Substation Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Substation Design Manager

Company: Clark Bros Inc

Location: Fresno, CA

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering / Construction Operations

Date Posted: 2026-04-02

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead comprehensive engineering execution for high-voltage substation EPC projects, encompassing the full lifecycle from initial pursuit and estimating through detailed design, construction support, and final energization.

• Mentor and develop a team of engineers, fostering technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and a culture of continuous improvement within the engineering department.

• Serve as the primary technical liaison, effectively coordinating with external Engineer of Record (EOR) firms, specialty consultants, and internal stakeholders across development, estimating, procurement, and construction teams.

• Drive value engineering initiatives to optimize project safety, cost-effectiveness, performance, and schedule adherence, ensuring constructible and high-quality designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the title "Substation Design Manager" and the emphasis on EPC workflows, this role is firmly positioned within the operational execution of engineering projects. The responsibilities clearly indicate a focus on managing the design phase of construction projects, requiring strong project management and technical leadership skills within the power infrastructure sector. The role is not purely strategic but deeply involved in the tactical execution of engineering deliverables.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end engineering scope for assigned EPC substation projects, typically ranging from 69 kV to 500 kV, ensuring timely and accurate delivery from proposal phase to commissioning support.

• Define detailed scope, key deliverables, and design schedules, meticulously aligning engineering milestones with overall project timelines and critical procurement lead times for long-lead equipment.

• Oversee and coordinate the technical aspects of substation design, including physical layout, grounding systems, raceway design, steel and foundation specifications, bus configurations, equipment ratings, lightning protection, and comprehensive protection and control (P&C) systems (one-lines, three-lines, schematics, wiring diagrams, relay settings philosophy).

• Conduct thorough reviews and approvals of all engineering drawings, calculations, critical studies, and technical specifications, ensuring adherence to technical accuracy, regulatory compliance, and constructability best practices.

• Proactively lead technical risk identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies, implementing value engineering principles to enhance safety, reduce costs, improve performance, and optimize project schedules.

• Act as the key technical interface with utilities, managing requirements for Points of Interconnection (POI), Grid Operations (GO), Testing Operations (TO), interconnection deliverables, and coordinating witness testing protocols.

• Provide robust support to the construction team by efficiently managing Requests for Information (RFIs), Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs), clarifying design details, and overseeing the implementation of design changes and as-built documentation processes.

• Strategically support all procurement efforts for critical long-lead equipment, ensuring timely specifications and vendor coordination to prevent project delays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The detailed responsibilities highlight a hands-on engineering leadership role focused on the practical execution of substation projects. The emphasis on specific technical areas like grounding, P&C, and utility interfaces, along with process management (RFIs, NCRs, as-builts), indicates a need for deep domain expertise and strong operational process management skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline is required.

Experience:

• 6-10+ years of progressive experience in high-voltage substation engineering, with a strong background in EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) projects or significant utility/owner-side project experience.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in substation physical and Protection & Control (P&C) design principles, including grounding systems, equipment selection, and construction sequencing.

• Proficiency with essential design and project management software, including AutoCAD, Bluebeam, short circuit/coordination analysis tools, project scheduling software (e.g., Primavera, MS Project), and the full Microsoft Office Suite.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective engagement with clients, utilities, project managers, construction personnel, and suppliers.

• Ability to travel to project sites, design partner offices, and client meetings as required to facilitate project execution and collaboration.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience managing external Engineer of Record (EOR) agreements and coordinating with third-party specialty engineering firms.

• Familiarity with renewable energy interconnection processes and specific requirements.

• Experience with utility standards and the intricacies of the interconnection process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level (6-10+ years) and the specific mention of EPC workflows, P&C design, and various software tools suggest a role that is beyond entry-level engineering. The preference for a PE license indicates a need for seasoned professionals who can provide technical authority and leadership. The inclusion of specific standards like IEEE, NESC, NEC, ASCE, AISC, and ACI in the original description points to the necessity of deep regulatory and industry code knowledge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of two (2) comprehensive case studies detailing the successful engineering execution of high-voltage substation projects (69kV-500kV), emphasizing your specific role and contributions.

• For each case study, clearly articulate the project's technical challenges, your approach to design and problem-solving, and the specific engineering methodologies employed.

• Include examples of critical design documents, such as P&C schematics, single-line diagrams, grounding plans, or equipment layouts, demonstrating your technical proficiency and attention to detail.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in developing and implementing standardized engineering processes, including templates for design reviews, RFIs, NCRs, and as-built documentation.

