Modernization Project Manager Jobs in Portland, ME

Description
Description At 1898 & Co., a part of Burns & McDonnell, we help shape the future of electric distribution systems across North America. Our Distribution Planning and Grid Modernization team partners with utilities and developers to improve grid performance, reliability, and resiliency while preparing the grid for future challenges such as distributed energy resources (DERs), electrification, and digitalization. As part of Burns & McDonnell, we combine deep engineering expertise, data-driven insights, and consulting experience to deliver innovative and practical solutions. We are seeking a Project Manager focused in Distribution Planning who will lead multidisciplinary project teams to deliver high-quality distribution system planning and consulting projects. This individual will oversee project scope, schedule, budget, and client communications, ensuring successful outcomes that align with client goals and company standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical foundation in distribution system studies, modeling, and grid technologies, coupled with leadership and client relationship skills.
Business Development
• Develop and strengthen client relationships through project delivery, strategic engagement, and consistent communication.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities for distribution planning, grid modernization, and DER integration consulting services.
• Lead proposal development, including project scope definition, budgeting, and scheduling to meet client requirements.
• Collaborate with business line leads and proposal teams to develop winning strategies for new opportunities.
• Represent 1898 & Co. in client meetings, conferences, and industry forums to expand the firm's visibility and thought leadership in distribution planning.
Project Execution
• Manage the full lifecycle of distribution planning projects, including scope, schedule, budget, quality, and client communications.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams to perform load flow, reliability, system impact, and hosting capacity studies for electric distribution systems.
• Oversee evaluations of operational technologies and grid device integration such as outage and distribution management systems (OMS/DMS) to ensure client needs are met.
• Guide the analysis of non-wires alternatives and distributed energy resource impacts, integrating technical and economic considerations into decision-making.
• Ensure all project deliverables meet quality standards, technical rigor, and client expectations.
• Oversee QA/QC reviews, documentation, and reporting to ensure consistency across deliverables.
• Coordinate with internal departments and project managers to manage staffing, workload distribution, and project resources.
• Monitor project performance and proactively address risks, issues, and schedule changes to maintain successful outcomes.
• Ensure adherence to company safety policies, quality standards, and project management best practices.
Leadership & Mentorship
• Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to project engineers, consultants, and analysts working on distribution planning studies.
• Foster a collaborative environment focused on continuous learning, innovation, and professional development.
• Train and develop team members in distribution planning tools, modeling techniques, and client engagement best practices.
• Promote company culture and values while supporting diversity, inclusion, and team collaboration initiatives.
Technical Responsibilities
• Lead the execution of technical distribution planning studies such as load flow, reliability, DER hosting capacity, and system impact analyses.
• Supervise development of models within software such as CYME, Synergi, Windmil, SKM, ETAP, or equivalent.
• Oversee evaluations of system performance, simulations, and recommended facility upgrades or reconfiguration solutions.
• Provide technical oversight on assessments of non-wires alternatives and distributed energy integration strategies.
• Conduct or review data analysis, risk assessments, and financial evaluations supporting project decisions.
• Ensure the technical accuracy of deliverables, reports, and client presentations summarizing results and recommendations.
• Support cross-functional collaboration with adjacent business lines such as Transmission Planning, Power Delivery, and Grid Modernization.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree in engineering, business, computer science or related field from an accredited program and 5 years of related professional experience Required
• Knowledge in project management, techniques, and procedures.
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong organizational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.
• Experience leading technical aspects of consulting engagements in regards to power systems, distribution planning, and grid modernization.
• Experience on consulting projects, client operations, or executing program management within the critical infrastructure industry.
• Understanding of general business and financial principles.
• Experience with communicating across business segments to understand project objectives.

Compensation
$150,000.00-350,000.00 Yearly
The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.
Benefits
Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Job Engineering
Primary Location US-CT-Wallingford
Other Locations US-MA-Newton, US-ME-Portland, US-PA-Conshohocken
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 10 % of the Time
About 1898 & Co. 1898 & Co. is a business, technology and security solutions consultancy where experience and foresight come together to unlock lasting advancements. We innovate today to fuel our clients' future growth, catalyzing insights that drive smarter decisions, improve performance and maximize value. As part of Burns & McDonnell, we draw on more than 120 years of deep and broad experience in complex industries as we envision and enable the future for our clients.
Req ID: 254232
Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-EH #E98 N/A