Sr. Electrical Construction Specialist/Project Manager
Sewell,NJ
Summary
Results-driven Senior Electrical Engineer, Project Manager, and Construction Specialist with over 30 years of expertise in high-voltage substation design (4kV–500kV), transmission systems, and large-scale power infrastructure projects. Proven ability to lead projects from concept through commissioning, managing multidisciplinary teams, contractors, and vendors while maintaining zero lost-time safety incidents. Skilled in optimizing engineering designs, implementing cost-saving solutions, and ensuring full compliance with IEEE, NEC, NESC, OSHA, and client specifications. Adept at coordinating field operations, troubleshooting complex technical issues, and delivering multimillion-dollar projects on time and within budget. Recognized for strategic leadership, hands-on execution, and delivering high-reliability power systems under challenging conditions.
Work History
Senior Electrical Construction Specialist
PSE&G
08.2012 - Current
Spearheaded the construction, installation, and commissioning of multiple complex high-voltage substations, ensuring strict adherence to design specifications and regulatory standards.
Managed project budgets up to $40 million, achieving a 5% cost reduction through efficient resource allocation on average per project.
Developed and executed comprehensive project plans and schedules, overseeing all site activities and resources to ensure timely completion within scope and budget.
Provided technical leadership and guidance for the installation, maintenance, and repair of critical substation components, including transformers, switchgears, control houses, circuit breakers, and protective relays.
Performed advanced troubleshooting and diagnostics on electrical and electronic systems, identifying defects and recommending effective corrective actions to maintain operational reliability.
Ensured stringent adherence to NESC, NEC, OSHA, and NERC/CIP standards across all phases of substation construction and upgrades, establishing comprehensive safety protocols and training programs.
Interpreted and modified complex electrical schematics and wiring diagrams, providing essential technical insights for construction and modernization projects.
Collaborated extensively with engineering teams, external consultants, and contractors to ensure design integrity, resolve technical issues, and facilitate smooth project execution.
Directed procurement activities for specialized substation equipment and materials, including SCADA equipment, switchgear, and control house, ensuring timely delivery and quality control.
Mentored and trained junior electricians and technicians, enhancing team capabilities in high-voltage equipment operation, maintenance, and safety procedures.
Senior Construction Supervisor/Technical Project Manager
Kufan Group
07.2010 - 08.2012
Directed execution of complex, multi-discipline engineering projects, including a $27M jet fuel facility.
Boosted team efficiency 20% via PRIMAVERA methodology adoption, enhancing project velocity and responsiveness.
Reduced project costs by 8% through innovative strategies and meticulous financial oversight, maintaining quality and deliverables.
Managed concurrent project portfolios, coordinating diverse support groups and resources for on-time delivery.
Provided design support during pre-construction and managed all post-award construction phases, ensuring seamless execution.
Advised contractors on intricate technical contract aspects, collaborating with product line, business line, and client technical teams.
Expert consultant for electrical power system design projects (PLCs, UPS, fire alarms, HVAC, MCCBs, cable trays, control valves, generators, transformers, motors).
Spearheaded proactive procurement of specialized, explosion-proof materials and equipment from international vendors, ensuring compliance and specifications were met.
Functioned as primary customer interface, identifying problems, devising innovative solutions, and pursuing business development opportunities.
Ensured timely contract completion, driving high customer satisfaction and achieving targeted financial returns.
Implemented robust risk management strategies, mitigating issues and avoiding penalties and cost overruns.
Sr. Electrical Engineering Advisor
US Army
01.2008 - 07.2010
Scheduled subcontractors, consultants and vendors to coordinate completion of jobs and tasks.
Drove project objectives on day-to-day operational level by working closely with clients, decision-makers and vendors.
Coordinated required inspections with local jurisdictions to identify and quickly resolve any code concerns.
Complied with safety protocols in plan coordination, eliminating potential risks.
Identified and reviewed proposed change order requests.
Supervised material usage and contractor man-hours to keep projects in line with budgetary restrictions.
Developed strong relationships with suppliers to secure competitive pricing on materials while ensuring on-time delivery.
Improved project efficiency by streamlining construction processes and implementing time-saving techniques.
Committed to workplace safety through strict adherence to OSHA guidelines resulting in accident-free projects.
Streamlined communication between team members by implementing effective project management tools, enhancing overall project success.
Collaborated effectively with architects, engineers, and subcontractors for seamless communication and coordination throughout the project life cycle.
Managed multiple construction projects simultaneously for increased productivity and timely completion.
Led regular progress meetings with stakeholders providing clear updates on project milestones as well as addressing any concerns or changes required.
Participated in pre-construction planning sessions collaborating closely with clients to ensure alignment between their vision and project outcomes.
Performed thorough inspections of construction sites to identify potential issues early on, enabling prompt resolution and cost savings.
Prepared accurate estimates for project costs, timelines, resources, and materials needed from inception to completion.
Senior Electrical Engineer
ADCM Telecom and Utilities Inc,
02.1994 - 12.2007
Directed the design and implementation of electrical systems for commercial high-tech data centers, healthcare facilities, and wireless infrastructure projects, ensuring robust power distribution, efficient lighting design, seamless UPS integration, and reliable power generation systems, including fire alarm installations.