• Provide examples of how you have managed the flow of technical information and documentation across multiple disciplines and external partners to ensure seamless project execution.

• Illustrate your approach to risk management and mitigation within the design process, including how you identify, assess, and document potential technical and constructability risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a managerial role focused on design execution, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only display technical design work but also demonstrate leadership in process management, team coordination, and value engineering. The emphasis on EPC workflows implies a need to show how designs are integrated with procurement and construction phases.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $160,000 - $210,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: A robust base salary within the specified range, reflecting the experience and leadership required for this role.

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Includes health insurance (medical, dental, vision), life insurance, and disability coverage.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Access to a 401(k) or similar retirement savings plan, potentially with company matching contributions.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay to support work-life balance.

• Career Development Opportunities: Ample opportunities for professional growth, ongoing training, and advancement within the company.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for performance-based bonuses tied to project success and company profitability.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with flexibility to manage project demands and potential overtime during critical project phases. Hybrid work arrangements are available, balancing in-office collaboration with remote work flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $160,000 - $210,000 USD for a Substation Design Manager in Fresno, CA, aligns with industry benchmarks for senior engineering leadership roles in the power and construction sectors, especially considering the 6-10+ years of experience and the complexity of high-voltage substation EPC projects. Fresno, CA, has a moderate cost of living compared to major tech hubs, which supports this salary range. The listed benefits are standard for a full-time management position in the construction/engineering industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Heavy Civil Construction, with a strong focus on the water, power, and renewable energy resources sectors. Clark Bros Inc is dedicated to improving communities through sustainable infrastructure development.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the description implies a medium to large-sized construction firm with established processes and a significant project portfolio, likely employing several hundred to over a thousand individuals.

Founded: Established over 65 years ago, providing a long history of experience, stability, and expertise in the heavy civil construction market.

Team Structure:

• The Substation Design Manager will lead a team of pre-construction engineers, likely specializing in various aspects of substation design and engineering.

• This role reports into a senior leadership position within the engineering or pre-construction department, possibly a Director of Engineering or VP of Pre-Construction.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using engineering data, project metrics, and technical analysis to inform design choices and project execution strategies.

• Collaborative Workflow Planning: A structured approach to planning and executing engineering tasks, involving cross-functional input and alignment with project goals.

• Efficiency and Innovation: A culture that encourages independent ideas, problem-solving with ingenuity, and continuous improvement in processes and designs to drive efficiency.

Company Website: https://clarkbrosinc.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and focus on critical infrastructure sectors like power and renewables suggest a stable and mission-driven organization. The emphasis on "ingenuity, purpose, and grit" points to a culture that values proactive problem-solving and dedication, which is highly relevant for operations roles facing complex project challenges.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position within the engineering and project delivery function. It requires significant technical expertise in substation design and proven leadership capabilities in managing engineering teams and complex EPC projects. The scope involves strategic input into bids and project execution, making it a critical role in the company's operational success.

Reporting Structure: The Substation Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Engineering or a similar senior executive overseeing pre-construction and design operations. They will, in turn, manage a team of engineers, potentially including junior designers, engineers, and specialists.

Operations Impact: The Substation Design Manager has a direct and substantial impact on the company's revenue and profitability. By ensuring efficient, safe, and constructible designs, they minimize project risks, control costs, meet client expectations, and enhance the company's reputation for successful project delivery. Their ability to win bids through strong technical proposals and execute projects effectively is paramount to Clark Bros Inc's financial performance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific high-voltage substation technologies, renewable energy integration, or advanced grid modernization.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress into higher leadership roles such as Director of Engineering, VP of Pre-Construction, or Program Manager for major infrastructure initiatives.

• Operational Strategy: Contribute to the broader strategic planning of the company's engineering and construction methodologies, influencing future project pipelines and operational efficiencies.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for advanced training, certifications, and participation in industry conferences to stay abreast of emerging technologies and best practices in substation design and EPC project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is designed for an experienced professional who can not only manage the technical aspects of design but also lead teams and contribute to the strategic operational direction of the company's substation projects. The growth path clearly leads to broader leadership responsibilities within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as having a hybrid work arrangement, indicating a blend of in-office and remote work. The company prefers in-office presence at their Fresno, CA headquarters, suggesting a collaborative office environment is valued.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Fresno, CA. The hybrid model implies that employees are expected to be present in the office for certain days or for specific meetings and collaborative sessions, with the flexibility to work remotely for other tasks.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on teamwork suggest an office setting designed for collaboration, with meeting rooms and shared workspaces.

