Director / Project Manager – Major Component Exchange (MCE)

Overview

Director / Project Manager - Major Component Exchange (MCE)

50% Travel – North America 

 

About the Role 

 

The Director / Project Manager – Major Component Exchange (MCE) is responsible for the safe, efficient, and profitable execution of Sky Climber Renewables’ Major Component Exchange and heavy-lift service activities.

This position will lead the planning and execution of wind turbine major component replacements, including but not limited to, gearboxes, generators, main bearings, blades, hubs, transformers, and other major drivetrain or turbine components. The role will also support specialized repairs, uptower repairs, retrofit campaigns, and other complex field-service projects as required.

 

The Director / Project Manager will serve as the primary operational interface between Sky Climber leadership, field teams, customers, crane providers, subcontractors, OEMs, engineering resources, tooling providers, and other project stakeholders.

 

The successful candidate must combine strong wind-turbine technical knowledge with exceptional project management, field leadership, customer service, safety leadership, and financial accountability.

 

What You’ll Do 

 

MCE Operations & Project Execution

• Lead the planning, mobilization, execution, and closeout of Major Component Exchange projects throughout Sky Climber Renewables' operating territory.• Manage projects involving the replacement of major wind turbine components including:o Gearboxeso Generatorso Main bearingso Bladeso Hubso Transformerso Main shafts and drivetrain componentso Other major mechanical and electrical components• Coordinate project schedules, field personnel, cranes, rigging, tooling, transportation, materials, subcontractors, and customer requirements.• Develop detailed project execution plans prior to mobilization.• Ensure projects are appropriately staffed and resources are aligned with customer schedules and operational requirements.• Identify project constraints and proactively develop solutions to minimize downtime, delays, and cost impacts.• Coordinate closely with field leadership to ensure crews have the information, tooling, materials, documentation, and support required for successful execution.• Support all MCE projects and field teams simultaneously. 

Safety & Quality Leadership

• Maintain an uncompromising commitment to safety and ensure all work is performed in accordance with Sky Climber Renewables' EHS policies, customer requirements, OEM procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.• Ensure Job Hazard Analyses, lift plans, rigging plans, work procedures, rescue plans, and other required documentation are completed and communicated prior to execution.• Conduct or support pre-job planning meetings, project kickoff meetings, and post-project reviews.• Ensure field teams are properly trained, qualified, and authorized for assigned work.• Promote stop-work authority and proactive identification of hazards.• Review project incidents, near misses, quality issues, and operational deviations and ensure corrective actions are implemented.• Drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, and field execution. 

Crane, Rigging & Heavy-Lift Coordination

• Coordinate crane selection, mobilization, setup, execution, and demobilization for MCE projects.• Evaluate crane requirements based on turbine configuration, component weights, hub height, site access, ground conditions, and OEM requirements.• Coordinate with crane companies, rigging providers, customers, and field teams to ensure safe and efficient execution.• Review crane and rigging documentation including lift plans, certifications, inspections, and operator qualifications.• Understand conventional crane and alternative/craneless MCE solutions and assist in selecting the most appropriate execution method.• Identify opportunities to improve crane utilization and reduce standby, mobilization, and project costs. 

Personnel & Field Leadership

• Provide leadership and direction to MCE field teams, supervisors, lead technicians, and supporting personnel.• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, selection, onboarding, training, and development of MCE personnel.• Work with Sky Climber leadership to establish scalable MCE team structures capable of supporting company growth.• Mentor supervisors, leads, and technicians and support the development of future field leaders.• Monitor technician performance and identify opportunities for training or development.• Ensure appropriate technician skill levels are assigned to each project.• Promote a strong team culture centered on People, Safety, Quality, Integrity, and Customer Success. 