Engineered comprehensive transmission and distribution systems, including substation designs, enhancing grid reliability.
Developed and produced critical engineering deliverables for electric substation projects, including relay setting calculations, control and relaying panel layouts, technical specifications, SCADA system designs, and communication interfaces utilizing Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) and Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs), streamlining system operations and data exchange.
Spearheaded the selection and evaluation of primary switches and transformers designed for current-limiting fuses, optimizing compatibility with existing systems and improving operational efficiency.
Developed and implemented comprehensive coordination strategies for medium voltage (MV) and low voltage (LV) metal-enclosed bus systems through detailed calculations and simulations, enhancing system performance and preventing outages.
Engineered and deployed advanced protective relaying applications and control systems for high voltage substations, including detailed designs, communication protocols, and integration with existing infrastructure, ensuring high levels of protection and system stability.
Managed and evaluated vendor quotations for substation equipment, establishing rigorous criteria for quality, cost-effectiveness, and technical compliance, ensuring the procurement of reliable and efficient components.
Senior Electrical Design Engineer
McDonnell Douglas Space and Defense Systems
12.1989 - 02.1994
Designed and implemented mission-critical communication systems for the International Space Station (ISS), optimizing data transmission across UHF, VHF, KU Band, and S Band bandwidths to ensure reliable connectivity between ground control and onboard systems.
Engineered the integration of mobile transporter systems supporting astronaut and equipment movement along the ISS structure, developing protocols that enhanced operational efficiency and safety during extravehicular activities.
Developed and refined robotic arm systems, collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams to significantly improve functionality and precision by 100% for critical operations.
Managed ISS hyperbaric chamber digital design ensuring strict compliance with safety regulations and optimizing chamber performance for a wide range of mission scenarios.
Fostered critical cross-disciplinary collaboration with scientists, engineers, and astronauts to gather system requirements and performance feedback, leading to innovative solutions and optimized system design for space applications.
Created and deployed an automated software package for generating essential test vectors, streamlining the validation process and ensuring the functionality of communication equipment during development phases.
Developed and utilized a microprocessor-based hardware tool for simulating and rigorously testing communication equipment under real-world conditions, validating performance and ensuring reliability.
Led the design and development of critical communication hardware components for the International Space Station (ISS), ensuring stringent compliance with aerospace standards and enabling seamless data transmission.
Engineered and designed high-performance UHF and VHF Launching and Tracking Digital Circuit Boards for the Strategic ICBM (SICBM), ensuring robust reliability and functionality across diverse operational conditions.
Developed and validated a comprehensive software simulation package in collaboration with the software engineering team, accurately modeling system performance and significantly accelerating testing protocols for critical military applications.
Designed and implemented advanced Communication Security Systems, including key management and rekeying equipment with integrated CPUs, memories, and motherboards, to secure military communications.
Education
Master of Science - Electrical Engineering
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA
06-1986
Bachelor of Science - Electrical Engineering
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA
06-1982
Skills
High-Voltage Substation Design & Construction (AIS/GIS, 4kV–500kV)
EPC Project Management Primavera P6 MS Project
Protection & Control Systems SCADA SEL IEC 61850
Relay Testing, Commissioning, FAT/SAT
Grounding, Arc Flash, and Lightning Protection Studies
Budgeting, Cost Control, and Construction Oversight
Permitting & Regulatory Coordination (PJM, NYISO)
Accomplishments
Directed the end-to-end design, construction, and commissioning of high-voltage substations (4kV–500kV) with budgets exceeding $50M, delivering all projects on schedule and within budget.
Led cross-functional teams on multi-site infrastructure projects, achieving zero lost-time safety incidents over a decade.
Optimized substation layouts and conductor sizing, reducing material costs by 15% and cutting construction time by 20% without compromising system reliability.
Implemented advanced SCADA integration and protection coordination, reducing unplanned outages by 30% and improving grid reliability indices.
Managed procurement and contract negotiations that saved $2M annually through strategic vendor selection and value engineering.
Ensured 100% compliance with IEEE, NEC, NESC, and OSHA standards, passing all regulatory audits with zero findings.
Delivered complex brownfield substation upgrades with minimal service interruptions, maintaining uninterrupted service to over 500,000 customers.
Introduced pre-fabricated substation component strategies, reducing field installation time by 25% and enhancing worker safety.
Mentored and developed over 15 junior engineers and supervisors, with five achieving Professional Engineer (PE) licensure under guidance.
Led root cause failure analyses (RCFA) on critical assets, preventing repeat failures and saving over $1.5M in potential downtime costs.
Affiliations
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Certification
PMP – Project Management Professional
OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification
NERC Reliability Standards Training
Tag Holder Certification
Cypher Security Training
Substation awareness training
Languages
English
Full Professional
Arabic
Native or Bilingual
Awards
Excellence Gold Star Medal
Timeline
Senior Electrical Construction Specialist
PSE&G
08.2012 - Current
Senior Construction Supervisor/Technical Project Manager