Substation Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Substation Design Manager

Company: PCL Construction

Location: Katy, Texas, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering / Construction / Energy / Management & Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-08-21

Experience Level: 7-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end substation design process for utility-scale solar projects, ensuring technical accuracy, constructability, and compliance with rigorous utility and project specifications.

• Provide critical technical leadership for Protection and Control (P&C) design, including detailed review of relay logic, control schematics, and SCADA integration to ensure seamless grid connectivity.

• Foster a high-performance culture through effective supervision, mentorship, and development of engineering staff, driving continuous improvement in design and execution practices.

• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including project management, PV design, and field construction, to optimize design flow, resolve complex technical challenges, and ensure timely project delivery.

• Uphold and promote a strong safety culture across all design and execution phases, ensuring adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the title "Substation Design Manager" and the company's focus on "Solar Constructors," this role is firmly within the Renewable Energy/Power Systems Engineering domain. The responsibilities clearly indicate a leadership position overseeing the technical design and execution of high-voltage substations integral to solar power generation projects. The emphasis on P&C, SCADA, and utility standards points to a critical role in grid interconnection and operational reliability.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the entire substation design lifecycle, from initial concept and feasibility studies through detailed engineering and final execution, ensuring alignment with technical requirements, constructability, and all relevant utility and project specifications.

• Meticulously review and coordinate equipment vendor drawings and documentation for key components such as transformers, circuit breakers, switchgear, and protection equipment, verifying their full integration with the overall substation design, project mandates, and protection/control schemes.

• Engage in close collaboration with the Engineer of Record (EOR) to proactively resolve design issues, conduct thorough reviews of technical submittals, and maintain design consistency across multiple substation projects and associated balance-of-plant systems.

• Direct and provide technical expertise for Protection and Control (P&C) design activities, encompassing the detailed review of relay logic, control schematics, SCADA integration, and all necessary interconnection requirements.

• Interpret and rigorously implement utility and grid operator requirements, ensuring all designs, relay schemes, and interface points strictly adhere to applicable industry standards and operational practices.

• Facilitate effective communication and coordination with project management, PV design teams, and construction teams to streamline design workflows, address technical challenges efficiently, and support the timely and successful delivery of projects.

• Actively participate in site walks, factory acceptance tests (FATs), commissioning planning, and energization activities, providing essential technical guidance throughout the construction, testing, and commissioning phases.

• Proactively identify and troubleshoot design nonconformances, determine root causes of issues, and formulate effective corrective action recommendations to uphold quality and performance standards.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices, emerging technologies, and evolving trends in substation design, equipment, and protection systems to foster continuous improvement and drive innovation within the team.

• Systematically capture lessons learned and document success stories to contribute to ongoing process improvement across the project lifecycle, enhancing estimating, design, and construction best practices.

• Cultivate and maintain robust client and stakeholder relationships, ensuring consistent alignment with project-specific success criteria (CPSSC) and overarching owner objectives.

• Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of engineering staff, actively promoting a collaborative, high-performance, and safety-conscious culture within the design department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are typical for a senior engineering management role in a specialized construction field. The emphasis on leading the "full substation design process," "technical leadership for P&C," "interpreting utility requirements," and "coordinating with EOR" highlights the strategic and technical depth expected. The inclusion of "site walks, FATs, commissioning planning, and energization activities" indicates a hands-on approach extending beyond pure design into project execution support.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Electrical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.

• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation is preferred, demonstrating a high level of technical competency and professional accreditation.

• Equivalent relevant industry or trade experience will be considered as an alternative to a formal degree. Experience:

• A minimum of 7 to 10 years of progressive professional experience in electrical or power systems engineering.

• A minimum of 2 years of direct experience specifically within the construction of utility-scale solar or other renewable energy projects. Required Skills:

• Proven, hands-on background in high-voltage substation design, encompassing all critical aspects including protection and control (P&C) systems, intricate relay schemes, and SCADA integration.

• Demonstrated experience with substation testing, commissioning, and grid synchronization processes, including a strong familiarity with utility interconnection and energization procedures.

• Proficient in the review and interpretation of complex vendor drawings and documentation, ensuring strict adherence to design intent, protection schemes, and project-specific standards.

