Director - Substation Engineering

NEI Electric Power Engineering • Lakewood, CO

1d • Hybrid

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.

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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and technical oversight for teams delivering substation Physical, and Protection & Control (P&C) engineering services.
• Drive consistent, high-quality execution across the portfolio while aligning team performance with organizational objectives and client expectations.
• Establish and maintain departmental standards, best practices, and quality assurance processes.
• Enhance operational efficiency, improve workflows, and strengthen technical capabilities through structured processes and training.
• Guide the group to meet business objectives, including revenue targets, resource utilization, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Manage workforce planning and resource alignment across projects.
• Mentor and develop Team Leads and engineers.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance environment focused on client success.
• Shape the group’s technical direction and advance industry engagement.
• Ensure the team is well-positioned to deliver reliable, compliant, and constructible substation solutions.
• Collaborate with VP to develop and implement a multi-year group plan to achieve department and company goals for growth, efficiency, and profitability.
• Collaborate with VP, Business Development and Sales to identify potential clients.
• Strengthen existing client relationships and encourage repeat business.
• Encourage and monitor client feedback to address concerns and continuously improve service quality.
• Assist with client contacts and communication.
• Ensure the team has representation on the right IEEE or other industry committees and sub boards.
• Produce a plan for the department to produce at least 1 white paper or conference presentation a year.
• Build and maintain a high-performing substation group, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with other departments and leaders to ensure alignment of goals, objectives, and expectations.
• Develop appropriate team structure and mix of staff.
• Lead hiring efforts for lead engineers and team leaders.
• Assist in interviewing and onboarding new team members.
• Forecast future staffing needs.
• Monitor and manage group workload and team utilization, forecasting workloads based around project sizes and scope.
• Manage quality and deliverables across multiple teams ensuring client satisfaction and timely completion of project deliverables.
• Review the work of teams for general quality and ensures accuracy as required.
• Monitor group progress and performance, identifies and addresses obstacles and adjusts as needed to ensure successful project completion.
• Review and manage documentation around financial statements, including, but not limited to, revenue, write-offs, COGS, overhead expenses, and net income.
• Serve as a mentor to Team Leads and Engineers across teams.
• Participate and engage with the Business Development team to provide technical guidance, pricing details, and scope.
• Facilitate a seller-doer model to maintain existing client relationships and build new ones.
• Prepare a variety of documents and reports associated with projects including cost estimates, budget reports, and studies.
• Maintain professional understanding of all applicable Codes and Standards, and construction practices.
• Develop, outline, update, and implement Standard Best Practices (SBPs) and enforce them.
• Coordinate the creation and implementation of new tools, processes, workflows, and training programs that enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and quality across the group.

Benefits

• 100% Employer paid team member premiums for Medical, Dental, Vision, Basic Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Paid time off
• 401(k) with employer matching; 100% immediate vesting
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Annual & discretionary bonus program
• Employer paid licensure (FE/PE), certifications, seminars, & conferences
• Eight (8) paid holidays including a floating holiday to use at your discretion
• Annual Team Building
• Hybrid work environment with remote flexibility
• Career development, training, and coaching opportunities
• Pet insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager