Physical Design Manager - Substation

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Physical Design Manager - Substation

Company: SEnergy

Location: Boerne, Texas, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering - Energy / Operations Management

Date Posted: February 20, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the complete project lifecycle for physical design substation projects, ensuring successful execution from initial scoping through final implementation.

• Drive the development and refinement of high-voltage substation designs, adhering to industry best practices and regulatory compliance for projects ranging from 4kV to 345kV.

• Oversee proposal development and client engagement, ensuring accurate scope definition, competitive pricing, and alignment with company margins and risk assessment.

• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to engineering teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, quality assurance, and knowledge transfer within the substation engineering division.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for SEnergy's growth in the high-voltage substation market, requiring a blend of technical engineering expertise, project management acumen, and leadership capabilities to deliver complex projects efficiently and profitably. The emphasis on "physical design" suggests a focus on layout, structural, and spatial aspects of substations, rather than purely electrical schematics.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Project Leadership & Management: Spearhead all phases of physical design substation projects, including station physical layouts, sections/elevations, cable and conduit plans, ground grid design, control enclosure design, lightning protection, and yard lighting plans.

• Proposal & Business Development: Actively participate in EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) proposal development, defining clear scopes of work, reviewing construction pricing with partners for accuracy and competitiveness, and preparing comprehensive proposals for clients.

• Technical Oversight & Quality Assurance: Review, approve, and seal all design documents prepared by the engineering team, ensuring accuracy, adherence to specifications, and compliance with relevant codes and standards. Conduct thorough quality control checks on all project deliverables.

• Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Prepare and present proposals to clients as required, maintain strong client relationships, and effectively communicate project status, risks, and technical decisions.

• Field Operations & Site Assessment: Conduct necessary field surveys and site inspections to gather essential data for design projects and to verify construction conformance with approved drawings and specifications.

• Technical Expertise & Mentorship: Serve as a division technical specialist on advanced concepts, principles, and methods in substation physical design. Mentor and train junior staff members to enhance team knowledge and capabilities.

• Risk Management & Problem Resolution: Identify and assess project risks, resolve technical engineering conflicts that arise within the assigned team, and maintain meticulous project documentation, including calculations, design decisions, and rationale.

• Project Closeout: Prepare and manage project close-out documents, ensuring all contractual obligations and documentation requirements are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "review and seal all design documents" signifies a senior engineering role requiring a PE license and ultimate accountability for the technical integrity of the substation designs. The scope from 4kV to 345kV indicates a broad range of project complexity and client types.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 5-10 years of progressive experience in the physical design of high-voltage substation projects.

• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing substation engineering projects from conception to completion.

Required Skills:

• Professional Engineering (PE) License: Must possess a current PE license in the state of Texas.

• Substation Design Expertise: In-depth knowledge of substation physical design elements, including layouts, grounding, cable management, control buildings, and protection systems for voltages up to 345kV.

• Project Management Proficiency: Strong capabilities in project scoping, planning, execution, monitoring, and closing, with a focus on delivering projects on time and within budget.

• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Excellent ability to analyze complex technical challenges, identify root causes, and develop effective engineering solutions.

• Communication Excellence: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical information clearly to diverse audiences, including clients, internal teams, and management.

• Computer Proficiency: Strong skills in project management software, spreadsheet applications (e.g., Microsoft Excel), and word processing applications (e.g., Microsoft Word).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific substation design software (e.g., AutoCAD, MicroStation, specialized layout tools).

• Familiarity with relevant industry codes, standards, and regulations (e.g., NESC, IEEE, NEC).

• Experience in mentoring or supervising junior engineering staff.

• Understanding of electrical system design principles beyond physical layout.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Texas PE license is paramount. Candidates should highlight projects where they held ultimate design responsibility and successfully managed the entire project lifecycle, emphasizing their leadership and technical decision-making.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Detailed documentation of 2-3 significant high-voltage substation physical design projects managed by the candidate. Each case study should clearly outline the project scope, challenges, your specific role and contributions, design solutions implemented, and quantifiable outcomes.

