Project Manager - Transmission & Substation

About TD Thornton

TD Thornton is a leading consulting firm specializing in project management and controls solutions. We emphasize strong onboarding and continuous support to ensure the success of our team members. Our environment welcomes professionals from engineering, construction management, business analytics, scheduling, and those who flourish working collaboratively.

Role Overview

The Project Manager will oversee the planning, engineering, construction, and commissioning of high-voltage transmission and substation projects throughout California. Acting as an owner's representative, you will be responsible for directing projects from initial scope creation through energization and final closeout, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, safety, and utility compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct execution of transmission line, substation, switchyard, and high-voltage utility projects valued between $500,000 and $25 million.
• Manage all project phases including planning, engineering, permitting, procurement, construction, commissioning, energization, and closeout.
• Create and maintain integrated schedules, highlighting critical paths, task dependencies, and significant milestones.
• Oversee budgets, forecasting, cash flow, and cost performance, identifying risks early and applying corrective measures.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams across engineering, environment, real estate, construction, project controls, and field operations.
• Act as the main liaison for internal stakeholders, contractors, consultants, and utility partners.
• Lead project meetings and deliver updates on schedule, budget, risks, and status to senior management.
• Review engineering outputs, construction progress, change orders, contracts, and contractor management.
• Support activities related to permitting, environmental compliance, land acquisition, and agency collaboration.
• Identify risks and develop mitigation plans to ensure safe, reliable project delivery.
• Mentor junior project managers and promote continuous process improvements within the project team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years’ project management experience in electric utility transmission or substation capital projects.
• Proven track record managing high-voltage substations, transmission lines, switchyards, or related transmission and distribution infrastructure.
• Solid knowledge of utility project lifecycle phases: engineering, construction, commissioning, energization.
• Experience with detailed project scheduling and integrated schedule control.
• Familiarity with project budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and financial management.
• Proven ability to manage contractors, engineering consultants, and multiple stakeholders effectively.
• Strong communication and presentation skills suitable for executive updates.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects from inception to completion.

Preferred Skills

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Experience serving as an Owner’s Representative on utility capital projects.
• Proficiency with Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, SAP, or comparable project control software.
• Knowledge of transmission planning, relay protection, substation equipment, commissioning, and energization procedures.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary range of $130,000 to $165,000.
• Paid holidays, sick leave, and vacation time.
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage.
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA).
• 401(k) plan with company matching contributions.
• Eligible for annual performance bonus.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Paid parental leave policy.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).