Substation Foreman
Qcells EPC, Houston, TX, United States
Substation Foreman
Department: T&D/C | Location: Ankeny, IA | Supervisor: Substation Superintendent | FLSA Status: Not Exempt | Position Status: Permanent, Full-Time | Work Status: Project Site
Summary The Substation Foreman is responsible for the installation, testing, repair, and maintenance of high‑voltage substation components, including wiring, equipment, control systems, and relays. This role involves working with energized lines, structures, and equipment within and around electrical substations, all while strictly adhering to safety standards, codes, and regulations. The position requires full‑time on‑site presence and 100% travel, with significant outdoor work and a high travel commitment (up to 95%). The Foreman serves as a hands‑on leader, directly involved in completion of construction tasks and in physical work alongside team members. Responsibilities include overseeing the installation and maintenance of high‑voltage equipment, reading and interpreting schematic diagrams, installing transformers and switches, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, operating heavy equipment, and providing leadership and mentorship to junior team members.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The company does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time. Remote work arrangements must receive prior approval from your direct supervisor or company leadership. Working hours will be determined based on project requirements and business needs, in consultation with the employee's supervisor.
Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities
Safety Compliance and Program Participation:
Ensure compliance with all safety policies and procedures as outlined by OSHA, company safety programs, and other regulatory bodies.
Participate in safety meetings, toolbox talks, and daily pre‑job briefings to reinforce safety expectations.
Conduct safety audits and hazard assessments on job sites, implementing corrective actions when necessary.
Field Operations & Supervision:
Supervise construction efforts to ensure compliance with design, budget, and schedule.
Provide hands‑on leadership, overseeing and assisting with field operations, ensuring tasks are completed safely and efficiently.
Troubleshoot complex issues in the field and provide on‑the‑spot solutions as necessary.
Installation and Maintenance:
Perform the installation and maintenance of HV and LV equipment within substations, including breakers, switches, bus, transformers, and capacitors.
Machinery Operation and Site Preparation:
Operate lulls, skid steers, Ditch Witch machines, excavators, and lifts for site preparation, material handling, and excavation.
Assist with site preparation, ensuring proper staging and placement of materials and equipment.
Oversee the mobilization and demobilization of equipment at job sites, ensuring all tools and materials are prepared for use.
Team Leadership and Mentorship:
Provide on‑the‑job training and mentorship to helpers, laborers, and apprentice substation technicians.
Lead by example, fostering a positive work environment and promoting teamwork, safety, and quality of work.
Conduct performance reviews and provide feedback to team members to improve performance and skills.
Job Site Management and Communication:
Maintain constant communication with the Substation Superintendent, project managers, and other team members regarding job site status, safety concerns, and project progress.
Ensure all work is documented, including daily logs, work orders, and incident reports.
Coordinate with other departments, subcontractors, and suppliers to ensure smooth operation of the project.
Required Skills & Competencies
In‑depth knowledge of high‑voltage electrical systems and substation equipment.
Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to direct and motivate crews.
Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and other technical documents.
Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting heavy objects, climbing, and working in challenging environments.
Exceptional troubleshooting skills to diagnose and resolve electrical issues quickly and safely.
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, to interact with team members, supervisors, and clients.
Required Qualifications
5+ years of construction experience, with 1 year of leadership experience preferred.
Must understand electrical terms used in substations.
Valid Journeyman certification or equivalent experience in electrical construction.
Must possess all required tools for the role.
High school diploma, GED, or line school certificate required.
Valid driver’s license and Class A or B CDL, or ability to obtain one.
OSHA‑approved certification preferred (e.g., NCCCO or CIC Certification for crane operations).
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 continuously while carrying 50 lbs. of tools and/or materials.
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.).
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
Predominantly 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 performed around hazardous equipment.
Hanwha Qcells is an at‑will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or perception, 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.
We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. 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.
This statement does not imply any guarantee of employment outside the at‑will employment opportunity.
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Summary The Substation Foreman is responsible for the installation, testing, repair, and maintenance of high‑voltage substation components, including wiring, equipment, control systems, and relays. This role involves working with energized lines, structures, and equipment within and around electrical substations, all while strictly adhering to safety standards, codes, and regulations. The position requires full‑time on‑site presence and 100% travel, with significant outdoor work and a high travel commitment (up to 95%). The Foreman serves as a hands‑on leader, directly involved in completion of construction tasks and in physical work alongside team members. Responsibilities include overseeing the installation and maintenance of high‑voltage equipment, reading and interpreting schematic diagrams, installing transformers and switches, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, operating heavy equipment, and providing leadership and mentorship to junior team members.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The company does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time. Remote work arrangements must receive prior approval from your direct supervisor or company leadership. Working hours will be determined based on project requirements and business needs, in consultation with the employee's supervisor.
Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities
Safety Compliance and Program Participation:
Ensure compliance with all safety policies and procedures as outlined by OSHA, company safety programs, and other regulatory bodies.
Participate in safety meetings, toolbox talks, and daily pre‑job briefings to reinforce safety expectations.
Conduct safety audits and hazard assessments on job sites, implementing corrective actions when necessary.
Field Operations & Supervision:
Supervise construction efforts to ensure compliance with design, budget, and schedule.
Provide hands‑on leadership, overseeing and assisting with field operations, ensuring tasks are completed safely and efficiently.
Troubleshoot complex issues in the field and provide on‑the‑spot solutions as necessary.
Installation and Maintenance:
Perform the installation and maintenance of HV and LV equipment within substations, including breakers, switches, bus, transformers, and capacitors.
Machinery Operation and Site Preparation:
Operate lulls, skid steers, Ditch Witch machines, excavators, and lifts for site preparation, material handling, and excavation.
Assist with site preparation, ensuring proper staging and placement of materials and equipment.
Oversee the mobilization and demobilization of equipment at job sites, ensuring all tools and materials are prepared for use.
Team Leadership and Mentorship:
Provide on‑the‑job training and mentorship to helpers, laborers, and apprentice substation technicians.
Lead by example, fostering a positive work environment and promoting teamwork, safety, and quality of work.
Conduct performance reviews and provide feedback to team members to improve performance and skills.
Job Site Management and Communication:
Maintain constant communication with the Substation Superintendent, project managers, and other team members regarding job site status, safety concerns, and project progress.
Ensure all work is documented, including daily logs, work orders, and incident reports.
Coordinate with other departments, subcontractors, and suppliers to ensure smooth operation of the project.
Required Skills & Competencies
In‑depth knowledge of high‑voltage electrical systems and substation equipment.
Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to direct and motivate crews.
Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, and other technical documents.
Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting heavy objects, climbing, and working in challenging environments.
Exceptional troubleshooting skills to diagnose and resolve electrical issues quickly and safely.
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, to interact with team members, supervisors, and clients.
Required Qualifications
5+ years of construction experience, with 1 year of leadership experience preferred.
Must understand electrical terms used in substations.
Valid Journeyman certification or equivalent experience in electrical construction.
Must possess all required tools for the role.
High school diploma, GED, or line school certificate required.
Valid driver’s license and Class A or B CDL, or ability to obtain one.
OSHA‑approved certification preferred (e.g., NCCCO or CIC Certification for crane operations).
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 continuously while carrying 50 lbs. of tools and/or materials.
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.).
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
Predominantly 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 performed around hazardous equipment.
Hanwha Qcells is an at‑will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or perception, 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.
We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. 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.
This statement does not imply any guarantee of employment outside the at‑will employment opportunity.
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