Solution Architect (Utilities)

Overview

Evergreen's Applied Engineering Services (AES) practice is seeking a Solution Architect to lead the design and delivery of project management solutions for electric utility clients. This role will leverage extensive generation, transmission, distribution project experience to develop project management, controls, scheduling, and closeout frameworks that improve how utility capital projects are executed. The Solution Architect will translate such experience into high-impact solutions for clients, ensuring successful end-to-end project delivery (from planning through commissioning and close-out) and help utility organizations achieve greater efficiency and oversight in their capital programs.

Responsibilities

• Solution Design & Architecture: Develop and implement integrated project management frameworks tailored to electric utilities. This includes standing up PMOs, defining project controls processes, establishing enterprise scheduling systems, and formalizing project closeout procedures to support grid investment infrastructure programs. Ensure these solutions align with client objectives and industry best practices for grid projects.
• End-to-End Project Delivery: Ensure solutions developed provide technical leadership for initiatives, guiding projects from inception and design through execution and closeout. Draw on personal experience leading projects of varying scale and scope to build teams to drive on-time, on-budget delivery and maintain the highest quality and safety standards across all phases.
• Process Improvement & Standards: Embed industry best practices into client solutions. Leverage Project Management Institute (PMI) standards, relevant ISO 21500 guidelines, and Lean Six Sigma methodologies to standardize workflows and improve efficiency. Continuously refine processes (e.g. risk management, change control, quality assurance) to optimize project performance and reliability.
• Technology Integration: Integrate advanced tools and analytics into project management solutions. For example, configure and use Oracle Primavera P6 for detailed scheduling and resource planning, and SAP (or similar ERP systems) for project tracking and cost control. Implement data-driven reporting dashboards using tools such as Microsoft Power BI or Tableau to provide real-time visibility into project status, KPIs, and risks for stakeholders. Ensure project teams are fully utilizing these platforms to make informed decisions and adjust plans proactively.
• Client Engagement & Collaboration: Work closely with utility clients to assess their current project management processes and identify gaps or improvement opportunities. Serve as a trusted advisor, presenting solution roadmaps and value propositions to client executives and project managers. Facilitate workshops and meetings to gain stakeholder buy-in, and tailor implementations to fit the client's organization and culture. Throughout engagements, maintain open communication and alignment with client goals (e.g. grid modernization, reliability targets) to ensure the solutions meet their business needs.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Lead cross-functional delivery teams (project managers, schedulers, analysts, engineers) in deploying the new solutions. Provide mentorship and training to both internal AES team members and client personnel on the adopted project management practices. Support AES Delivery in establishing routines for monitoring KPIs and progress and lead regular review sessions to drive continuous improvement. By coaching teams and reinforcing best practices, ensure that improvements are sustained and scaled across the organization.
• Business Development Support: Collaborate with AES business development and account teams to support growth in this service area. Leverage our portfolio of successful utility projects as case studies in proposals and presentations. Identify additional client needs or follow-on opportunities (such as expanding a pilot PMO or adding analytics capabilities) and help scope solutions that broaden our engagement. Ensure a high level of client satisfaction and tangible results, leading to referenceable success stories and repeat business.

• Education & Certification: Bachelor's degree in engineering (Electrical, Civil, Mechanical or related field) is required. A master's degree in engineering or management is a plus. Project Management Professional (PMP) certification (or equivalent) is strongly preferred, as it demonstrates solid knowledge of PMI frameworks and standards. Additional credentials such as Six Sigma Green/Black Belt or MBA are advantageous.
• Industry Experience: 5+ years of experience in the electric utility industry, with a substantial portion in managing capital projects. The ideal candidate has led large-scale Generation, Transmission and/or Distribution projects from start to finish, such as substation builds, transmission line upgrades, generation unit new construction or re-builds, or grid modernization initiatives. Experience should include full project lifecycle responsibility - from planning/design and permitting through construction, testing, and closeout - preferably in a utility or EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) environment. A proven track record of delivering projects on schedule and within budget in a regulated utility context is essential.
• Project Management Expertise: In-depth knowledge of project management methodologies and lifecycle processes. Hands-on experience implementing or working within PMO structures or project governance frameworks is expected. Familiarity with PMBOK® guidelines, ISO 21500 standards, and Lean Six Sigma principles for process improvement is preferred. The candidate should demonstrate ability to develop standard operating procedures, templates, and metrics that improve project execution and controls.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with industry-standard tools and software for project management and analysis. This includes expertise in Oracle Primavera P6 (or MS Project) for scheduling and resource management and working knowledge of SAP or similar ERP systems for project accounting and controls. Strong understanding of data analysis and reporting required to successfully deliver solutions and track project performance and program-level metrics is desired. Comfort with collaborative tools (e.g. SharePoint, Teams) and advanced Excel functions for analytics is assumed.
• Leadership & Communication: Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities. The role requires frequent interaction with utility leadership, project teams, and external partners. Experience in a client-facing consulting role or similar environment is highly desirable. Demonstrated ability to mentor others, manage cross-functional teams, and foster a culture of accountability and excellence is key.
• Domain Knowledge: Strong understanding of electric utility operations and infrastructure. Knowledge of electric utility system components (generators, substations, transformers, transmission lines, distribution networks) and typical utility project types is important. The candidate should be familiar with regulatory requirements and safety standards applicable to utility projects (e.g. NERC reliability standards, OSHA regulations, environmental permitting). This background enables the Solution Architect to design solutions that fit the compliance and operational context of our utility clients.