Operations Manager - Electrical Testing Group

Wunderlich-Malec Careers•Auburn, CA

15d•Hybrid

About The Position

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most well-established engineering companies in the United States. When you join WM you become part of a company that is: 100% employee-owned with 40+ years of industry history ENR (Engineering News Record) Top 500 firm Rated as a top System Integrator Giant Wunderlich-Malec’s Electrical Testing Group (ETG) is expanding — and we’re seeking an entrepreneurial Operations Manager to lead our newest regional location from the ground up. This position combines operational leadership with entrepreneurial drive — serving as both Integrator and Builder of a new ETG Business Unit. You’ll take ownership of day-to-day execution, lead a growing technical team, manage P&L objectives, and work side-by-side with ETG leadership to bring our proven business model to a new region. This is a rare opportunity to see a business evolve from Infancy → Growth → Maturity — with your leadership at the center of that transformation.

Requirements

7+ years in power systems testing, commissioning, or utility operations
Proven leadership experience managing people, budgets, and project delivery
Strong understanding of protective relaying, automation, and SCADA systems
Entrepreneurial mindset — thrives in building structure from scratch
Excellent communication, organization, and conflict-resolution skills
Willingness to travel regionally and work in a dynamic field environment

Nice To Haves

Experience with EOS or similar operating systems preferred

Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Execution Faithfully execute the ETG business plan — achieving or exceeding P&L, revenue, and performance goals Lead all regional operations including scheduling, resource planning, quality assurance, safety, and project delivery Implement and maintain ETG’s operating systems, testing standards, and documentation processes Manage field operations for protective relaying, SCADA, and IEC 61850 systems commissioning Ensure alignment between technical execution and business objectives — balancing efficiency, quality, and profitability
Integration & Team Alignment Integrate all major functions of the local ETG operation — ensuring everyone is rowing in the same direction Lead, manage, and hold team members accountable for results and commitments Build and nurture a healthy, functional, and cohesive leadership team under the EOS framework Resolve issues effectively: identify root causes, address conflict constructively, and drive solutions to completion
Business Unit Development Build the BU from the ground up — recruiting, training, and developing a skilled team of field engineers and technicians Establish vendor partnerships and client relationships within the region Drive growth through operational excellence, local market development, and client satisfaction Create and maintain structure and process as the BU transitions from startup to sustainable operation
Vision & Collaboration Collaborate closely with the ETG Visionary and National Leadership Team to ensure clear direction and alignment Translate vision into actionable, measurable goals Maintain a strong, respectful partnership with ETG leadership — ensuring ideas are filtered, prioritized, and implemented effectively Ensure that key messages and decisions are properly cascaded across the team so that everyone is informed, aligned, and focused
Systems, Structure, and Process Operate within ETG’s EOS framework: own the scorecard, lead local L10s, and manage to defined KPIs Ensure consistency in how core processes are followed, documented, and improved Demonstrate strong project management discipline and operational consistency Uphold ETG’s values of safety, integrity, quality, and innovation in every aspect of operations