Director - Utility Substations

Who We Are

Atwell, LLC is a bold leader in the consulting, engineering, and construction services industry, delivering a broad range of creative solutions to clients in the real estate & land development, and energy markets. We have a strong national presence and a diverse, award-winning project portfolio. Atwell is a privately owned company, with 2,000+ passionate team members across 75+ locations and growing!

Atwell, LLC  is a proud recipient of the following 2025  awards:

Ten consecutive years in a row as a “Best Place to Work” by Zweig Group (#11)

Recognized as #70 in the ENR Top 500 Design Firms, ranked in every region

Recognized in Crain's “Fast 50” as one of the fastest-growing companies (#14)

Recognized as the 2025 ENR Design Firm of the year for the Southeastern US

Director – Utility Substations  

About the Position  

As the Director of Utility Substations, you will provide strategic leadership and technical oversight for teams delivering substation Physical, and Protection & Control (P&C) engineering services to utility clients. This role is responsible for driving consistent, high-quality execution across the portfolio while aligning team performance with organizational objectives and client expectations.  

The Director leads a functional group of engineering teams within the substation discipline, with accountability for establishing and maintaining departmental standards, best practices, and quality assurance processes. This role focuses on enhancing operational efficiency, improving workflows, and strengthening technical capabilities through structured processes and training.  

In addition, the Director is responsible for guiding the group to meet business objectives, including revenue targets, resource utilization, and strategic growth initiatives. Key responsibilities include workforce planning and resource alignment across projects, mentoring and developing Team Leads and engineers, and fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance environment focused on client success.  

The Director also plays a critical role in shaping the group’s technical direction, advancing industry engagement, and ensuring the team is well-positioned to deliver reliable, compliant, and constructible substation solutions.  

Salary Range: $150,000 – 200,000 / year  

The salary range above is based upon the Denver, Colorado labor market.  

This opportunity is available to both local / in-office (Lakewood, Colorado) and full-time remote candidates.  

Essential Responsibilities  

Strategic Planning and Forecasting  

Collaborates with VP to develop and implement a multi-year group plan to achieve department and company goals for growth, efficiency, and profitability  

Collaborates with VP, Business Development and Sales to identify potential clients that could benefit from NEI’s expertise  

Strengthens existing client relationships and encourages repeat business by ensuring exceptional project delivery and proactive communication. Encourages and monitors client feedback to address concerns and continuously improve service quality. Assists with client contacts and communication  

Industry Involvement  

Ensuring the team has representation on the right IEEE or other industry committees and sub boards  

Producing a plan for the department to produce at least 1 white paper or conference presentation a year.   

Leadership and Collaboration  

Builds and maintains a high-performing substation group, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement  

Collaborates with other departments and leaders to ensure alignment of goals, objectives, and expectations across the organization  

Performs other duties as assigned  

Resource Allocation and Management  

Develops appropriate team structure and mix of staff  

Leads hiring efforts for lead engineers and team leaders  

Assists in interviewing and onboarding new team members across substation design teams  

Forecasts future staffing needs  

Monitors and manages group workload and team utilization, forecasting workloads based around project sizes and scope  

Management of Execution and Performance  

Manages quality and deliverables across multiple teams ensuring client satisfaction and timely completion of project deliverables  

Reviews the work of teams for general quality and ensures accuracy as required  

Monitors group progress and performance, identifies and addresses obstacles and adjusts as needed to ensure successful project completion  

Reviews and manages documentation around financial statements, including, but not limited to, revenue, write-offs, COGS, overhead expenses, and net income  

Serves as a mentor to Team Leads and Engineers across teams  

Participates and engages with the Business Development team to provide technical guidance, pricing details, and scope to ensure cross-functional alignment  

Facilitates a seller-doer model to maintain existing client relationships and build new ones.   

Prepares a variety of documents and reports associated with projects including cost estimates, budget reports, and studies  

Maintains professional understanding of all applicable Codes and Standards, and construction practices  

Process Development and Improvement  

Develops, outlines, updates, and implements Standard Best Practices (SBPs) and enforces them to ensure high-level execution from various team members  

Coordinates the creation and implementation of new tools, processes, workflows, and training programs that enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and quality across the group.   

Must Have

Qualifications & Experience  

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology (BSEE or BSEET) from an accredited institution; power systems focus preferred   

Experience: 10+ years of progressive experience in substation engineering, including Protection & Control (P&C) or Substation Physical, with at least 4 years in a leadership or team management role   

Licensure: Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred   

Technical Expertise  

Strong knowledge of electrical power systems, substation design, and Protection & Control (P&C) engineering, including protective relaying principles and Substation Physical principles  

Experience delivering comprehensive substation design packages  

Proficiency with industry-standard regulations, compliance requirements and strong background creating cohesive processes   

Working knowledge of applicable codes, standards, and utility practices related to substation design and operation   

Leadership & Professional Skills  

Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage complex projects and initiatives, driving high-quality outcomes   

Proven track record of improving processes, enhancing efficiency, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives   

Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage competing demands   

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage stakeholders at all levels   

High level of professional judgment, accountability, and decision-making capability   

Proven ability to build relationships, foster collaboration, and contribute to a positive, inclusive team culture   

Additional Requirements  

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word)   

Self-motivated with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment   

Authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis  

Working Conditions  

Work Environment:  

Work is performed in an office setting, and some field work may be required  

Travel:  

Minimal: 5 – 15%  

Physical Activities:     Managerial Responsibility:  

Must be able to lift 25lbs.     Director is responsible for reviewing project related financial statements, team utilization and forecasting, and project oversight when necessary. The Director will also be responsible for management and oversight of Team Leads and Engineers assigned to their discipline.  

Disclaimer 

While AI tools may support your application process, this role is built on human talent. Your judgment, experience, and character matter most, so we encourage you to showcase what makes you uniquely you.

Atwell does not accept unsolicited resumes from any 3rd party agencies. No fee will be paid to 3rd parties who submit unsolicited resumes to any Atwell employee. Resumes from approved vendors must be specifically requested by Atwell and approved by the Atwell Talent Acquisition Team.

Pay Range $150,000 — $200,000 USD

Atwell Benefits:  To attract and retain the best professionals in the industry, we aim to provide an excellent working environment and a progressive benefits program designed to support your personal and professional needs.

Work/Life:

Generous Paid Time Off

Paid Parental Leave

Flexible work schedules are available for some positions

Tenure Awards — Travel Vouchers to see the world based on your travel preferences

Compensation:

Competitive Compensation packages 

Annual bonuses, spot bonuses and peer recognition awards

401K match - 1:1 up to 4% of compensation 

Tuition Assistance

Student Loan Repayment 

Paid Licensing / Certification Fees and Renewals

Financial Rewards for Obtaining Licensure

Employee Referrals 

Annual Wellness Reimbursement for anything wellness related (Gym memberships, fitness tracker, home gym equipment, etc.)

Dependent Care Match

‘Atwell’ness:

Medical (BC/BS), Dental (Delta), and Vision (VSP)

Family Planning & IVF Benefits

Pet Insurance

Health Savings Account & Flex Spending Account options

Employer paid LTD, STD, and life insurance

Metlife Supplemental Benefits covering accident, hospitalization, and critical illness

Member Assistance Program (MAP) with complimentary counseling sessions, legal benefits, financial consultations, and work/life referral services