Project Manager

Job Title: Project Manager - Substation Construction and DesignJob Description

This Project Manager role focuses on leading new substation construction, substation design, and substation replacement projects, including transformer and breaker replacements and other small to mid‑level utility construction initiatives. You will oversee project delivery from initial scope definition through design, construction, and closeout, ensuring that schedules, budgets, and quality standards are consistently met. This position is well suited for entry to mid‑level candidates with a background in construction, engineering, or project management who are looking for a stable, long‑term opportunity in the utility sector.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a project team that coordinates multiple engineering disciplines and other groups involved in substation, transmission, and distribution projects.
• Own project schedules and budgets, ensuring that all milestones and financial targets are clearly defined, tracked, and achieved.
• Prepare and deliver bi‑weekly schedule updates and monthly budget reports to leadership and key stakeholders.
• Manage bid events, including preparing bid documentation and coordinating requests for estimates from contractors.
• Review engineering designs for constructability, identifying risks, gaps, and opportunities for improvement before work begins in the field.
• Conduct field visits as needed to monitor progress, verify design implementation, and address construction issues in real time.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders across construction, project controls, land, environmental, IT, engineering, drafting, scheduling, and other groups to drive projects from start to finish.
• Utilize field construction teams effectively and maintain strong, consistent communication with site personnel to keep work on track.
• Act as a liaison between engineering and construction teams, ensuring alignment on scope, schedule, and technical requirements.
• Provide internal reporting to the leadership team and other stakeholders, summarizing project status, risks, and key decisions.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with contractors, clients, and internal stakeholders to support successful project outcomes.
• Execute project scope and budget as defined by the project sponsor, maintaining adherence to approved plans and change control processes.
• Communicate with customers and internal organizations to determine technical requirements for new customer‑driven projects.
• Define the scope and operational requirements needed to prepare preliminary electrical and civil designs for substation and related infrastructure.
• Coordinate with Distribution Engineering, Civil Construction, PMO, Drafting, Scheduling, Construction, Environmental, design contractors, and other internal organizations to create complete electrical design packages.
• Manage several projects concurrently, adjusting to shifting priorities while meeting deadlines and maintaining quality standards.
• Collaborate effectively with team members and cross‑functional partners to resolve issues and move projects forward.
• Prepare clear, professional PowerPoint presentations to communicate project plans, status, and outcomes to stakeholders.
• Use Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Project (or similar project management tools) to track schedules, budgets, and project metrics.
• Handle complex problem‑solving tasks, identifying root causes and implementing practical solutions in a dynamic project environment.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management, Project Management, or a related field.
• 2-5 years of program or project management experience, preferably in construction, engineering, or utility projects.
• background in engineering and/or construction with familiarity with utility construction environments.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and multitask effectively.
• Strong attention to detail in planning, documentation, and execution of project work.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Ability to work well with others in a team environment and collaborate across disciplines.
• Demonstrated complex problem‑solving skills, with the ability to analyze issues and develop practical solutions.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Excel with approximately 2-5 years of experience.
• Experience using Microsoft Project as a primary project management tool, or similar project scheduling software, with approximately 2-5 years of experience.
• Ability to create and deliver PowerPoint presentations for internal and external audiences.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in commercial or utility construction project coordination or construction management.
• Hands‑on experience with substation projects, including new construction, design, and replacement of transformers and breakers.
• Familiarity with project controls, budgeting, and forecasting processes in an engineering or construction environment.
• Experience coordinating with diverse internal groups such as Distribution Engineering, Civil Construction, PMO, Drafting, Scheduling, Construction, Environmental, IT, and design contractors.
• Strong relationship‑building skills with contractors, clients, and internal stakeholders.
• Comfort working in a fast‑paced environment with shifting priorities and multiple concurrent projects.
• Ability to serve as a liaison between engineering and construction teams, translating technical requirements into actionable field work.

Work Environment

This role supports the coordination of design and construction efforts for utility infrastructure, including new substation lines, new feeder lines, conversions of distribution lines to higher voltages, and system reinforcement and upgrade projects. Work is primarily based in the Tucson area, and candidates should be local or able to commute regularly to project sites and the office. The position follows a hybrid schedule with mandatory office days on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and many team members choose to come into the office daily. New hires are expected to be in the office most days initially to learn systems, processes, and project workflows; hybrid flexibility can be reevaluated once ramp‑up is complete. The office offers a variety of amenities and provides all equipment needed to perform the role effectively. The organization invests in professional development and upskilling for consultants and has a track record of long‑term, stable engagements, with many team members remaining for several years. Annual merit pay increases and 2-3 weeks of paid time off contribute to an attractive, supportive work environment focused on long‑term growth and stability.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Tucson, AZ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $50.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Tucson,AZ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 11, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.