Senior Technical Director

Location: Louisville, KY
Business Unit: Transmission & Distribution Technology (TDT) / Line Asset Management (LAM)

About the Role

The Transmission and Distribution Technology (TDT) business is seeking a Senior Technical Director to lead technical strategy, service development, and market in the United States. This role will be based in our newly established Louisville, Kentucky facility and will play a critical role in expanding our U.S. footprint.

The successful candidate will be a recognized technical authority in overhead transmission lines industry.  This individual will provide leadership across laboratory testing, field inspection technologies, and new service offerings, while supporting business growth, client engagement, and staff development.

This position requires the ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences, contribute to commercial strategy, and represent the organization externally at industry forums.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategy

• Serve as a member of the leadership team, providing technical and strategic direction across the full range of T&D testing technologies.
• Support development and execution of an aggressive business plan focused on technology advancement, capability expansion, and market leadership.
• Lead identification and execution of growth opportunities.
• Support global growth initiatives through development of strategic and tactical plans for new products and services.
• Collaborate closely with department managers across TDT and the broader organization.
• Support senior management with business planning, reporting, and execution.
• Recruit, develop, coach, and manage technical staff, including performance reviews and succession planning.
• Maintain personal technical expertise and industry credibility.
• Represent the organization at industry conferences, trade shows, and technical forums, strengthening brand recognition and market presence.

Technical Sales & Client Engagement

• Manage key client accounts and support development of new business opportunities primarily in the U.S., with occasional global involvement.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with utilities and industry stakeholders.
• Identify sales leads and partner with Business Development to plan, pursue, and close opportunities.
• Lead or support responses to major RFPs, including multi-department proposals when required.
• Prepare technical proposals and deliver client presentations.
• Provide market intelligence related to customer satisfaction, quality, safety, technical challenges, and competitive positioning.
• Maintain a strong professional profile through speaking engagements, publications, and industry participation.

Technical Execution & Governance

• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with quality and value expectations.
• Embed safety as a core requirement in all activities.
• Review and approve proposals, project progress, and technical reports.
• Author complex or custom project reports and establish report templates for repeat testing.
• Lead U.S. laboratory ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 audits and ongoing certification maintenance.
• Align and harmonize testing protocols with Canadian laboratories where dual capabilities exist.
• Stay current on advancements in testing equipment, techniques, and international standards.
• Actively participate in U.S.-based technical committees and professional societies to identify trends and protect organizational interests.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering; postgraduate education preferred.
• Business qualifications are considered an asset.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in transmission and distribution technologies.
• Deep knowledge of overhead transmission line design, operation, condition assessment, and type testing.
• Extensive experience working with industry standards (IEEE, ASTM, IEC) and utility specifications.
• Recognized technical expert, demonstrated through industry leadership, committee participation, publications, or equivalent contributions.
• Proven experience with third-party laboratory testing and field inspection programs.
• Experience managing work in a test laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated success operating as a consulting engineer and securing client work.
• Strong understanding of quality systems and compliance.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Legally authorized to work permanently in the United States without current or future sponsorship.
• Ability to travel internationally, including the U.S., Canada, Europe, and India.

Essential Competencies

• Strong customer orientation with demonstrated success developing new business
• Strategic mindset with the ability to identify sustainable growth and partnership opportunities.
• Commercial acumen, including the ability to draft and negotiate agreements.
• Proven project management capability across large, multidisciplinary, high-profile initiatives.
• Financial literacy with experience using reporting and analytical tools.
• Ability to mentor and develop technical staff while operating effectively in team environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; confident and effective presenter.
• High level of initiative, accountability, and alignment with organizational strategy.

About Us

Kinectrics is a leading provider of life-cycle management solutions for the global electricity industry, recognized for technical excellence, innovation, and employee expertise.

Kinectrics AES, Inc. is the U.S. Division of Kinectrics, Inc., headquartered in Toronto, Canada, and is now a Division of BWX Technologies (publicly traded as: BWXT).

Why Work For Us?

Kinectrics AES, Inc. offers a comprehensive benefits plan which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurances, generous PTO and a match on our 401k plan.

Employee surveys consistently rank Kinectrics as “one of the best places to work”. Although this phrase may mean different things to different people, Kinectrics is widely recognized as a company that employs some of the best and brightest minds in the energy and utility industry.

Kinectrics AES is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected classification.