Utility Development Program Manager

Who we are:

As a global leader in digital infrastructure, QTS designs, builds and operates advanced data centers that support strategic AI, cloud and digital transformation initiatives. We are driven by a mission to connect the world for good and our people make it possible. Every single day, the creativity, dedication and genuine care for our communities are what push us forward and make this a truly special place to be.

The Utility Development Program Manager will support the overall planning and execution of QTS utility infrastructure. This role will support the delivery of utility capacity at multiple campuses across the North American region for data center substation, transmission line (TL), and utility build projects. This role will interface and collaborate with many critical stakeholders, including but not limited to energy leaders responsible for utility contracts and negotiations; utility engagement developing relationships with utilities and transmission providers; pre-development leads evaluating new properties; operations leaders managing load growth projections; and development team project leaders planning and building new data centers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Other duties may be assigned.

• Create and implement a strategy to ensure timely delivery of power delivery to development sites as needed to support existing and future leases

• Serve on the diligence team to advise and evaluate utility capacity feasibility of potential new sites, including transmission line routing, interconnection, and deliverability constraints
• Management of partners and consultants related to electrical substation and transmission line design and construction
• Lead in standardization of utility substation design, including distribution feeds to multiple buildings
• Coordinate transmission line development activities, including route selection, right-of-way (ROW) acquisition support, permitting, and easement strategy in partnership with utilities and third-party engineers
• Support transmission interconnection processes, including coordination with utilities, ISOs/RTOs, and regulatory bodies to secure timely energization
• Manage budgets and cost forecasting of utility projects, including construction and equipment for both substation and transmission line scopes
• Develop transformer, transmission structure, and equipment specifications
• Procure substation long lead equipment, transmission line materials (conductor, structures, insulators), and transformers
• Procure and manage the construction of multiple substation and transmission line sites simultaneously
• Track and report on the status and schedule of power delivery timelines, including transmission line milestones and interconnection dependencies
• Support natural gas utility development activities, including coordination with gas providers, pipeline routing, service agreements, permitting, easements, and schedule alignment with campus power delivery needs

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, construction, or equivalent experience
• 7+ years of medium/high-voltage substation, transmission line, or utility infrastructure construction management experience
• Demonstrated experience leading complex utility or infrastructure projects
• Working knowledge of transmission line design, construction, interconnection, and natural gas utility processes
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint for executive reporting and Excel for budgets and tracking
• Ability to travel up to 50%

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years of electrical substation, transmission line, or utility infrastructure construction experience
• Strong industry knowledge of utility partners, transformer manufacturers, transmission contractors, and material suppliers
• Technical expertise in high- and medium-voltage electrical design or construction, including overhead and underground transmission systems
• Experience with transmission permitting, ROW acquisition, regulatory/ISO interconnection, and natural gas utility coordination
• Experience managing large portfolios of utility or infrastructure work

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing situations at a high growth company
• Ability to build strong internal and external working relationships with utilities, transmission providers, and regulatory agencies
• Ability to coordinate across electric and gas utilities to align infrastructure delivery, permitting, easement, and service requirements
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and deliver high quality work in tight timeframes

SKILLS:

• Substations
• Transmission Lines
• Construction Management
• Budgeting
• Scheduling
• Risk Management
• Transmission (Overhead & Underground)
• Transmission Interconnection / ROW & Permitting
• High-voltage electricity
• Utilities
• Natural Gas Utilities

TOTAL REWARDS

This role is also eligible for a competitive benefits package that includes: medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; flexible spending and HSA accounts; paid holidays; paid time off; paid volunteer days; employee assistance program; tuition assistance; parental leave; military leave assistance; QTS scholarship for dependents; wellness program, and other company benefits.

This position is Bonus eligible.

This job may be eligible for equity.

We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or discrimination claim.

The "Know Your Rights" Poster is included here:

Know Your Rights (English)

Know Your Rights (Spanish)

The pay transparency policy is available here:

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Poster-Formatted

QTS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.