Preconstruction Manager - Substation - Michels Power, Inc.

Location: Various (Project‑Based)
Employment Type: Full‑Time
Travel: Required

Shaping the Projects That Power the Grid

Strengthening our nation’s power grid isn’t easy—but reliable electrical service is essential to everyday life. Every time someone charges an iPhone, cranks up the A/C, or turns on a computer, Michels Power, Inc. is behind the scenes making it happen.

Michels Power, Inc. is one of the largest and most sought‑after power delivery contractors in the United States. We execute the full spectrum of electrical infrastructure projects, including high‑voltage transmission lines, substation construction (AIS & GIS), distribution modernization, renewable energy integration, and EPC delivery of large‑scale energy projects. We also restore power after natural disasters strike.

Our substation teams play a critical role in building and upgrading the infrastructure that enables reliable, resilient power across the country.

Our work improves lives. Find out how a career at Michels Power, Inc. can change yours.

Position Summary

As a Preconstruction Manager – Substation, you will lead and support preconstruction planning for high‑voltage substation projects, ensuring projects are set up for safe, efficient, and profitable execution.

You will serve as a key link between estimating, operations, engineering, and field leadership, applying real‑world construction expertise to shape project strategy, means and methods, sequencing, and risk mitigation.

This role is critical to the success of EPC substation projects, including greenfield builds, expansions, and complex brownfield upgrades requiring outage coordination.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion and promote a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with all safety and environmental standards
• Perform site visits and constructability assessments, including:
  • Access and logistics evaluation
  • Site layout and staging reviews
  • Identification of constructability risks and constraints
• Develop and refine:
  • Construction methodologies and sequencing plans
  • Project schedules and phasing strategies
  • Outage planning and coordination requirements
• Support estimating by:
  • Developing labor production rates, crew compositions, and equipment needs
  • Identifying procurement strategies, long‑lead items, and temporary infrastructure needs
• Collaborate with estimating teams during bid phase to ensure accurate, executable project plans
• Partner with Superintendents, General Foremen, and Foremen to optimize:
  • Crew planning and deployment
  • Equipment utilization
  • Mobilization efficiency
• Work closely with Project Managers and Project Engineers to:
  • Align scope and execution strategies
  • Update schedules and support project readiness
• Contribute to pre‑construction reviews, bid strategy sessions, and project handoff to operations

Why Michels Power, Inc.?

• Ranked No. 1 Electrical Transmission & Distribution Contractor by Engineering News‑Record
• National leader in substation EPC construction (AIS & GIS systems)
• Family‑owned and operated with long‑term stability
• Strategic growth driven by quality, safety, and innovation
• Invests approximately $5,000 per employee annually in training and development
• High‑impact work supporting critical infrastructure and communities
• Strong safety culture—everyone is responsible, regardless of title
• Part of the Michels family of companies, one of North America’s largest and most diversified infrastructure contractors

Comprehensive Benefits Package

• Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) & Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Short‑ and Long‑Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Legal Assistance & Identity Theft Protection Plans
  (Benefits may vary based on position and location)

Why You?

• You like to surround yourself with dedicated, value-driven people.
• You thrive on new challenges and evolving technologies.
• You think “we’ve always done it this way” is not a good enough reason.
• You want to know your efforts are recognized and appreciated.
• You like making your own decisions—with the right support.
• You want to be part of a team that improves lives through essential infrastructure.

What It Takes

• 7+ years of substation construction experience
• Direct experience with high‑voltage substation projects (115kV–345kV+), including AIS and/or GIS systems
• Experience supporting or delivering large‑scale EPC substation projects
• Strong understanding of:
  • Substation construction methods
  • Construction sequencing and outage coordination
  • Labor productivity and field operations
• OSHA 30 or equivalent safety training
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record
• Willingness to travel and support project‑based assignments nationwide

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with:
  • Grounding grid systems
  • Structural foundations and steel erection
  • Buswork, breakers, transformers, and control house installation
• Ability to utilize advanced project planning and scheduling software
• Experience estimating or planning large, complex substation projects