Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most well-established engineering companies in the United States. When you join WM you become part of a company that is:
100% employee-owned with 40+ years of industry historyENR (Engineering News Record) Top 500 firmRated as a top System Integrator Giant
Wunderlich-Malec's Electrical Testing Group (ETG) is expanding - and we're seeking an entrepreneurial Operations Manager to lead our newest regional location from the ground up. This position combines operational leadership with entrepreneurial drive - serving as both Integrator and Builder of a new ETG Business Unit. You'll take ownership of day-to-day execution, lead a growing technical team, manage P&L objectives, and work side-by-side with ETG leadership to bring our proven business model to a new region. This is a rare opportunity to see a business evolve from Infancy → Growth → Maturity - with your leadership at the center of that transformation.
Key Responsibilities
1. Operational Leadership & Execution
Faithfully execute the ETG business plan - achieving or exceeding P&L, revenue, and performance goalsLead all regional operations including scheduling, resource planning, quality assurance, safety, and project deliveryImplement and maintain ETG's operating systems, testing standards, and documentation processesManage field operations for protective relaying, SCADA, and IEC 61850 systems commissioningEnsure alignment between technical execution and business objectives - balancing efficiency, quality, and profitability
2. Integration & Team Alignment
Integrate all major functions of the local ETG operation - ensuring everyone is rowing in the same directionLead, manage, and hold team members accountable for results and commitmentsBuild and nurture a healthy, functional, and cohesive leadership team under the EOS frameworkResolve issues effectively: identify root causes, address conflict constructively, and drive solutions to completion
3. Business Unit Development
Build the BU from the ground up - recruiting, training, and developing a skilled team of field engineers and techniciansEstablish vendor partnerships and client relationships within the regionDrive growth through operational excellence, local market development, and client satisfactionCreate and maintain structure and process as the BU transitions from startup to sustainable operation
4. Vision & Collaboration
Collaborate closely with the ETG Visionary and National Leadership Team to ensure clear direction and alignmentTranslate vision into actionable, measurable goalsMaintain a strong, respectful partnership with ETG leadership - ensuring ideas are filtered, prioritized, and implemented effectivelyEnsure that key messages and decisions are properly cascaded across the team so that everyone is informed, aligned, and focused
5. Systems, Structure, and Process
Operate within ETG's EOS framework: own the scorecard, lead local L10s, and manage to defined KPIsEnsure consistency in how core processes are followed, documented, and improvedDemonstrate strong project management discipline and operational consistencyUphold ETG's values of safety, integrity, quality, and innovation in every aspect of operations
What Success Looks Like
First 6-12 Months
Establish the foundation: hire key staff, build client relationships, deliver first projects successfully, and drive the BU toward break-even
12-24 Months
Transition into the Growth Phase: solid team structure, sustainable backlog, and strong client confidenceLocal L10s running consistently, scorecard metrics trending upward, and P&L tracking toward profitability by month 12
Beyond 24 Months
The BU is Mature: operating as a profitable, independently functioning unit within the national ETG network, recognized for its technical quality and reliability
Qualifications
7+ years in power systems testing, commissioning, or utility operationsProven leadership experience managing people, budgets, and project deliveryStrong understanding of protective relaying, automation, and SCADA systemsEntrepreneurial mindset - thrives in building structure from scratchExcellent communication, organization, and conflict-resolution skillsExperience with EOS or similar operating systems preferredWillingness to travel regionally and work in a dynamic field environment
Why This Role is ExcitingYou'll lead one of the most exciting phases of ETG's national expansion - bringing our brand of technical excellence and culture of accountability to a new region. You'll have the chance to build a business with your own imprint while being part of a nationwide team of leaders doing the same.
This role offers the energy of a startup with the stability and support of a 40-year engineering powerhouse - and the satisfaction of watching a blank slate become a thriving, mature operation under your leadership.
*Job Descriptions are not exhaustive lists of all skills, responsibilities, or efforts associated with a job. They reflect principal job elements essential for performing the job and evaluating performance.
Wunderlich-Malec is proud to offer a comprehensive employee-owner benefit package. Full-time employees may be eligible for the following benefits: Medical • Dental • Vision • Basic and Supplemental Life and AD&D • Long Term Disability • Voluntary Short Term Disability • Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts • Health Savings Account • Paid Time Off (PTO) • Paid Holidays • Tuition Reimbursement • Referral Bonus Program • 401(k)/Profit Sharing • 100% ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) • Employee Assistance Program • Will Preparation Resources • Worldwide Travel Assistance
Salary Range The expected salary range is $160,000 - $190,000 annually depending on qualifications plus a discretionary bonus and employee stock program.
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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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