Lindsey Wildman '14
Lindsey Wildman
Class of ‘14
Supervisor Substation Engineering – Data Communications at Dominion Energy
Since graduating from Virginia Tech, I have worked at three companies in various engineering roles, including design, process improvement, project management, performance engineering, and supervision. I joined Dominion Energy in 2017 as a performance engineer in the Power Generation Excellence group. In this role, I supported traditional generators, coal, wood, oil, gas, run-of-river, and pumped storage. I was also involved in several projects, including implementing a new performance software tool, performing capacity tests, and managing the generation alarm database.
In 2019, I changed roles within the company to work in the electric transmission side of the business, specifically in the System Operations Center where I took on responsibilities to streamline and automate tasks. Additionally, I led special projects such as the changes to our compensation values where we tie to other utilities, the use of solar sites at night for voltage support, and the development of dashboards for Dominion zonal load submission. For example, I helped develop a new technology to modernize our electric grid, which made significant contributions to Dominion’s commitment to providing affordable, reliable, and increasingly clean energy for our customers. From strengthening grid reliability, I received the Innovator Award at the 2022 ICONS Young Professionals Awards, hosted by ChamberRVA’s Helping Young Professionals Engage (HYPE) program. Leading the effort to use solar sites at night for voltage support was very rewarding because it modernized our electric grid, which made significant contributions to Dominion's commitment to providing affordable, reliable, and increasingly clean energy for our customers.
In 2022, I accepted the supervisor substation engineering data communications role. I now lead a team of 12 people who support the flow of data into and out of substations throughout the entire Dominion Energy grid. The work we do is critical to the business because it is how we control and monitor the current state of the system.
Personally, I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, cooking, and traveling! I live in Richmond, Virginia, with my husband and 10-month-old son.
How did the college equip you for the “real world”?
Throughout my career, I have used information from many of my classes. The skills I gained from college equipped me for the real world by teaching me how to work with a diverse team to accomplish goals, as well as how to identify problems and work backward from that to develop effective solutions. Aside from being one of the most hands-on technical engineering schools, Virginia Tech’s engineering program does an incredible job of prepping students for the career field by having classes that focus on innovation, team building, task prioritization, technical writing, and communication.
What was a project that you worked on while at Virginia Tech?
My senior design project was the MobileWave, a portable system that perfused an organ outside the body. The system was built using new technology to increase the number of organs that would be viable in order to eliminate the need for unscheduled transplant surgeries in the middle of the night. The project was the first to ever receive two of the three mechanical engineering department senior design expo awards. We won the best design and most creative/innovative project awards. I still have the photo album from this project on my bookshelf in my office.
Being a Virginia Tech alumna means...
Ut Prosim (That I May Serve)! Being an alumna means serving and supporting fellow Hokies and our communities. I am so proud to be a Hokie and hold a degree from such a prestigious engineering school. Virginia Tech has a community bonded together by our love for the school. No matter what year you graduated or what degree you obtained, there is an everlasting bond of community and loyalty. Go, Hokies!
Why is giving back (time, talent, or treasure) to Virginia Tech important to you?
Giving back and investing in young talent are important because they are the key to a better future. Virginia Tech is filled with some of the best and brightest talent. It’s important to give back so the next generation can grow and pursue the change needed in the world.
My fondest memory from my time in the college is…
I have so many amazing memories it’s challenging to pick one:
- The late-night studying with friends
- D2 runs
- Sporting events
- The beautiful campus
- Plus, there was always something fun to do
College is truly an amazing unforgettable experience.
What is a guiding principle for your work?
Set a goal, build a plan, work hard, and always do your best. It’s important to learn from mistakes, remain open to new ideas and change, and know that failure is essential to success.
Education
B.S., Mechanical Engineering, minor Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Tech, 2014
MBA, Liberty University, 2021