• Design Deliverables Examples: Samples of key design documents you have personally reviewed, approved, or sealed, such as site plans, grounding designs, cable trench plans, or control building layouts. (Redact sensitive client information).

• Proposal & Scope Examples: Examples of proposals or scope of work documents you have developed, showcasing your ability to define project parameters, estimate resources, and articulate value propositions.

• Process Improvement Initiatives: Evidence of implementing process improvements within design workflows, quality control measures, or team management, demonstrating a proactive approach to operational efficiency.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate understanding of standard engineering design processes for substations, including stages from conceptualization, preliminary design, detailed design, procurement support, construction support, and closeout.

• Be prepared to discuss methodologies for quality control, risk assessment, and documentation management within engineering projects.

• Highlight experience with or understanding of how to document and optimize workflows for design teams to ensure efficiency and consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should focus their portfolios on showcasing their leadership in managing complex physical design projects, their ability to deliver high-quality, compliant designs, and their contributions to business development through proposal work. Emphasize quantifiable achievements in terms of project success, efficiency gains, or cost savings.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $110,000 - $150,000 per year.

• Explanation: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Physical Design Managers with 5-10 years of experience in high-voltage substations, requiring a PE license in Texas, and considering the cost of living and demand in the Boerne, TX area. Roles with significant project management and PE-level responsibility typically command competitive salaries.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: 100% employer-paid health insurance for the employee, with 50% coverage for the first dependent.

• Retirement Savings: Generous 200% 401(k) match on contributions up to 4.5% of salary.

• Disability Coverage: Employer-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance.

• Ancillary Insurance: Comprehensive Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and optional Supplemental insurance plans.

• Paid Time Off: Generous starting PTO of 3 weeks annually, with rollover capabilities.

• Paid Holidays: Standard paid holidays throughout the year.

• Health Savings Account (HSA): Annual employer contribution to an HSA.

• Performance Bonus: Annual Profit-Sharing Bonus tied to company and individual performance.

Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week, typically Monday through Friday. Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines or attend client meetings outside of standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation is estimated based on typical salaries for similar roles in the Texas engineering market. The benefits package is robust, particularly the 100% employer-paid health insurance and the significant 401(k) match, which are attractive incentives for experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy Services, Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) with a specialization in substations and grid infrastructure.

Company Size: SEnergy is likely a growing firm, indicated by the need for experienced management roles and the structured benefits package. While exact size isn't provided, the operational scope suggests a mid-sized to large organization within the specialized energy sector.

Founded: Founded in 2014, SEnergy has established itself as a key player in providing comprehensive engineering and consulting services, focusing on innovation and client-centric solutions in the rapidly evolving energy landscape.

Team Structure:

• The Physical Design Manager will lead a team of engineers and designers focused on substation projects. This team likely operates within a larger Substation Engineering division.

• The role reports to a Director of Substation Engineering and collaborates closely with Project Management Office (PMO) Managers and other engineering disciplines (e.g., electrical systems, protection & control).

Methodology:

• SEnergy likely employs a data-driven approach to project development and execution, emphasizing thorough analysis of client needs, site conditions, and regulatory requirements.

• Workflow planning and optimization are crucial for managing multiple high-voltage substation projects simultaneously, ensuring efficiency and adherence to project timelines.

• The company values efficient practices, likely incorporating elements of automation where feasible and continuously seeking ways to enhance project delivery through best-in-class engineering methodologies.

Company Website: https://poweredbysenergy.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: SEnergy appears to be a dynamic company focused on delivering high-quality engineering solutions in the energy sector. The culture likely emphasizes technical excellence, client satisfaction, and professional development, aligning with the requirements for a senior engineering management role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior management level within the engineering and operations function. It requires not only deep technical expertise in substation physical design but also significant project management and team leadership responsibilities. The ability to "review and seal" designs places the individual in a position of ultimate technical accountability.

Reporting Structure: The Physical Design Manager will report to the Director of Substation Engineering, indicating a clear hierarchical structure within the engineering department. This role will also likely have strong dotted-line reporting or close collaboration with Project Managers and the PMO.

