Substation Execution Manager

Description

Title: Substation Execution Manager Department: Operations 1 Location: Ankeny, IA Supervisor: Manager of Substation Execution

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Status: Full Time

Work Status: Hybrid

SUBSTATION EXECUTION MANAGER

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA for turnkey solutions, customers can reduce uncertainty and risk, leading to enhanced investment returns and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Qcells USA’s complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Development, Module, and EPC teams, while ensuring close coordination with other vital internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance. With several multi-billion-dollar investments, Qcells is pioneering the establishment of the only complete module supply chain in the U.S., including the expansion of our Georgia module manufacturing facility, which stands as the largest in the Western Hemisphere.

As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea.

SUMMARY

The Substation Execution Compliance Lead will act as the central hub across engineering, procurement, construction, quality assurance and field operations. This position reports to the Manager of Substation Execution, or another management personnel that the CEO of the Company may designate. This position reports to the Ankeny, IA office but will maintain hybrid schedule of working out of their home office and the Ankeny, IA office. Working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time. This position is expected to travel up to 50% of the time.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Leadership & Execution

- Lead substation projects from concept through commissioning, maintaining accountability for all engineering and construction deliverables.

- Coordinate closely with design engineers, procurement teams, and field personnel to drive clarity, efficiency, and alignment throughout the execution process.

- Develop, maintain, and track comprehensive project schedules and budgets that integrate engineering and construction milestones.

Engineering Oversight & Technical Governance

- Review and comment on technical designs, equipment specifications, and construction methodologies to ensure feasibility, compliance, and quality.

- Translate design intent into executable construction plans, serving as the bridge between office and field.

- Evaluate engineering deliverables for constructability and ensure alignment with field conditions and constraints.

Quality Management & Risk Mitigation

- Implement and maintain robust QA/QC programs from design review through field execution.

- Conduct audits, manage NCRs (non-conformance reports), and ensure resolution of technical issues in a timely manner.

- Serve as a technical authority for standards, codes, and best practices across substation workstreams.

Cross-functional Collaboration & Leadership

- Work collaboratively with construction teams, engineering groups, and field personnel to ensure deliverables are on time, in scope, and meet all quality expectations.

- Facilitate technical and coordination meetings, acting as the key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.

- Proactively identify risk and implement mitigation strategies to protect project timelines and budgets.

- Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned by Management

- Regular attendance, in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

- 5–8 years of experience in utility-scale energy projects, specifically substation design and construction.

- Demonstrated success managing deliverables across engineering and construction disciplines.

- Strong background in field execution—comfortable walking a site and speaking the language of electricians, foremen, and engineers alike.

- Deep understanding of applicable electrical codes, substation standards, and QA/QC best practices.

- Experience with Primavera P6, Procore, MS Office, and Bluebeam.

- Willingness to travel to project sites up to 50% of the time.

- Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (If applicable, otherwise remove section)

- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Electrical preferred) or Construction Management.

- PMP Certification or equivalent project management credential.

- Experience implementing quality systems or ISO-based processes.

- Familiarity with BESS (battery energy storage systems) or hybrid solar + storage projects.

- Strong problem-solving mindset with the ability to make data-driven decisions under pressure.

EXAMPLES OF PHYSICAL DEMANDS

- Able to climb and maintain balance on ladders, scaffolding, stairways, etc.

- Stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, or work at elevated heights as well as in confined spaces (towers, vessels, excavations, etc.)

- Able to walk or move continuosuly while carrying 50 lbs. of tools and/or materials. It is recommended to get assistance to lift items over 50 lbs. Check with your project supervisor or project safety director.

- Must be able to stand or walk for long periods of time

- Must be able to work extended hours on your feet on uneven surfaces (dirt, concrete, asphalt, mud, gravel, etc.) Full range of motion and flexibility consistent with requirements of the job duties.

- Requires repetitive movement

LOCATION

- Industrial construction sites and/or fabrication shop

EXAMPLES OF MOBILITY BARRIERS ACCESS TO JOB SITE

- Uneven ground level

- Obstructed pathways

- Work performed at low and/or high elevations

- Work performed in confined areas

CLIMATIC/ENVIRONMENT CONDITIONS AT JOB SITE

- Predominately outdoor climate

- May be exposed to extreme hot or cold weather

- Excessive humidity, rain, etc.

- Various noise levels caused by tools, machinery, equipment, etc.

- Potential exposure to chemical substances

- Work around hazardous equipment.

Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

It is important to note that the job descriptions provided by Qcells USA Corp are not intended to be comprehensive lists of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the positions. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice, reflecting our dynamic and evolving work environment.

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodations at hr-usa@qcells.com.

Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at-will employment opportunity.