SUBSTATION ENGINEERING MANAGER
The Organization
Grid United is a mission driven company aiming to solve the largest barrier to a more reliable, resilient and affordable grid by developing new long haul electric transmission lines in the United States. Established in 2021 by proven industry leaders, Grid United is developing utility-scale electric multi-state transmission projects that will provide long-term economic benefits to communities across the country, provide Americans with improved grid resiliency for our homes and businesses, and cost savings for electricity consumers.
More information about the company can be found at www.gridunited.com
The Position
Grid United is a mission-driven company aiming to solve the largest barrier to a more reliable grid by developing new long-haul transmission projects in the United States. Many of the projects include transformational, grid-connecting corridors that use high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology and require new or upgraded substations, switching stations, and HVDC converter station facilities. Grid United has created a purpose-built team of motivated and entrepreneurial talent and is looking to expand its engineering team. This is an exciting opportunity to help Grid United manage and lead AC substation design from early-stage development through construction; this role will work on development projects, with exposure to early and late-stage development through detailed design and project execution.
This specific role focuses on leading project design and execution of high voltage AC substations and switchyards as part of larger transmission projects. Additional responsibilities include managing the unique application of AC interfaces with HVDC systems. The goal is to leverage existing skillsets to further build upon, and expand, expertise that includes HVDC system design. The expectation for this role is a candidate that can immediately take on AC-based tasks while also developing HVDC-based knowledge and skills as part of the project execution team on an HVDC project. This role would report to the Vice President of Engineering.
The position is optionally remote or located in-office in Houston, TX. The expected travel for this position is up to 25%.
Please apply if you possess 70% or more of the required skills described below. The exact level, title, and responsibilities of the role may vary depending on the experience level of the right candidate.
Key Responsibilities & Outcomes
- Lead engineering and design activities for substation and/or switchyard scopes in major transmission projects; collaborating with internal resources, managing external engineering consultants, and interfacing with project stakeholders.
- Lead planning of facility design activities, including engineering scope, budget, and schedule, and coordinate interfaces with transmission line, civil/structural, environmental, and construction teams.
- Review detailed design submittals, calculations, and studies to ensure robust technical standards, safety, constructability, compliance with permitting and land requirements, customer/financing requirements, and needs of the execution team, proposing optimization opportunities when possible.
- Manage substation primary and secondary engineering deliverables, utilizing skillsets that include:
o Strong comprehension of P&C system design (PCD’s, protection and remedial action schemes (RAS), SCADA, communications), and
o Balance of plant (BoP) engineering (one-lines and three-lines, equipment specifications, physical layout, bus configuration (AIS/GIS), grounding, lightning protection, and cable/conduit designs).
- Provide engineering support to other disciplines as needed for project development, interconnection studies support, permitting, landowner coordination, equipment procurement, commissioning readiness, and risk mitigation.
- Participate in site visits to assess location suitability, constructability, access, laydown needs, and tie-in/outage constraints.
- Engage with equipment suppliers and manufacturers for technical and commercial alignment.
- Acquire knowledge, and stay informed on, technical capabilities and advances in HVDC converter station and substation technologies (including protection, controls, and digital substations), sharing knowledge throughout the engineering team and organization.
- Utilize internal tools and market outreach to prepare and update facility CAPEX estimates (equipment, civil/structural, installation, testing/commissioning, and outage costs).
- Provide technical due diligence support such as fatal flaw analyses for early-stage development prospects and potential acquisition opportunities, including substation siting, constructability, interconnection feasibility, and equipment lead times.
- Propose and implement lessons learned and standardization to support continuous improvement across substation design, specifications, and execution practices.
Behaviors – which are essential to success of this team
- Be exemplars of the Grid United values of humility, tenacity, ingenuity and grace
- Build, maintain and value board and deep stakeholder relationships and have a personal commitment to making a difference in the community
- Proactively work with stakeholders to solve problems in a calm and no blame way
Desired Experience and Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from an ABET-accredited program
- 5+ years’ experience managing substation engineering design (including protection & control and/or primary/physical). 8+ years preferred
- Knowledge of the overall design, procurement, construction, testing, and commissioning process for substations and related facilities
- Proficiency with the following software:
o Microsoft Office suite products (Excel, PowerPoint) – required
o AutoCAD and/or MicroStation – required
o Experience with power system and/or protection tools (e.g., ASPEN OneLiner, ETAP, PSCAD, SEL software) and grounding analysis tools (e.g., CDEGS) – preferred
o Project execution experience on FACTS/STATCOM or HVDC projects
o Active participation in professional committees such as CIGRE and IEEE
o Operational experience with high voltage facilities
o Registered Professional Engineer
- Strong ambition to learn the cutting edge of the power industry, HVDC development, and substation technologies
- A passion for collaborative, team-based work with a hands-on entrepreneurial approach to project development
- Ability to work independently under minimal supervision and lead external teams
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships and work professionals from different disciplines
- Exceptional organizational skills, including the ability to multi-task efficiently with constant regard for accuracy and quality
- Adaptability and flexibility to manage deadline pressure, ambiguity, and project changes that are inherent to transmission development projects
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects to meet deadlines
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including ability to interface with landowners, utilities, and other project stakeholders to convey technical information
- Articulate speaker with the ability to lead public presentations
- Strong writing skills, including both technical and persuasive writing
- Ability to read and digest large amounts of information rapidly
- Deep curiosity for all functional areas of development including commercialization, engineering, land acquisition, public outreach, and US state and federal regulations
- Adaptability and flexibility to manage deadline pressure, ambiguity and uncertainty, and project changes
- Strong computer and data management skills, including Word, PowerPoint and Excel
- Ability to work collaboratively in a small, nonhierarchical organization
- Positive, professional, and energetic team-oriented attitude
- Embodies Grid United's core values of ingenuity, tenacity, humility, and grace
What the Right Candidate Will Love about this Opportunity
- An organization dedicated to solving the ever changing Rubik’s cube of high voltage transmission development in a fast paced, dynamic and innovative culture
- Working with a core group of dedicated and thoughtful colleagues.
- Working on a day-to-day basis with highly experienced and proven industry leaders
- Being empowered to play a leading role in delivering a large scale project that will materially change the energy future of America
- Working in an organization committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and having a positive social impact
- Excellent financial backing from leading energy investor with long term commitment, passion for energy, and an understanding and appetite to tackle the challenges of transmission development
Grid United is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military/veteran status, or any basis prohibited by applicable law.
Grid United offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a competitive base salary and bonus incentive plan, long term incentive plan, health benefits, 401(k), and more.