Substation Communications and Electrical Inspector

Mackay is seeking an experienced Quality Assurance Representative (QAR) to provide construction quality oversight for high voltage electrical, communications, and facilities infrastructure projects throughout the Pacific Northwest and Montana. The QAR serves as the owner’s representative, ensuring contractor work complies with project specifications, drawings, industry standards, safety requirements, and quality expectations.

This position is focused on observation, documentation, verification, and reporting of construction activities. The Quality Assurance Representative does not direct contractor means and methods but serves as an independent representative ensuring work is completed in accordance with project requirements and quality standards.

This position requires a strong understanding of high voltage electrical systems, utility construction practices, communications infrastructure, facility construction and renovation practices, and quality assurance processes. The successful candidate will work independently at field locations throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana while maintaining close coordination with project managers, engineers, contractors, and client representatives.

Essential Responsibilities

• Perform quality assurance inspections on high voltage electrical, communications, and facilities construction projects in the PNW and Montana.
• Monitor contractor work for compliance with contract documents, specifications, drawings, and approved submittals.
• Verify installation of high voltage electrical equipment including:
• Substation equipment
• Switchgear and breakers
• Transformers
• Grounding systems
• Conduit and cable installations
• Protection and control systems
• Verify installation of communications systems including:
• Fiber optic cable systems
• Network infrastructure
• Radio communication systems
• SCADA and telemetry systems
• Communication shelters and associated equipment
• Perform facilities inspections including:
• Building construction and renovations
• Concrete, structural steel, and architectural components
• Roofing and building envelope systems
• HVAC systems
• Plumbing systems
• Fire protection and life safety systems
• Site development, fencing, and drainage improvements
• Control houses, communication shelters, maintenance facilities, and other utility support structures
• Review contractor quality control documentation and inspection records.
• Prepare detailed daily reports, weekly summaries, and deficiency reports.
• Document construction activities through written observations and photographs.
• Track and verify correction of non-conforming work.
• Participate in project meetings and communicate quality concerns to project stakeholders.
• Coordinate with engineering, construction management, and client personnel regarding quality-related issues.
• Ensure documentation is complete, accurate, and submitted in a timely manner.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in utility, industrial, commercial, high voltage electrical, telecommunications, facilities, or infrastructure construction.
• Working knowledge of high voltage electrical construction practices and equipment.
• Working knowledge of communications infrastructure installation and testing.
• Working knowledge of commercial, industrial, or utility facility construction practices.
• Ability to interpret:
• Construction drawings
• Specifications
• High voltage electrical one-line diagrams
• Communication network diagrams
• Architectural and structural drawings
• Mechanical and plumbing drawings
• Test reports
• Manufacturer installation requirements
• Experience with field inspections and construction documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work independently at remote project locations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with utility substations, transmission systems, and high voltage electrical infrastructure.
• Experience with fiber optic installations and testing.
• Experience with radio communications systems.
• Familiarity with SCADA, protection and control systems, and network communications.
• Experience with communications shelters, control houses, maintenance facilities, industrial buildings, or other utility support facilities.
• Familiarity with building codes, life safety requirements, and facility commissioning processes.
• Quality assurance, quality control, or inspection certifications.
• OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 certification.
• Knowledge of NESC, NEC, IBC, IFC, IEEE, and applicable industry standards.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk construction sites and uneven terrain.
• Ability to climb ladders and access elevated work areas when necessary.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to travel and work at remote project locations in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana.

Why Join MacKay?

A people-first culture
At MacKay, we put people first. We are committed to creating an environment where employees can grow, contribute, and do their best work. We support well-being, encourage balance, and create space for people to succeed both professionally and personally.

Meaningful work and real impact
Our teams take on complex infrastructure and environmental challenges that support critical systems and shape the places where people live and work. Every role contributes to delivering that work and making it successful.

Growth and opportunity
We are in an exciting phase of growth, expanding across geographies, services, and markets. That growth creates opportunities for our employees to take on new challenges, build their careers, and contribute in new ways as the company evolves.

A strong and trusted foundation
Built on more than 50 years of experience, MacKay has developed a reputation for quality work, strong relationships, and dependable results. You’ll be part of a team with a solid foundation and a clear direction for the future.

Opportunities to share in success
We provide opportunities for employees to participate in ownership and build long-term financial value as the company grows.

Our Values

At MacKay, our values guide how we work, collaborate, and support one another.

• Honesty. We build trust through transparency, integrity, and accountability.
• Dedication. We are committed to the success of our team members, clients, and communities.
• Relationships. We foster lasting connections that strengthen our work and the teams around us.

Who We Are

MacKay is an infrastructure and environmental services firm built on more than 50 years of experience and a growing collective of expertise.

We are in an exciting phase of growth, expanding our reach, strengthening our capabilities, and bringing together talented teams across the country. That growth is creating new opportunities for our employees to take on meaningful work, collaborate across disciplines, and build long-term careers.

Every role at MacKay contributes to the success of our projects and the clients we serve. Whether your work is technical or operational, you are part of a team that delivers quality, builds relationships, and moves projects forward.

We’re looking for dedicated, talented individuals who deliver excellence, thrive in collaborative environments, and value both meaningful work and work-life balance. If this sounds like you, we’d like to hear from you.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as various market and business considerations.