• Technology & Tools: Access to standard office technology, high-speed internet, and the necessary software (AutoCAD, Bluebeam, scheduling tools, MS Office) for efficient design work, whether in-office or remote.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with engineering teams, project managers, and other cross-functional departments, fostering knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected, with the understanding that project demands may require flexibility and occasional extended hours to meet deadlines. The hybrid arrangement offers some autonomy in managing the work schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role acknowledges the need for both focused individual work and essential team collaboration, a common characteristic of modern engineering and operations management positions. The preference for in-office work in Fresno indicates that candidates should be prepared for a significant presence at the headquarters.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications against the core requirements, with a particular focus on substation engineering experience and leadership.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve in-depth discussions about your experience with high-voltage substation design, EPC project lifecycles, specific technical challenges you've overcome, and your familiarity with relevant codes and standards (IEEE, NESC, etc.). Expect to discuss your approach to P&C design, grounding, and equipment selection.

• Portfolio Review & Case Study Presentation: You will be asked to present selected case studies from your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through specific projects, detailing your role, the engineering challenges, the solutions implemented, and the outcomes achieved, emphasizing your leadership and process management contributions.

• Leadership & Behavioral Interview: This session will assess your leadership style, team management capabilities, problem-solving approach, communication skills, and cultural fit with Clark Bros Inc's values (ingenuity, purpose, grit). Questions may focus on how you mentor teams, handle conflict, and drive continuous improvement.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to finalize the offer, confirm expectations, and address any remaining questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role and responsibilities, the actions you took (design decisions, process implementations, team coordination), and the results (quantifiable improvements in safety, cost, schedule, or quality).

• Highlight Leadership & Process: Emphasize your management of engineering teams, coordination with EORs and utilities, and your role in developing or improving engineering processes. Showcase how you ensured constructability and safety were integrated into the design.

• Technical Depth: Be ready to discuss the technical intricacies of your projects, including specific design choices, calculations, and problem-solving scenarios.

• Conciseness: Present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most impactful examples that align with the job requirements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be presented with a hypothetical substation design challenge or a problem from a past project and asked to outline your approach to resolving it, focusing on technical feasibility, cost, schedule, and safety.

• Process Improvement: Be prepared to discuss how you would improve a specific engineering process within an EPC context, such as RFI management, design review cycles, or the integration of as-built data.

• Team Leadership Scenario: You may be asked to describe how you would handle a situation involving underperforming team members, inter-departmental conflicts, or the need to implement new design standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the managerial aspect of the role and the nature of EPC projects, the interview process will likely be rigorous, focusing on both technical acumen and leadership effectiveness. A well-prepared portfolio demonstrating concrete achievements in substation design and project execution is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: AutoCAD (or similar CAD platforms) for generating engineering drawings and layouts.

• Document Review & Markup: Bluebeam Revu for efficient review, markup, and collaboration on drawings and documents.

• Project Scheduling: Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project for detailed project planning, scheduling, and resource allocation.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for documentation, data analysis, reporting, and communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Short Circuit & Coordination Tools: Software for performing short circuit calculations, protective relay coordination studies, and arc flash hazard analysis (specific tools may vary but are critical for P&C design).

• Data Analysis: Advanced Excel functions or dedicated data analysis tools for tracking engineering budgets, KPIs, and performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• Procurement Support Tools: While not a CRM, tools and processes for managing long-lead equipment procurement, vendor specifications, and tracking delivery schedules are essential.

• Document Control Systems: Systems or structured approaches for managing the vast amount of documentation generated in EPC projects (drawings, specifications, RFIs, NCRs).

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified tools are standard for substation engineering and EPC project management. Proficiency in these is non-negotiable. The mention of short circuit/coordination tools and utility standards points to specialized technical software requirements.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety by Design: A paramount value where safety considerations are integrated into every design decision from the outset, reflecting a commitment to preventing incidents and ensuring the well-being of construction crews and the public.

• Ingenuity, Purpose, and Grit: This core company value translates to a culture that encourages innovative problem-solving, a clear understanding of project objectives, and a tenacious spirit to overcome challenges.

• Excellence and Collaboration: A commitment to delivering high-quality work through teamwork, open communication, and a shared responsibility for project success.

• Continuous Improvement: An ongoing drive to refine processes, enhance skills, and adapt to new technologies and methodologies to improve efficiency and project outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Encourages seamless collaboration between engineering, estimating, procurement, and construction teams, ensuring all perspectives are considered throughout the project lifecycle.