Operations Impact: This position has a direct and substantial impact on SEnergy's revenue and business success. The manager is responsible for the profitable execution of substation projects, client satisfaction, and the development of a high-performing engineering team. Effective project delivery and proposal contribution are critical drivers of company growth and profitability in the energy infrastructure market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance into roles such as Director of Substation Engineering, VP of Engineering, or even broader operational leadership positions within the company.

• Technical Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of substation design or to take on consulting roles for highly complex projects.

• Business Development: Involvement in client relations and proposal strategy can lead to opportunities in business development or client relationship management.

• Mentorship & Training: Formalizing mentorship programs and contributing to the development of future engineering talent within SEnergy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression within a specialized engineering field. Candidates seeking to grow into leadership roles within the energy infrastructure sector will find significant opportunities for advancement and impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in SEnergy's Boerne office, suggesting a professional office environment designed for engineering and project management activities. This likely includes collaborative workspaces, private offices for management, and meeting rooms equipped for technical discussions and client presentations.

Office Location(s): Boerne, Texas, with potential for overnight travel to project sites as needed. Boerne is located in the Texas Hill Country, offering a professional setting with proximity to San Antonio.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is expected to be collaborative, requiring close interaction with a team of engineers and designers.

• Access to necessary engineering software, design tools, and communication platforms is assumed.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with project teams, management, and potentially clients, fostering a dynamic and engaging work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility to accommodate project demands. This might include occasional extended hours or weekend work during critical project phases, especially when nearing proposal deadlines or construction milestones. The remote status is "On-site," meaning the role requires regular presence at the Boerne office.

📝 Enhancement Note: While primarily an on-site role, the mention of "some overnight travel" indicates that adaptability to site visits is a requirement. The Boerne office location suggests a professional but potentially less high-pressure urban environment, which can be appealing to some professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by HR and the hiring manager to assess qualifications and experience alignment.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on your substation design experience, project management methodologies, technical problem-solving skills, and understanding of relevant codes and standards. Expect scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Review Session: A dedicated meeting where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio, detailing your role, contributions, challenges, and outcomes of key projects. This is a critical stage to demonstrate practical application of your skills.

• Management/Cultural Fit Interview: Conversation with senior leadership (potentially Director of Substation Engineering or higher) to assess leadership style, team management approach, cultural fit with SEnergy, and long-term career aspirations.

• Final Offer: Following successful interviews, a formal offer will be extended.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating specific skills (e.g., project leadership, technical problem-solving, proposal development).

• Quantify Achievements: For each project presented, use data and metrics to showcase impact (e.g., budget adherence, schedule savings, design efficiency improvements, client satisfaction scores).

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific responsibilities and contributions, especially in team leadership and design approval/sealing capacities.

• Prepare for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to discuss the technical details of your designs, the rationale behind your decisions, and how you resolved complex engineering challenges.

• Showcase Communication Skills: Practice explaining complex technical concepts clearly and concisely, as you will be presenting to potentially mixed audiences.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential technical challenges or case studies that simulate real-world problems faced in substation design or project management. This could involve analyzing a design issue, developing a project plan for a hypothetical scenario, or evaluating a proposal.

• Practice articulating your thought process, demonstrating your problem-solving methodology, and explaining your reasoning clearly and logically.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a crucial component. Candidates should not only have a well-prepared portfolio but also be adept at presenting it effectively, highlighting their leadership and technical decision-making capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD software such as AutoCAD or MicroStation for creating detailed physical layouts, sections, and plans.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Monday.com, or similar platforms for planning, tracking, and managing project timelines, resources, and budgets.

• Engineering Design Tools: Familiarity with specific substation design software for elements like grounding grid analysis (e.g., CDEGS), structural analysis, or cable routing.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with collaborative environments like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, financial tracking, cost estimation, and reporting.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate clear and concise reports on project status, financial performance, and technical findings.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct sales role, understanding of how CRM data (e.g., client interactions, project history) might inform proposal development and client management is beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation tools could be advantageous for optimizing internal design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't explicitly list specific software, candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with common engineering design and project management tools. Highlighting proficiency in CAD and project management software is essential.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A strong commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound engineering solutions that meet or exceed industry standards.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, fostering strong relationships, and ensuring client satisfaction through reliable project delivery.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding high ethical standards, taking ownership of projects and decisions, and ensuring transparency in all dealings.