• Adept at identifying and clearly communicating installation priorities to field and trade contractors, effectively preparing and managing construction and commissioning schedules, and leading start-up and closeout processes.

• Solid understanding of construction contracts and subcontracts, with the capability to manage contractual obligations, control project scope, and ensure strict compliance with all applicable health, safety, and environmental (HSE) regulations.

• Strong capability to monitor, forecast, and allocate project resources effectively, identify potential schedule impacts, and proactively manage risks and opportunities throughout both the design and construction phases.

• Proven commitment to championing and implementing a robust safety culture across all design and execution teams.

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, essential for leading multidisciplinary teams and fostering effective collaboration with clients, utilities, and internal stakeholders.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decisive decision-making skills, coupled with a proactive approach to resolving technical and design-related issues.

• High degree of flexibility and adaptability required to thrive in a fast-paced, multi-project environment.

• Willingness to travel for site work, testing, and commissioning activities as necessitated by project demands. Preferred Skills:

• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation.

• Direct experience with utility-scale solar PV substation design and integration.

• Familiarity with specific utility interconnection standards and processes within the Texas region.

• Experience with project cost control and budget management for design phases.

• Knowledge of relevant industry software for substation design and analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements are detailed, specifying both general power systems engineering and direct renewable energy project construction. The "Required Skills" section is comprehensive, covering technical design, project execution support, contract management, safety, and soft skills. The inclusion of "P.Eng. preferred" and "equivalent relevant industry/trade experience" offers flexibility for candidates.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase detailed case studies demonstrating successful leadership of the complete substation design process, from initial concept through to final construction and commissioning.

• Provide examples of how you've ensured technical accuracy, constructability, and compliance with utility and project specifications in past projects.

• Present documentation or descriptions of your involvement in reviewing and coordinating critical equipment vendor drawings (e.g., transformers, switchgear, protection equipment).

• Include evidence of your contribution to resolving design issues and maintaining design consistency, ideally in collaboration with an Engineer of Record (EOR).

• Highlight examples of your technical leadership in Protection and Control (P&C) design, including relay logic, control schematics, and SCADA integration. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you interpret and implement utility and grid operator requirements into final designs.

• Documentation of your collaboration and communication strategies with project management, PV design, and construction teams to optimize design flow and resolve technical challenges.

• Case studies illustrating your participation in site walks, factory acceptance tests (FATs), commissioning planning, and energization activities, detailing your technical guidance provided.

• Evidence of your process for identifying and troubleshooting design nonconformances, determining root causes, and implementing corrective actions.

• Examples of how you stay current with industry practices, technologies, and emerging trends in substation design and protection systems.

• Documentation of your methods for capturing lessons learned and contributing to estimating, design, and construction best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Substation Design Manager," a robust portfolio is crucial. This section emphasizes demonstrating leadership in the entire design lifecycle, technical depth in P&C and SCADA, collaboration, and problem-solving. The focus is on tangible project outcomes and process proficiency rather than just listing tools.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Substation Design Manager with 7-10 years of experience in the Houston metropolitan area (including Katy, TX), the estimated salary range is $120,000 - $160,000 per year. This range can vary based on specific experience, qualifications, and the candidate's P.Eng. status. Benefits:

• Employee Ownership: Opportunities for employee ownership, fostering a long-term stake in company success.

• Performance Bonuses: Annual discretionary performance-based bonuses, rewarding individual and company achievements.

• Retirement Savings: Comprehensive 401(k) plan with a company match, supporting long-term financial planning.

• Health & Wellness:

  • Industry-leading medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
  • Prescription drug coverage and convenient telemedicine services.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for healthcare, dependent care, and transportation expenses.
  • Robust mental health and wellness support, including Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).

• Insurance:

  • Life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.
  • Disability insurance to provide income protection.

• Family Support:

  • Paid parental leave and family care support benefits.

• Professional Development:

  • Access to world-class training through PCL’s College of Construction.

  • Professional development courses and ongoing learning opportunities.

