Substation Project Manager

Job Description

CDM Smith (Industrial Division) is seeking an experienced Substation Project Manager (Substation PM) to lead multi‑discipline engineering teams delivering critical substation programs and projects across the United States, including consulting, engineering, design‑build, and EPC delivery. The role requires expertise in physical substation design, protection, and control for brownfield and greenfield substations up to 345 kV, and a strong focus on safety, compliance, constructability, and operational readiness.

In this position, the Substation PM will support portfolio‑style substation capital programs for investor‑owned utilities (IOUs) and fast‑paced, schedule‑driven projects for data‑center clients, often involving accelerated timelines, parallel work streams, and highly coordinated stakeholder expectations.

• Manage small to large complex substation engineering projects from early concept development through detailed design and construction support, including breaker and transformer replacements, new bay additions, and protection relay upgrades.
• Lead proposal development by defining scope, schedule, staffing, and cost, partnering with Sales and marketing to produce compliant, competitive submissions.
• Direct multi‑discipline substation engineering teams (physical, P&C, civil/structural) and coordinate compliance deliverables to meet quality, schedule, and budget objectives.
• Manage quality, risk, schedule, and change management for each project.
• Serve as mentor and leader of multi‑discipline project teams, providing guidance and review at the project level and ensuring discipline and quality standards are adhered to.
• Act as the main client contact and liaison during project execution to deliver a legendary client experience and grow the account.
• Apply experience and innovation to solve high‑complexity problems within the area of expertise with support from the engineering team.

• Degree in any field (equivalent directly related experience may be considered in lieu of a degree).
• At least 10 years of related experience.
• PMP (PMI), CCM, or DBIA certification required within the first 12 months of hire or promotion onto the Approved Project Manager list.
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required; frequency depends on project demands.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field.
• Design‑build and/or EPC project delivery experience, including procurement coordination, construction oversight, and commissioning/turnover support.
• Experience with portfolio‑level substation program planning and execution, managing multiple site capital programs.
• Data‑center or mission‑critical substation experience under accelerated schedules, balancing rapid‑track design cycles, parallel engineering and procurement, and multi‑vendor coordination.
• Registered Professional Engineer (PE) preferred (discipline aligned to project needs, e.g., electrical or mechanical).
• Additional relevant credentials (e.g., CCM, DBIA) and/or mission‑critical commissioning training/certifications are a plus.

Approximately 15% travel.

CDM Smith is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression), national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.