• Innovation & Efficiency: Encouraging creative problem-solving and implementing efficient processes to optimize project execution and resource utilization.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Fostering a collaborative environment where team members support each other, share knowledge, and work together towards common goals.

Collaboration Style:

• SEnergy likely promotes a collaborative approach where engineers, designers, and project managers work closely together to achieve project objectives.

• Open communication and constructive feedback are expected to be valued, enabling continuous improvement of designs and processes.

• Knowledge sharing, especially through mentorship and team discussions, is crucial for building a strong engineering department and transferring expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value professional growth, client satisfaction, and a commitment to excellence in engineering. Candidates should demonstrate alignment with these values, emphasizing their collaborative spirit and dedication to delivering impactful results.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Projects: Successfully overseeing multiple substation projects simultaneously, each with unique technical requirements, client expectations, and timelines.

• Technical Conflict Resolution: Effectively resolving complex engineering disputes that may arise within the team or with external stakeholders, ensuring technically sound and timely solutions.

• Rigor of PE Seal: Maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and compliance for all designs bearing your professional seal, which carries significant legal and professional responsibility.

• Balancing Speed and Quality: Ensuring proposals are delivered accurately and competitively within tight deadlines while maintaining the quality required for robust substation designs.

• Mentoring and Development: Effectively transferring knowledge and developing the skills of junior engineers to build a strong, capable, and sustainable design team.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas of high-voltage substation design, new technologies, or emerging industry standards.

• Leadership Development Programs: Potential for formal training in management, leadership, and strategic planning to prepare for advanced roles.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Participation in industry events to stay abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in substation engineering and project management.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining broader understanding of other engineering disciplines within SEnergy and how they integrate with physical design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant challenges that are directly tied to professional growth. Overcoming these challenges will provide valuable experience and set the stage for further career advancement within SEnergy or the broader energy sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex physical design challenge you encountered in a substation project and how you resolved it. What was the outcome?" (Focus on your problem-solving process, technical knowledge, and leadership.)

• "How do you approach leading an engineering team through the entire project lifecycle, from scope definition to closeout?" (Highlight your project management methodology and team motivation skills.)

• "Walk me through your process for reviewing and sealing engineering design documents. What are your key quality control checks?" (Emphasize your attention to detail, understanding of standards, and accountability.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about SEnergy and our role in the energy infrastructure market?" (Research the company's website, recent projects, and mission.)

• "How would you foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within your engineering team?" (Align your response with SEnergy's likely values of teamwork and efficiency.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select High-Impact Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your leadership, technical depth, and ability to manage complex physical design tasks.

• Quantify Results: Use numbers and metrics whenever possible to demonstrate project success (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, efficiency gains).

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly define your responsibilities, decisions, and contributions as the manager.

• Tell a Story: Structure your presentations with a clear beginning (challenge/scope), middle (actions/solutions), and end (results/impact).

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate technical questions about your designs and management approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss not just what you did, but why you did it, and how it impacted the project and the company. Demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership, and a deep understanding of substation engineering principles will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the JazzHR portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in high-voltage substation physical design, project management, and your Texas PE license. Prepare your portfolio, selecting 2-3 key projects that best represent your leadership and technical capabilities.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 5-10 years of relevant experience, emphasizing responsibilities such as leading design teams, reviewing/sealing documents, proposal development, and field surveys. Use keywords from the job description naturally.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on quantifying achievements and clearly defining your role. Research SEnergy thoroughly.

• Company Research: Gain a comprehensive understanding of SEnergy's services, projects, and company culture. Familiarize yourself with their approach to EPC projects and their position in the energy infrastructure market.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with SEnergy before making application decisions.