Substation Project Structural Engineer
Job Description
Position Overview
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where everyone is valued and respected. We foster a culture of inclusion and empowerment, encouraging diverse ideas to drive innovation across our global communities. We believe that electricity powers modern life. As part of our Power sector, you’ll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted, and delivered to support sustainable growth. This isn’t just a job – it’s a chance to drive infrastructure forward, power innovation, and leave your mark on our energy future.
HDR Engineering is looking for a Substation Project Structural Engineer to join our nationally ranked team of Power Delivery professionals. In this role, you will execute structural and foundation design tasks for high voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects up to 500kV, collaborate with project managers and teams across multiple locations, and mentor junior engineers. Some travel may be required.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute structural engineering tasks for various substation structural members (rolled steel shapes, lattice steel framing, and folded plate tubular steel shapes) including detailed design, calculations, and preparation of fabrication or loading drawings.
- Perform foundation design tasks for substation structures, including drilled piers, spread footings, and driven piles using industry standard software.
- Prepare and/or review construction and material specifications.
- Assign project tasks to EITs and provide technical guidance to non-structural team members.
- Coordinate and perform quality checks and reviews for project deliverables to meet HDR Quality Management Systems requirements.
- Collaborate with other engineers to develop and maintain design standards.
- Work independently while mentoring and training one or more EITs and Designers.
- Manage multiple projects concurrently in collaboration with teams in different locations.
- Participate in project reviews as needed.
- Travel as required.
Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering
- Requirements: Professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board (PE or P.Eng) and previous structural engineer experience
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, RISA, Staad, SAP, Tedds, RAM, ETABS, SAFE or similar software
- Prior experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm
- Commitment to actively participating in our employee-owned culture
Preferred Qualifications
- Technical design experience with physical/outdoor design of high voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects
- Familiarity with the latest NESC, NEC, IEEE, ANSI, ASCE-113 and other industry standards
- Experience using industry standard design software such as PLS-Tower, Mathcad Prime, AutoCAD, or MicroStation
- Minimum 5 years of technical design experience in high voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects, including foundation and steel structural design
- Working knowledge of standards including AISC-360, ASCE-7, ACI-318
- Experience with design software such as STAAD, RISA, MFAD, L-Pile or equivalent
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent conceptual, organizational, problem solving, and collaboration skills
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Benefits & Perks
- Salary: $90,682 - $145,990 (based on experience, education, and geographical location)
- Location: Primary – United States-North Carolina-Charlotte; also available in multiple locations across the U.S.
- Schedule: Full-time
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, paid time off, parental leave, paid holidays, retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus, and tuition reimbursement