  • Defined career growth pathways, leadership development programs, and mentorship opportunities. Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. However, due to the nature of construction project timelines and critical design phases, occasional overtime may be necessary to meet project deadlines and respond to urgent technical issues. Flexibility in working hours will be expected to support project needs and potential travel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for this role in the specified region and experience level, utilizing data from industry salary surveys and job market analysis for engineering management positions in the construction and energy sectors. The extensive list of benefits provided in the job description has been categorized for clarity.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Construction, Renewable Energy (Solar Power)

Company Size: Large (PCL Construction is a major international construction company with tens of thousands of employees globally, though the "Solar Constructors USA Inc." division may be a more focused unit within this.)

Founded: PCL Construction was founded in 1906, bringing over a century of experience and stability to its operations.

Team Structure:

• The Substation Design Manager will likely lead a dedicated team of electrical engineers, designers, and drafters specializing in substation and power systems for solar projects.

• This team typically reports into a broader engineering or project management structure within PCL Solar Constructors USA Inc.

• Close collaboration is expected with Project Managers, PV Design Engineers, Field Operations Managers, procurement teams, and external stakeholders such as utility companies and equipment vendors. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasizes the use of technical data, engineering principles, and performance metrics to inform substation design decisions, ensuring optimal efficiency and reliability.

• Process Optimization: Focuses on streamlining design workflows, improving constructability reviews, and enhancing the coordination between design and field teams to reduce project timelines and costs.

• Safety First: A core tenet of PCL's culture, with a rigorous approach to safety in all design considerations and execution planning, aiming for zero incidents.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Encourages cross-functional teamwork to identify and resolve complex technical challenges, leveraging the collective expertise of various departments and disciplines.

Company Website: https://www.pcl.com/us/en/

📝 Enhancement Note: PCL's long history and employee-owned structure suggest a culture focused on long-term success, employee well-being, and a strong sense of shared responsibility. The specific mention of "PCL Solar Constructors USA Inc." indicates a specialized division focused on the growing renewable energy sector. The "Methodology" section infers PCL's likely approach to engineering and project execution based on typical industry best practices for large construction firms.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level engineering management position. It requires significant technical expertise, proven leadership capabilities, and a comprehensive understanding of the entire project lifecycle from design through execution. The "Manager" title indicates responsibility for leading a team and overseeing critical project deliverables.

Reporting Structure: The Substation Design Manager will likely report to a Director of Engineering, VP of Operations, or a Senior Project Director within PCL Solar Constructors USA Inc. They will, in turn, manage a team of electrical engineers and designers.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and substantial impact on the success of solar construction projects. Effective substation design is crucial for:

• Project Viability: Ensuring the substation can reliably connect the solar farm to the grid, which is fundamental to project revenue generation.

• Cost Control: Optimizing designs for constructability and material efficiency to minimize project costs and maximize profitability.

• Schedule Adherence: Delivering designs on time and without significant revisions to keep construction schedules on track.

• Risk Mitigation: Identifying and resolving potential technical issues early in the design phase to prevent costly delays or safety incidents during construction and operation.

• Client Satisfaction: Meeting or exceeding client and utility technical requirements and operational expectations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced substation technologies, grid integration, or specific renewable energy systems.

• Project Leadership: Transition into larger, more complex projects or take on broader program management responsibilities within the solar division.

• Management Progression: Advance to higher leadership roles such as Director of Engineering, Vice President of Operations, or similar executive positions within PCL.

• Cross-Disciplinary Experience: Gain exposure to other aspects of PCL's diverse construction portfolio through internal opportunities.

• Professional Development: Continuous learning through PCL's College of Construction, industry certifications, and advanced training programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Impact" section connects the technical responsibilities of the role directly to key business outcomes such as revenue generation, cost control, and risk management, which is vital for operations professionals. The "Growth Opportunities" are tailored to a career path within a large construction firm in the energy sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is primarily based on-site at PCL's office in Katy, Texas. The office environment is expected to be professional, with dedicated workspaces for engineering and project management teams. It will likely foster a collaborative atmosphere where teams can work together on complex designs and project planning.

