Project Manager (Data Centers)

WSP•Portland, OR

5h•$102,200 - $182,200•Remote

About The Position

WSP is seeking a Project Manager (Data Centers) to join their team in Houston, TX, with consideration for San Diego, CA, New York, NY, Portland, OR, and Seattle, WA. This position can also be offered remotely. The role involves managing the electrical infrastructure for large-scale data center campuses, supporting clients in the development of complex, power-intensive facilities. The Project Manager will work across the full project lifecycle, from feasibility to closeout, collaborating with global experts to solve infrastructure challenges. This multidisciplinary environment offers exposure to technical and strategic considerations for large-scale data center development, including planning and design of substations, transmission interconnections, and site electrical infrastructure. The position is ideal for individuals energized by large-scale projects, complex technical challenges, and a desire to shape the future of digital infrastructure.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field.
7+ years of experience managing projects in power distribution, transmission & distribution (T&D), or utility engineering environments.
Proven experience delivering feeder, distribution line, or grid modernization projects.
Strong understanding of utility operations, power systems engineering, and electrical distribution design.
Familiarity with NERC, IEEE standards, NEC codes, and utility regulatory requirements.
Experience with EPC project delivery, capital programs, and infrastructure projects within the energy sector.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills in complex utility environments.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills working with utilities, clients, regulators, and internal engineering teams.
Experience with project management tools (MS Project, Primavera P6), financial tracking, and reporting systems.
Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams including engineering, design, procurement, and construction professionals.
Knowledge of QA/QC processes, risk management, and safety compliance in utility projects.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in Engineering.
Professional Engineer (PE) license.
PMI Certification (PMP or CAPM).

Responsibilities

Provides technical project supervision and guidance in managing the administrative, commercial, and technical components of critical high-voltage infrastructure for data center projects in alignment with WSP’s core values and contractual commitments.
Responsibility for overall performance of distribution system and grid modernization projects of moderate size/complexity and/or local/regional scope.
Oversight includes financial performance, technical execution, client satisfaction, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), safety, and schedule adherence.
Ensures that responsibilities throughout the full project lifecycle (feasibility, engineering design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and closeout) are executed in compliance with corporate standards, regulatory requirements (e.g., NERC, IEEE, NEC), and utility industry best practices.
Lead and oversee cross-functional teams delivering power distribution and utility engineering projects, ensuring execution of design and construction deliverables.
Manage multiple concurrent projects involving distribution lines, feeders, and grid infrastructure upgrades, including budgets, schedule, cost control, and resource allocation.
Develop and manage project scopes, cost estimates, schedules, and resource plans for utility capital improvement programs and distribution projects.
Build and maintain Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) aligned with engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) project delivery models.
Ensure compliance with utility standards, environmental regulations, permitting requirements, and safety protocols (OSHA, utility HSE standards).
Participate in proposal development, RFP responses, and business development efforts within the power & energy market.
Perform margin analysis, risk assessments, and contingency planning for power delivery projects.
Coordinate contract negotiations, client presentations, and stakeholder meetings with utilities, municipalities, and regulatory agencies.
Develop and maintain project plans including PMP, Safety Plans, Risk Management Plans, and QA/QC procedures.
Collaborate with engineering teams specializing in all aspects of distribution design.
Partner with Project Accounting to manage financials including forecasting, earned value management (EVM), and profitability tracking.
Lead efforts in change management, scope control, and claims mitigation.
Coordinate with technical managers on staffing for overhead and underground distribution projects.
Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards, escalating issues when necessary.
Provide reporting to clients and leadership on project performance, risks, schedule, and budget status.
Manage project closeout activities, including lessons learned and continuous improvement for future projects.
Stay current on power industry trends, grid resilience, distributed energy resources (DER), and electrification initiatives.
Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Benefits

Medical coverage
Dental coverage
Vision coverage
Disability coverage
Life insurance
Retirement savings
Paid sick leave
Paid vacation (or other personal time)
Paid parental leave
Paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.