HV Operations Manager

SOLV Energy is an engineering, procurement, construction (EPC) and solar services provider for utility solar, high voltage substation and energy storage markets across North America.

Job Description Summary:

The HV Operations manager is responsible for overseeing HV construction resulting in safe and successful project execution.

Job Description:

*This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions, it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Position Responsibilities and Duties:

• Provide leadership and oversight for day-to-day operations of high-voltage electrical infrastructure projects, with a core focus on substations (69kV–500kV), switchyards, and transmission interconnections

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve substation-focused operational procedures and best practices in alignment with utility standards, NESC, and OSHA guidelines

• Mentor and develop field leadership personnel including superintendents, assistant superintendents, foremen, and craft labor—emphasizing technical competency and safety in substation construction

• Coordinate closely with engineering, procurement, and subcontracting teams to ensure accurate design interpretation, on-time delivery of major substation components (transformers, breakers, relays, P&C panels), and field readiness

• Conduct regular site visits and quality control inspections specific to substation installations, grounding, relay wiring, terminations, and equipment testing

• Enforce and model a strong culture of safety, with a priority on energized substation environments and high-voltage electrical hazards, following SOLV and OSHA standards

• Lead task planning and crew mobilization activities, providing clear direction for substation civil, electrical, and commissioning scopes

• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, utility, and internal standards applicable to substation construction, energization, and operation

• Serve as the primary operations liaison with utilities, project owners, regulatory agencies, contractors, and vendors, maintaining transparent communication and issue resolution

• Monitor and track construction progress, commissioning milestones, and operational KPIs, reporting updates and challenges to senior leadership

• Support project handoff to O&M teams post-energization, ensuring all as-built documentation, testing records, and training materials are in place

• Lead and participate in lessons learned reviews to improve future substation operations

Objectives or Goals to Measure Performance:

• Adherence to company policies, safety manuals, and substation-specific operational procedures

• Timely and safe execution of substation scope in accordance with project schedule

• On-budget performance and effective resource utilization across all projects

• High-quality construction and commissioning outcomes, with minimal rework

• Positive evaluations from clients, utilities, and regulatory bodies

• Growth and competency development of substation-focused field personnel

• Accurate, timely reporting of key performance metrics to senior management

• Strong collaboration with internal departments and external partners

Minimum Skills or Experience Requirements

• 7–10 years of experience in high-voltage substation construction, commissioning, or operations, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management capacity

• Experience working with IBEW locals within California and surrounding states

• Proven track record managing utility-scale substation projects (greenfield or retrofit), including civil, structural, electrical, and protection & control scopes

• Strong knowledge of substation equipment, grounding systems, relay coordination, SCADA integration, and utility interconnection procedures

• Demonstrated experience in operational planning, budget control, resource allocation, and contractor oversight

• Familiarity with NFPA 70E and recognition as a “Qualified Person” preferred

• OSHA 30-hour Construction Safety Certification required

• Proficient in scheduling and project management tools (P6, MS Project, Procore, or similar)

• Strong leadership, team-building, and interpersonal communication skills

• Ability to analyze pr