Office Location(s): Katy, Texas, a suburb of Houston, offers a dynamic business environment with access to a large pool of engineering talent and proximity to major energy industry hubs.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to facilitate teamwork, with meeting rooms, shared project areas, and open communication channels for design reviews and problem-solving sessions.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard engineering software, design platforms, communication tools, and potentially project management systems.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with fellow engineers, project managers, and other key personnel involved in solar construction projects. Regular team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional discussions are standard.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, typically 40 hours per week. However, the dynamic nature of construction projects means that flexibility is often required. This may include occasional overtime, extended hours during critical design phases, or weekend work for site visits, factory acceptance tests, or commissioning support, especially as project deadlines approach. Travel to project sites, vendor facilities, or client locations may also be required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes the "on-site" nature of the role and frames the office environment in terms of collaboration and access to necessary resources, which is relevant for an operations-focused role. The mention of flexibility in working hours and travel is also a key consideration for candidates in this field.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and qualifications to assess alignment with the core requirements, with a focus on substation design experience and leadership capabilities.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion covering your experience in high-voltage substation design, P&C systems, SCADA integration, utility standards, and constructability. Expect scenario-based questions related to design challenges and problem-solving.

• Manager/Team Interview: Conversation with the hiring manager and potentially other senior engineers or project managers to assess leadership style, team collaboration skills, and cultural fit within PCL.

• Portfolio Review (Potentially integrated): You may be asked to present specific examples from your portfolio, detailing your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the outcomes achieved in past substation design projects.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, career aspirations, and overall fit within PCL Solar Constructors USA Inc.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Leadership: Clearly articulate your role in leading design teams and overseeing the entire design process.

• Showcase Technical Depth: For P&C and SCADA, detail specific logic, schemes, and integration challenges you've overcome.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics where possible to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., cost savings, schedule improvements, efficiency gains, reduction in design errors).

• Illustrate Collaboration: Provide examples of how you effectively collaborated with EORs, vendors, project management, and field teams.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Present case studies of complex technical issues you encountered and how you resolved them.

• Focus on Constructability: Show how your designs prioritized ease of construction and site safety.

• Tailor to Solar: Emphasize experience relevant to utility-scale solar substations and grid interconnection.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for questions that test your understanding of electrical engineering principles, substation components, protection schemes, and grid integration requirements.

• Practice explaining complex technical concepts clearly and concisely.

• Think through hypothetical scenarios related to design conflicts, site issues, or utility requirement changes, and outline your approach to resolution.

• Research PCL's recent projects, particularly in the solar sector, to demonstrate your interest and understanding of their work.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on how to best present their qualifications and experience, especially concerning their portfolio, which is critical for a design management role. The emphasis is on demonstrating leadership, technical acumen, and practical problem-solving skills relevant to substation design.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency with AutoCAD, specifically for electrical and substation design layouts, single-line diagrams, schematics, and physical arrangements.

• Electrical Design Software: Experience with software for power system analysis, load flow calculations, short-circuit studies, and protection coordination (e.g., ETAP, PSS/E, SKM Power*Tools).

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for managing and versioning large sets of technical documents, drawings, and vendor submittals.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like MS Project, Primavera P6, or similar for scheduling and tracking design progress.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, calculations, and reporting on design parameters and project metrics.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate clear and concise technical reports for internal teams, clients, and stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary CRM role, understanding how design interfaces with procurement and project management systems is beneficial.

• Familiarity with systems that automate aspects of document control or design review processes could be advantageous. Other Relevant Technologies:

• SCADA Systems: Understanding of SCADA principles and integration requirements for substation monitoring and control.

• Protection Relays: Knowledge of common protection relay manufacturers and their configuration software.

• Utility Standards: Familiarity with relevant IEEE, NERC, and specific utility standards for substation design and interconnection.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section lists the typical software and technological tools a Substation Design Manager would encounter. The emphasis is on CAD, power system analysis software, and project management tools, reflecting the technical nature of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety: A paramount value, expecting all team members to prioritize safety in design, planning, and execution, adhering to stringent HSE protocols.

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding the highest standards of honesty and ethical conduct in all business dealings and project execution.

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, technically sound, and constructible designs that meet or exceed client expectations.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where open communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual support are encouraged across all disciplines.

• Innovation: Encouraging the adoption of new technologies, methodologies, and best practices to drive efficiency and improve project outcomes.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities, decisions, and project outcomes, driving results through proactive management.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Emphasis on seamless integration between design teams, project management, procurement, and field operations to ensure designs are practical and executable.

