Senior Research Project Manager Jobs in Appleton, WI

Location: Various (ProjectBased)
Employment Type: FullTime
Travel: Required (LongTerm, Onsite Assignments)

Strengthening our nation's power grid isn't easy, but reliable electrical service is essential to everyday life. Every time someone charges an iPhone, cranks up the A/C, or turns on a computer, we are busy behind the scenes making it happen.

Michels Power, Inc. is one of the largest, most sought-after power delivery contractors in the United States. We execute the full spectrum of electrical infrastructure projects-including transmission lines, substation construction, distribution modernization, and renewable energy development. We also restore power after natural disasters strike.

Our foundation and civil teams play a critical role in delivering the structural backbone of transmission and substation infrastructure, ensuring long-term reliability, durability, and performance.

Our work improves lives. Find out how a career at Michels Power, Inc. can change yours.

As a Senior Project Manager - Foundations, you will lead the execution of large-scale and complex foundation and civil construction projects supporting transmission lines, substations, and power infrastructure systems.

You may oversee multiple large projects or major phases of complex megaprojects, with responsibility for full project lifecycle performance, including bid strategy, execution, financial performance, team leadership, and client satisfaction.

This is a senior leadership role requiring deep expertise in foundation construction methods, project controls, and field execution, along with the ability to lead teams and make critical decisions in dynamic, high-impact environments.

• Lead projects through pursuit, estimating, execution, and closeout phases
• Oversee large, complex foundation and civil scopes, including:
  • Drilled piers, caissons, and deep foundations
  • Driven piles and micropiles
  • Structural concrete and spread footings
  • Direct embed structure foundations and anchors
  • Site development, excavation, and access construction
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to quality standards
• Own financial performance, including forecasting, cost controls, productivity, and risk management
• Lead and mentor project teams, field leadership, and cross-functional stakeholders
• Manage and maintain key client and partner relationships
• Coordinate across engineering, estimating, procurement, and field operations
• Identify and mitigate constructability challenges, geotechnical risks, and logistical constraints
• Drive continuous improvement through lessons learned and operational best practices
• Champion and reinforce Michels' safety-first culture across all project phases

• Ranked No. 1 Electrical Transmission & Distribution Contractor by Engineering NewsRecord
• National leader in substation, transmission, and power infrastructure construction
• Family owned and operated with long-term stability
• Strategic growth driven by a commitment to quality and performance
• Average investment of $5,000 per employee annually in training and career development
• High-impact work supporting critical infrastructure nationwide
• Strong safety culture-everyone is responsible, regardless of title
• Part of the Michels family of companies-one of North America's largest and most diversified infrastructure contractors

• Health, Dental, and Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Legal Assistance and Identity Theft Protection Plans
  (Benefits may vary based on position and location)

• You like to surround yourself with dedicated, value-driven people.
• You thrive on new challenges and evolving technologies.
• You think "we've always done it this way" is not a good enough reason.
• You want to know your efforts are recognized and appreciated.
• You like making your own decisions-with the right support.
• You want to be part of a team that improves lives through essential infrastructure.

• Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience
• 7-10+ years of progressive project management experience, preferably within civil, foundation, transmission, or substation construction
• Direct experience with deep foundation systems, including:
  • Drilled piers and caissons
  • Driven piles
  • Micropiles and specialty foundations
• Proven ability to manage large, complex construction projects and multiple project teams simultaneously
• Experience with project scheduling and management software (Primavera, HCSS, or similar)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong leadership, financial management, and communication skills
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
• Willingness to travel and support long-term, onsite project assignments

Join a company that powers progress. Be a part of Michels Power, Inc.-where you don't just build projects, you build a career.