Project Management & Financial Performance

• Maintain accountability for project financial performance, including:o Laboro Overtimeo Travelo Per diemo Crane costso Toolingo Transportationo Subcontractorso Equipmento Materials and consumables• Monitor project budgets, actual costs, productivity, and forecasted cost-to-complete.• Identify potential project overruns early and develop corrective actions.• Review project scope and identify work performed outside the contracted scope.• Work with commercial and leadership teams to document and execute appropriate change orders.• Support project estimating, proposal development, labor assumptions, execution schedules, and pricing.• Drive improvements in labor productivity and overall project cost.• Develop and track key performance indicators for MCE operations.• Support annual operating plans, forecasting, manpower planning, and budget development. 

Customer Management

• Serve as a primary operational point of contact for assigned customers and projects.• Maintain frequent communication with customers regarding:o Project statuso Safety performanceo Scheduleo Staffingo Crane coordinationo Component readinesso Toolingo Risks and constraintso Project completion• Build strong working relationships with customer site leadership, engineering teams, procurement organizations, and corporate stakeholders.• Address customer concerns quickly and professionally.• Participate in project kickoff meetings, daily operational calls, customer reviews, and project closeout meetings.• Ensure Sky Climber consistently delivers a high level of customer service. 

Technical Support

• Provide technical support to field teams during complex MCE activities.• Review and interpret OEM work instructions, technical procedures, drawings, service bulletins, torque specifications, and installation requirements.• Support troubleshooting of complex mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical issues associated with wind turbine systems.• Assist teams in identifying technical risks before execution.• Coordinate with OEM engineering, customer engineering, and internal technical resources when required.• Ensure field teams are working to the most current approved procedures.• Capture and distribute technical lessons learned and execution best practices. 

Reporting & Documentation

• Ensure accurate and timely completion of field-service documentation.• Maintain project records including daily reports, timekeeping, technician documentation, completion reports, customer signoffs, and quality records.• Provide regular project updates to Sky Climber leadership.• Track schedule performance, productivity, project financials, safety performance, and customer satisfaction.• Participate in project post-mortems and document lessons learned.• Develop standardized reporting processes to improve visibility across MCE operations.  Qualifications & Experience  • Minimum 8 years of experience within the wind-energy industry, with significant field experience involving wind turbine installation, maintenance, repair, or major component exchange.• Minimum 3–5 years of experience leading MCE, heavy-lift, construction, installation, or complex wind-turbine service projects.• Demonstrated experience with major component replacement activities.• Strong understanding of wind turbine mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.• Experience coordinating cranes, heavy lifts, rigging, tooling, and field personnel.• Demonstrated project management experience including scheduling, budgeting, cost control, and customer communication.• Ability to read and interpret OEM procedures, technical drawings, manuals, and engineering documentation.• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and project-management/reporting systems.• Strong written and verbal communication skills.• Ability to lead geographically dispersed field teams.• Valid driver's license and ability to meet company driving requirements.• Ability and willingness to travel extensively as required to support projects and customers.  Leadership Expectations 

The Director / Project Manager – MCE is expected to lead by example and reinforce Sky Climber Renewables' commitment to:

 

People First – Support, develop, and protect the technicians and teams performing the work.

Safety Always – No schedule, customer commitment, or financial objective takes priority over safe execution.

Quality Execution – Perform work correctly, consistently, and in accordance with approved procedures.

Integrity – Communicate openly, take ownership, and do what is right for employees, customers, and the business.

Customer Partnership – Operate as a trusted and dependable partner focused on helping customers succeed.

Operational Excellence – Continuously improve how Sky Climber plans, executes, measures, and delivers MCE projects.

 

About Sky Climber Renewables  Sky Climber Renewables (SCR) provides specialized field services to the utility-scale wind industry across North America. We support OEMs, asset owners, and developers with qualified technicians, structured execution, and a strong commitment to safety, quality, and workforce professionalism. 

 SCR is part of the Sky Climber family of companies, with more than 70 years of experience supporting work at height through engineered access solutions and field services.  Learn more at: https://www.skyclimber-re.com 

Employment Standards & Equal Opportunity 

Sky Climber Renewables is committed to maintaining a safe, professional, and respectful work environment. Employment is contingent upon meeting all position requirements, including safety, training, certification, and customer compliance standards.  

SCR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on job-related qualifications.