Substation Discipline Manager

Nexus Engineering Group•Cleveland, OH

About The Position

The Substation Discipline Manager provides strategic, technical, and leadership for Nexus Engineering Group’s substation engineering team. This role is responsible for aligning engineering execution with business objectives, ensuring consistent application of technical standards, and developing a high‑performing substation team, as well as working in close coordination with the Power & Energy Director The Substation Discipline Manager oversees project execution across the discipline, manages quality and risk, supports strong client partnerships, and plays a key role in mentoring engineers and designers. This position is intended for leaders who value technical excellence, thoughtful decision‑making, and long-term team success, while collaborating closely with project management, other engineering disciplines, and Nexus leadership.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering
Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) required
Valid Driver’s License required
10+ years of progressive engineering experience with a strong focus on substation design
Demonstrated experience leading technical teams and managing cross‑functional collaboration
Proven ability to manage scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk on complex engineering projects
Experience in the design of substation physical structures, wiring, and control systems
Proficiency with AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical (ACADE), Inventor, or similar design tools
Strong understanding of safety codes, utility standards, and regulatory requirements
Ability to interpret and apply client specifications and industry standards
Results‑driven and methodical, with strong analytical and organizational skills
Leadership‑oriented with a proven ability to align teams and drive successful outcomes
Exceptional communicator with the ability to manage stakeholder expectations and lead with clarity and transparency
Strategic thinker who balances technical excellence with project and business objectives

Responsibilities

Direct and facilitate the design of high‑voltage substations (15 kV to 500 kV), including physical layout, structures, wiring, and control systems
Ensure discipline deliverables meet Nexus, client, utility, and industry technical standards
Oversee the application of client standards, safety codes, and applicable regulations across substation projects
Responsible for conducting and coordinating with others on technical QAQC design reviews, independent checks, and quality evaluations of calculations, drawings, and specifications
Support project teams in resolving complex technical challenges while maintaining scope, schedule, budget, and quality objectives
Work closely with the Substation SDE (Supervisory Discipline Engineer) on the QA/QC strategy for the substation discipline, including governance, training, and continuous improvement initiatives
Promote a risk‑aware, quality‑focused culture with strong understanding of safety codes, constructability, and operational considerations
Identify discipline‑level risks and potential scope changes, partnering with project management to support resolution and client communication
Lead, mentor, and develop substation engineers and designers, supporting both technical growth and leadership development
Establish and support mentorship frameworks that promote skill development, knowledge transfer, and long-term capability building
Conduct performance reviews, support development planning, and address performance challenges as needed
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and safety‑focused team culture
Support succession planning and career pathways within the substation discipline
Partner with project management and engineering leadership to forecast workload, plan staffing needs, and balance resources across projects
Coordinate closely with civil/structural, transmission line, and project management teams to ensure integrated project delivery
Collaborate with other Nexus discipline managers and office leaders to improve consistency, efficiency, and delivery performance
Manage client relationships at a strategic level, aligning engineering delivery with client and business objectives
Support proposal development and project pursuits by providing technical input, execution strategies, and discipline‑level risk considerations
Represent the substation discipline in client meetings and internal leadership discussions as needed