• Proactive Communication: Fosters an environment where information is shared openly and promptly, especially regarding design clarifications, risks, and changes, to prevent delays and misunderstandings.

• Knowledge Sharing: Supports a culture where team members share best practices, lessons learned, and technical expertise to elevate the collective capabilities of the engineering department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values of "ingenuity, purpose, and grit" are key indicators of the type of proactive, problem-solving mindset they seek in their operations and engineering teams. This suggests a culture that rewards initiative and resilience.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Technical Rigor with Project Constraints: The primary challenge will be to deliver technically sound, safe, and constructible designs within tight project schedules and budgets, often requiring innovative value engineering solutions.

• Managing External Stakeholders: Effectively coordinating with diverse external parties such as utilities, EORs, and specialty consultants, each with their own standards and priorities, requires strong negotiation and communication skills.

• Mentoring and Developing a Diverse Team: Leading and growing a team of engineers with varying levels of experience and expertise, ensuring consistent quality and fostering a collaborative environment.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies and Standards: Staying current with advancements in substation technology, grid modernization, renewable energy integration, and evolving industry codes and utility requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of high-voltage engineering, power system analysis, or renewable energy integration.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to training and mentorship focused on enhancing management, strategic planning, and cross-functional leadership skills.

• Industry Conferences and Certifications: Support for attending relevant industry events and obtaining professional certifications to stay at the forefront of substation design and EPC management.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of substation projects (different voltage levels, complexities, and client types) provides broad practical experience and builds a comprehensive understanding of the industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges listed are typical for senior engineering management roles in the construction industry, emphasizing the need for strong problem-solving, risk management, and leadership skills. The growth opportunities highlight a commitment to employee development within the operations and engineering functions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex substation design challenge you faced in an EPC project and how you managed the engineering execution from proposal to commissioning."

  • Preparation: Prepare a detailed STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) answer. Focus on your role in leading the engineering team, coordinating with other disciplines, managing risks, and ensuring constructability. Quantify the impact of your actions.

• "How do you ensure safety and constructability are integrated into the substation design process from the early stages?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your "safety-by-design" philosophy. Provide examples of how you involve construction personnel or constructability reviews early on, and how you use tools like P&ID reviews or constructability checklists.

• "Walk me through your experience managing external EORs and specialty engineering firms on substation projects. What are the key success factors?"

  • Preparation: Detail your process for selecting, onboarding, and managing these partners. Highlight your approach to scope definition, technical oversight, communication protocols, and performance management.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on our company values of 'ingenuity, purpose, and grit,' how do you see yourself contributing to our culture as a Substation Design Manager?"

  • Preparation: Research Clark Bros Inc's mission and values. Prepare specific examples of how you've demonstrated these qualities in past roles, particularly in problem-solving, driving projects forward, and leading teams.

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment within your engineering team and with other departments like estimating and construction?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your leadership style, communication strategies, and experience with cross-functional collaboration tools and processes.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Impactful Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your leadership in substation design, EPC project management, and team development.

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly delineate your specific responsibilities and contributions, especially in managing the design process and team.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use data to demonstrate the positive impact of your work on cost, schedule, safety, and quality.

• Storytelling: Frame your case studies as compelling narratives that highlight challenges, your innovative solutions, and successful outcomes.

• Technical Depth: Be ready to answer detailed technical questions about the designs and engineering decisions made in your portfolio projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice is tailored to a management role in a construction/engineering firm, emphasizing both technical expertise and leadership skills. The portfolio presentation is highlighted as a critical component for demonstrating practical experience and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Clark Bros Inc careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your professional portfolio to prominently feature case studies of high-voltage substation EPC projects (69kV-500kV). Ensure these examples clearly illustrate your leadership in design execution, team management, and process optimization, including specific technical challenges and quantifiable results.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords relevant to substation design, EPC project management, high-voltage engineering, team leadership, and proficiency with engineering software (AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Primavera/MS Project). Emphasize achievements related to safety, cost savings, schedule adherence, and technical problem-solving.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method for behavioral questions and prepare concise explanations for technical challenges and leadership scenarios. Rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure clarity, impact, and adherence to time constraints.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Clark Bros Inc's history, mission, values, and recent projects. Understand their focus on water, power, and renewable energy sectors, and consider how your experience aligns with their culture of "ingenuity, purpose, and grit."

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