Director of Substation Engineering and Design

Working with our business partners to create, improve and sustain industry and infrastructure. Orbital Engineering, Inc. (Orbital) has been driven by this core purpose for more than 50 years - energizing Orbital team members and helping our clients solve challenging and complex problems with innovative engineering, inspection, and construction solutions. Orbital team members are guided by the fundamental beliefs of building trusted relationships, personal accountability, innovation, and excellence in everything we do. Orbital is looking for others to join our team to continue activating our purpose and embrace our values.

Orbital is currently seeking a Director of Substation Engineering and Design within the Utility Services team. This position as the ability to executed as a fully REMOTE WORK role.

Orbital is seeking a high performing, critically thinking, analytical, experienced self-starter. The selected candidate will join as Director of the Utility Services Substation Engineering Team providing work coordination and technical program oversight to staff assigned to Orbital’s physical and protection and controls design team across the country. The Director of Substation Design is a national role that is also responsible for overseeing the financial performance of the department, driving the growth and development of the team, and maintaining strong client relationships.

This position will oversee the operational control of our Substation engineering team servicing our utility clients. The position requires tracking of deliverables, developing a management strategy, performance reporting and monitoring of contract milestones. Primary duties will include the national oversight of the substation design team and power delivery reliability improvement process, preparation of client proposals, issuing formal communication notices, preparing billing documents, resolving contract compliance issues, remaining apprised of on-going policy changes, and making presentations to senior management.

In addition, the position will provide work coordination, evaluate priorities, provide mentorship and general program direction to our several Department Managers who supervise employees assigned to substation engineering and design and power delivery improvement design programs. This team is responsible for managing substation engineering for physical and protection and controls projects and network reliability improvements on client’s electric distribution systems.

The ideal candidate will be a high performing, critically thinking, analytical, and experienced self-starter with excellent leadership skills, written and oral communication skills, customer service skills, and the ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Orbital culture values safety, communication, accountability, professionalism, integrity, and respect.

Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To

• Responsible for overall financial performance of the substation engineering and design department, driving revenue growth, cost control, and employee performance metrics.
• Develop and implement initiatives in alignment with company strategic plan associated with the Utility Services Substation Engineering Department.
• Monitor project budgets, schedules, and profitability, ensuring projects are completed within scope, on time, and within budget.
• Develop and execute strategies to improve operation efficiency and positive financial outcomes while maintaining high-quality standards and deliverables.
• Contract management responsibility for operational control of Orbital’s substation engineering and design programs.
• Develop presentations to key decision makers, senior leadership, and clients, providing expert advice, overviews and briefs of requested data and addressing client needs.
• Monitor contract compliance with performance measures and reporting requirements as outlined in the agreement. Resolve performance issues and contract related disputes as well as issue formal written communication notices.
• Monitor industry trends, regulatory changes, and technological advancements to ensure the company remains competitive.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of engineers and designers, fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Identify and implement strategies for talent acquisition, retention, and professional development to build a strong pipeline of future leaders.
• Ensure the team has the resources and training required to meet industry standards, technological advancements, and project needs.
• Lead efforts to expand our client base by identifying new business opportunities and nurturing existing relationships.
• Actively participate in client presentations, industry conferences, contract negotiations, and project reviews.
• Responsible for substation engineering and design quality and programmatic management for utility clients on a national level.
• Prepare, review, and approve proposals and project estimates for new client projects.
• Maintain superior customer service for current clients and resolve issues as they arise, ensure timely responses to both internal and external clients.
• Be a trusted advisor to our clients, providing technical expertise, industry insights, and solutions to complex engineering challenges.
• Represent company at industry conferences, seminars, and forums to enhance visibility and network with potential clients and industry peers.
• Travel of up to 30%
  
  

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, civil, mechanical, or structural engineering, or a related field with equivalent experience.
• Minimum of seven years’ experience in substation engineering, design, contract management, and multi-year programmatic projects with 5 years of experience in managing engineering/design teams.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Experience with analyzing data, financial reporting, data inventory management and program auditing (e.g., Excel, Access, etc.).
• Ability to negotiate and develop relationships with contracting parties.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively organize multiple assignments, complex assignments, and competing priorities to produce accurate products on time.
• Capable of travel as needed to meet with clients, attend industry events, and oversee national operations of the organization.
• Ability to collaborate in cross-functional work teams in the development and implementation of efficiencies.
• The successful candidate must have exceptional analytical and decision-making skills, the ability to communicate with all levels of the organization.
• The ability to lead staff, deliver assignments and demonstrate a strong work ethic.
• Demonstrated experience in business development and growing a book of business
• Proficient with Microsoft Office software applications.
• This position requires the ability to pass a post-offer drug (including marijuana) and alcohol test in compliance with Federal regulations and is also subject to random testing as a condition of continued employment.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree
• Project Management Certification
  
  

Orbital Engineering, Inc. has provided worldwide professional engineering and consulting services since 1969. Our commitment to quality, responsiveness, and attention to detail has earned us the reputation as a leading provider of engineering and design services.

A commitment to excellence and hard work will be rewarded with a competitive salary, career advancement opportunities, and an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, 401(k), and supplemental insurance.

Orbital Engineering, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, EEO/AA/M-F-V-D. Orbital Engineering, Inc. seeks diversity among its employees. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential job functions.

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