• Proactive Communication: Encouraging regular and transparent communication with all stakeholders, including clients, utilities, and internal teams, to manage expectations and resolve issues promptly.

• Constructive Feedback: A culture that values constructive feedback loops between design, construction, and commissioning teams to continuously improve processes and designs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where lessons learned, best practices, and technical insights are shared across the team and organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values and collaboration styles are inferred from PCL's established reputation as a large, reputable construction firm and the inherent requirements of a complex, multi-disciplinary role like Substation Design Manager. The focus is on safety, quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Grid Interconnection: Navigating evolving utility interconnection requirements and ensuring seamless integration of solar substations into the existing power grid.

• Technical Design Complexity: Managing intricate protection and control schemes, SCADA integration, and ensuring compliance with high-voltage equipment specifications.

• Cross-Functional Coordination: Effectively bridging the gap between design intent and field execution, ensuring constructability and addressing on-site challenges promptly.

• Fast-Paced Project Environment: Delivering designs within aggressive project timelines while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.

• Evolving Technologies: Staying abreast of advancements in substation equipment, grid modernization, and renewable energy integration technologies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized courses on protection systems, grid stability, high-voltage equipment, and emerging substation technologies.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities to hone management and leadership skills through PCL's internal programs, preparing for more senior roles.

• Industry Conferences & Networking: Participation in relevant industry events to stay current with trends, network with peers, and gain insights into new technologies and best practices.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders within PCL or to mentor junior engineers, fostering professional growth.

• Cross-Sector Exposure: Potential to gain experience or understanding of other construction sectors within PCL's broad portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines typical challenges faced by professionals in this field and highlights the specific growth avenues available within a large organization like PCL, focusing on both technical and leadership development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Leadership: "Describe a challenging substation design project you led. What were the key technical hurdles, how did you ensure constructability, and what was the ultimate outcome?" (Focus on demonstrating your end-to-end ownership, problem-solving, and leadership.)

• P&C and SCADA Expertise: "Walk me through your process for developing and reviewing a complex protection relay scheme for a utility-scale substation. How do you ensure SCADA integration is seamless?" (Be ready to discuss specific logic, communication protocols, and testing procedures.)

• Utility Coordination: "How do you approach managing utility interconnection requirements and ensuring compliance throughout the design process?" (Highlight your understanding of utility standards and communication strategies.)

• Risk Management in Design: "What are the primary risks you identify in substation design, and how do you mitigate them proactively?" (Focus on technical risks, schedule risks, and safety risks.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why PCL? What attracts you to our company and our work in the solar sector?" (Research PCL's values, recent projects, and employee ownership model.)

• "How do you foster a strong safety culture within your engineering team?" (Relate your approach to PCL's stated commitment to safety.)

• "Describe your leadership style and how you mentor junior engineers." (Be prepared to provide examples of your team management and development approach.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the scope, your specific role and responsibilities, the challenges, your proposed solutions (with technical details), and the measurable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, performance improvements).

• Visual Aids: Use simplified diagrams, schematics, or photos (if permissible) to illustrate complex concepts or design elements.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify your contributions whenever possible. For example, "My design modifications for the switchgear layout resulted in a 15% reduction in installation time," or "By optimizing the protection scheme, we reduced potential fault impacts by 20%."

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about specific technical decisions, calculations, or problem-solving approaches.

• Connect to PCL's Needs: Where possible, draw parallels between your past successes and the requirements of the Substation Design Manager role at PCL.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides specific, relevant interview questions and preparation strategies tailored to a Substation Design Manager role, emphasizing technical depth, leadership, and alignment with PCL's company culture and values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the PCL Careers website.

• Portfolio Customization: Select 2-3 key projects from your career that best showcase your leadership in substation design, P&C expertise, and successful project execution. Prepare a concise summary for each, highlighting your specific contributions, technical challenges overcome, and quantifiable results.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience with high-voltage substations, utility-scale solar projects, protection and control systems, SCADA integration, and team leadership. Use keywords from the job description and tailor your achievement statements to demonstrate impact.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail and research PCL's recent solar construction projects and company values.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research PCL Construction, focusing on their Solar Constructors division, their commitment to safety, employee ownership, and recent projects. Understand their market position and how your skills align with their strategic goals.

⚠️ 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.