progressive experience in substation engineering, including Protection & Control (P&C) or Substation Physical, with at least 4 years in a leadership or team management role 

• Licensure: Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred 

Technical Expertise

• Strong knowledge of electrical power systems, substation design, and Protection & Control (P&C) engineering, including protective relaying principles and Substation Physical principles

• Experience delivering comprehensive substation design packages

• Proficiency with industry-standard regulations, compliance requirements and strong background creating cohesive processes 

• Working knowledge of applicable codes, standards, and utility practices related to substation design and operation 

Leadership & Professional Skills

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage complex projects and initiatives, driving high-quality outcomes 

• Proven track record of improving processes, enhancing efficiency, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives 

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage competing demands 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage stakeholders at all levels 

• High level of professional judgment, accountability, and decision-making capability 

• Proven ability to build relationships, foster collaboration, and contribute to a positive, inclusive team culture 

Additional Requirements

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word) 

• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment 
• Authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis

Working Conditions

Work Environment:	Work is performed in an office setting, and some field work may be required
Travel:	Minimal: 5 – 15%
Physical Activities:    Managerial Responsibility:	Must be able to lift 25lbs.     Director is responsible for reviewing project related financial statements, team utilization and forecasting, and project oversight when necessary. The Director will also be responsible for management and oversight of Team Leads and Engineers assigned to their discipline.

Disclaimer 

While AI tools may support your application process, this role is built on human talent. Your judgment, experience, and character matter most, so we encourage you to showcase what makes you uniquely you.

Atwell does not accept unsolicited resumes from any 3rd party agencies. No fee will be paid to 3rd parties who submit unsolicited resumes to any Atwell employee. Resumes from approved vendors must be specifically requested by Atwell and approved by the Atwell Talent Acquisition Team.

Pay Range 150000 - 200000 USD