Substation Operations Manager

Overwatch Mission Critical•McLean, VA

12h

About The Position

The Substation Operations Manager is responsible for the full lifecycle management of private substation operations and maintenance (O&M) contracts supporting data center development projects. The role oversees third-party vendors and internal teams to maintain high-voltage asset reliability while adhering to safety, financial, and regulatory standards and tenant service-level agreements (SLAs). The manager works with utility partners, EPC contractors, operations vendors, asset management teams, and capital partners as needed. The position is based at company headquarters, with regular travel to project sites and utility partner locations. Travel requirements may expand as the portfolio grows. Work takes place primarily in and around active data center construction environments, indoors and outdoors, and may involve unfinished buildings, temporary field offices, staging areas, and partially completed infrastructure. Site conditions may include uneven or obstructed terrain, limited accessibility, construction activity, and areas controlled by third parties. The role requires site inspections and the ability to access active construction areas, including raised platforms, scaffolding, and confined spaces. Employees must use required PPE, including hard hats, safety vests, hearing protection, and steel-toe boots. Reasonable accommodations may be made where they do not create safety hazards, impede essential mobility within active work zones, or require modifications to facilities not owned or controlled by Overwatch.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, construction management, business, or a related field, or equivalent significant relevant work experience in lieu of a degree.
At least 5 years of direct experience in substation operations, transmission and distribution projects, and high-voltage maintenance.
Proven vendor-management and oversight experience with major EPC companies.
Strong understanding of electric transmission and distribution systems, substation concepts, and electric utility infrastructure.
Deep knowledge of NERC standards, OSHA safety guidelines, and ANSI/IEEE technical specifications.
Proficiency with SCADA systems and protective relays, and ability to interpret one-line electrical diagrams and schematics.
Familiarity with condition-based maintenance and predictive monitoring tools for asset management.
Knowledge of utility agreements, tariffs, and power contracts across multiple utility markets.
Strong understanding of power redundancy principles and data center-specific electric utility requirements.
Ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines and produce detail-oriented work.
Ability to work independently with limited supervision, collaborate as a team player, identify problems, and develop creative solutions in a fast-paced environment.
Effective oral and written communication with senior management, technical consultants, utility stakeholders, fellow employees, contractors, engineers, and site personnel.
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Valid driver's license appropriate for the role and eligibility to operate a motor vehicle in accordance with applicable laws, because on-site presence and travel between work locations are essential.
Ability to walk, stand, stoop, twist, bend, and climb stairs or ladders for extended periods on uneven, unpaved, or obstructed terrain.
Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
Ability to drive between job sites and access active construction areas, including raised platforms, scaffolding, and confined spaces.
Ability to tolerate outdoor weather, dust, construction-related noise, vibrations, and odors.
Ability to maintain situational awareness in high-activity environments and sufficient visual acuity to read drawings, specifications, and safety signage.
Ability to use required PPE, including hard hats, safety vests, hearing protection, and steel-toe boots.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in engineering, business, or a related field.
Project management (PMP) certification or relevant electrical certifications.
Experience supporting hyperscale or colocation data center utility infrastructure.
Specific experience with private substation ownership and O&M contract structures.
Familiarity with DCIM platforms and substation asset management systems.
Experience with battery energy storage systems (BESS) and renewable energy integration.
Familiarity with cloud-based project management software such as Procore or Autodesk Construction Cloud.

Responsibilities

Draft, negotiate, and execute operations, maintenance, and emergency-response contracts with vendors and subcontractors, establishing favorable terms and clear service-level agreements.
Maintain compliance with tenant service-level agreements.
Coordinate tenants and O&M contractors or vendors for routine maintenance and emergency-response work.
Establish and monitor contractor KPIs, ensuring compliance with technical standards such as ANSI and IEEE and safety regulations such as OSHA and NESC.
Develop, coordinate, and maintain contract schedules; negotiate and resolve critical-path conflicts related to vendor performance.
Manage contracts and agreements and enforce their provisions throughout the project lifecycle.
Build and maintain a qualified network of substation O&M contractors able to support emergency response and routine maintenance across multiple markets.
Develop substation-site safety and access protocols and action plans to ensure compliance.
Review substation one-line diagrams before and during construction to confirm tenant redundancy requirements are met.
Conduct monthly inspections of active substation sites.