Director - Substation Engineering

NEI Electric Power Engineering, Inc. is an engineering services firm focused on creating a great organization that serves people and solves problems. As the Director of Utility Substations, you will provide strategic leadership and technical oversight for teams delivering substation engineering services to utility clients, while ensuring high-quality execution and alignment with organizational objectives.

Responsibilities:

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology (BSEE or BSEET) from an accredited institution; power systems focus preferred
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred