Director, MV/HV Operations – Utility

**About QE Solar** QE Solar is one of the nation's largest independent solar and BESS operations and maintenance providers, with over 15 years of operating experience. We manage 10 GW of solar and 7\.5 GWh of BESS across 44 states, supporting asset owners with multi\-hundred MW utility solar projects and large standalone BESS systems. We're pure\-play O\&M. That focus means our entire organization is built around one thing: keeping solar and storage assets running well. Our technicians carry broad OEM certifications, and our in\-house capabilities span MV/HV electrical, vegetation management, engineering, and capital improvements, to streamline asset management for project owners. The **Director, MV/HV Operations – Utility** is responsible for the leadership, development, standardization, and execution of QE Solar’s medium\- and high\-voltage operations programs supporting utility\-scale solar, BESS, and substation assets. This role provides strategic and technical leadership for MV/HV field operations, switching activities, substation maintenance, operational readiness, emergency response, and workforce development initiatives. The Director partners closely with Field Operations, Safety, Engineering, the Remote Operations Center (ROC), and executive leadership to ensure safe, compliant, scalable, and high\-performing utility operations. The ideal candidate brings deep utility operations expertise, a strong safety\-first leadership mindset, and demonstrated success building scalable operational programs in complex electrical environments. **Essential Responsibilities** ============================== **1\. MV/HV Operations Leadership \& Program Development (35%)** ---------------------------------------------------------------- * Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of MV/HV operational programs supporting utility\-scale solar and BESS assets. * Establish standardized switching practices, maintenance procedures, inspection programs, emergency response protocols, and operational playbooks for substations and MV/HV systems. * Build repeatable systems, SOPs, and technical standards that support scalable growth. * Serve as the senior technical SME for MV/HV operations, substation systems, relay protection, and switching activities. * Support commissioning, asset transitions, operational readiness reviews, and advanced troubleshooting efforts. * Assist in development of new MV/HV service offerings and operational capabilities. **2\. Safety, Compliance \& Risk Management (25%)** --------------------------------------------------- * Champion a strong safety culture with emphasis on MV/HV and substation\-related hazards. * Develop operational safeguards, human performance tools, and risk mitigation strategies for high\-risk electrical work. * Ensure compliance with OSHA, NFPA 70E, customer requirements, and QE Solar safety standards. * Support energized electrical work controls, switching procedures, lockout/tagout protocols, and operational discipline standards. * Reinforce Stop Work Authority and proactive hazard identification practices across all teams. * Support utility operational compliance requirements, including familiarity with NERC\-related frameworks where applicable. **3\. Training, Workforce Development \& Technical Competency (20%)** --------------------------------------------------------------------- * Develop and implement training, qualification, and competency programs for MV/HV operations, switching, substations, and electrical safety. * Build technician progression matrices, certification pathways, and qualification standards. * Mentor technicians, supervisors, and technical specialists. * Lead technical knowledge transfer initiatives involving: * + One\-line diagrams + Three\-line diagrams + Relay protection systems + Switching orders + Substation control drawings + Battery systems and testing * Support recruitment, onboarding, and development of a high\-performing MV/HV technical workforce. **4\. Customer Support \& Cross\-Functional Collaboration (10%)** ----------------------------------------------------------------- * Partner with customers, engineering teams, operations leadership, and internal stakeholders to support safe and reliable utility operations. * Participate in customer reviews, audits, technical meetings, and operational planning discussions. * Support customer confidence through strong communication, responsiveness, and technical leadership. * Collaborate cross\-functionally to improve reliability, uptime, and service delivery. **5\. Leadership \& Operational Excellence (10%)** -------------------------------------------------- * Lead by example through accountability, professionalism, operational discipline, and strong communication. * Support strategic growth initiatives and operational scalability efforts. * Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, performance, and customer outcomes. * Promote QE Solar’s culture, values, and technical standards across the organization. **Required Qualifications** =========================== **Experience** -------------- * 7–10\+ years of experience in utility\-scale renewable energy, power delivery, substations, transmission/distribution, or related electrical utility environments. * Demonstrated experience with: * + MV/HV switching operations + Substation maintenance + Protective relays + Electrical troubleshooting + Utility operational safety programs * Proven leadership experience managing technical field teams or operational programs. * Experience developing SOPs, technical programs, training initiatives, and operational standards. * Customer\-facing operational experience within utility solar, BESS, or electrical infrastructure environments strongly preferred. * Familiarity with NERC operational environments preferred. **Technical Knowledge** ----------------------- Strong working knowledge of: * Utility\-scale solar and BESS operations * MV/HV switching procedures * Substation equipment: * + Breakers + Disconnect switches + Transformers + Protective relays + Battery systems * Relay protection principles and testing concepts * OSHA 29 CFR 1910\.269 * NFPA 70E * Electrical safe work practices * Human performance / operational risk mitigation principles * Reading and interpreting: * + One\-line diagrams + Three\-line diagrams + Relay schematics + Substation control drawings **Required:** * High school diploma or GED **Preferred:** * Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in: * + Electrical Engineering + Engineering Technology + Power Systems + Related technical discipline Equivalent military, utility, or technical field experience will be considered in lieu of formal education. **Preferred Certifications** ---------------------------- * OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 * NFPA 70E training/certification * CPR / First Aid * Thermography certification * Substation battery testing certifications * Relevant electrical utility or switching qualifications **Physical Requirements** ========================= * Lift up to 50 pounds * Climb ladders (fixed, movable, ship\-style, A\-frame) * Traverse uneven terrain safely * Sit or drive for extended periods * Work in extreme outdoor weather conditions * Travel regularly to utility and customer sites **Base Salary:** $155,000 – $180,000 annually **QE Solar offers incredible benefits! We enjoy:** 100% paid employee premium on health benefits; additional dependents at low costs and great plans for Health, Dental, Vision, FSA or HSA Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Perks at Work Marketplace for discounts on gym memberships, classes, tech, vacations, tickets, and more Family Building and Adoption Assistance Programs Learning \& Development Opportunities Discounted Life \& Disability Insurance *Statement to all Third\-Party Agencies and Similar Organizations:* *QE Solar accepts resumes only from contracted recruiting agencies with formal service agreements. Please do not send unsolicited resumes or outreach emails to our QE Solar employees, hiring managers, or team members without expressed consent or contract for services. QE Solar is not responsible for any fees or charges associated with unsolicited resumes or services.*