Project Engineering Manager– Substation & Transmission (69kV+)

About the Role:

We are seeking a highly experienced and technically proficient "Project Engineering Manager" to lead engineering teams focused on critical high-voltage electric utility infrastructure projects. This unique, demanding role requires a true "doer and a leader"—an individual capable of providing deep technical expertise in structural analysis while simultaneously managing project execution across the full lifecycle. The primary technical focus is on the structural aspects of transmission and substation facilities.

Key Responsibilities:

The Project Engineering Manager will hold dual accountability for both technical execution and project management, ensuring quality, schedule adherence, and budget control.

Technical & Leadership Focus (The "Doer" Aspect):

• Structural Expertise: Serve as the primary technical authority on structural (civil) engineering—covering foundations, steel/concrete/wood framing, and material specifications for substation and transmission projects. (Approximate 90% technical focus).
• High-Voltage Focus: Lead the engineering and design process for projects primarily operating at 69kV and above.
• PLS-CADD Mastery (MANDATORY): Maintain a hands-on role in utilizing and providing expert technical guidance in PLS-CADD for transmission line modeling and analysis. Candidates must rate their proficiency in modeling at 8/10 or higher.
• Mentorship & Development: Mentor and train engineers assigned to active projects, providing daily technical oversight, performance feedback, and skill development, particularly in PLS-CADD and related structural tools.

Project & Delivery Management (The "Leader" Aspect):

• Full Lifecycle Leadership: Lead project teams through conceptual design, detailed engineering, procurement support, and construction support phases for substation, distribution, and transmission line projects.
• Project Controls: Rigorously manage and control project schedules, budgets, and scopes for both professional services and Engineer-Procure-Construct (EPC) work models.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ensure effective communication and coordination between engineering disciplines, procurement, construction, and client stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:

Minimum Requirements (Must-Haves) 

• Experience: Minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience in electric utility engineering or project management, with a strong preference for candidates with 10+ years. 
• Technical Focus: Demonstrated experience as a Structural Engineer, as the majority of the work (approximately 90%) is structurally focused.
• PLS-CADD: MANDATORY EXPERTISE in PLS-CADD. Must have hands-on experience performing modeling in this tool and possess a proficiency rating of 8/10 or higher. 
• Voltage Experience: Must be experienced with engineering projects involving systems at 69kV and higher.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering is required.

Key Info:

• Industry: Energy – Utilities 
• Job Category: Engineering / Construction
• Job Type: Full Time
• Location: Houston, TX OR Overland Park, KS OR Bloomington, MN OR Ann Arbor, MI; OR Raleigh, NC
• Number of Openings: 5

Application Process:

I look forward to receiving your application! Once submitted, we will review it and consider your fit against other candidates in the process. We strive to ensure an efficient process, though there may occasionally be delays.

About Sperton:

Sperton USA is part of Sperton Global, a recruitment and consulting company with an international reach. We are committed to helping our clients achieve success in their hiring processes, finding the right people for the right positions.