Substation Project Structural Engineer

Position Overview

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. We foster a culture of inclusion across our company and within our communities, constantly questioning what our impact on the world might be.

As part of our Power sector, we believe electricity powers modern life. Our industry‐recognized engineers and scientists have been on the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century. Working side-by-side with experts, you will help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted, and delivered – from massive data centers to modernized transmission systems – making a reliable, resilient, and sustainable energy future possible.

In this role as a Substation Project Structural Engineer, you will work closely with Project Managers and multi‐location teams to execute the structural engineering aspects of high voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects up to 500kV. You may also mentor and guide junior engineers and contribute to the development of best practices across the discipline.

Location: United States – Primary: North Carolina (Charlotte); Multiple other locations available

Schedule: Full-time

Job Posting: Nov 24, 2025

Key Responsibilities

• Execute structural engineering tasks for various substation structural members – including rolled steel shapes, lattice steel framing, and folded plate tubular steel shapes – through detailed design, calculations, and preparation of fabrication and loading drawings.
• Perform foundation design tasks for substation structures, using industry standard software for designs such as drilled piers, spread footings, and driven piles.
• Prepare and/or review specifications for construction and materials.
• Assign project tasks to EITs and provide technical guidance to non-structural team members.
• Coordinate and perform quality checks and reviews on project deliverables in accordance with HDR Quality Management Systems (QMS) processes and procedures, including reviews of projects from other teams as needed.
• Collaborate with other engineers to develop and maintain engineering standards.
• Work independently while mentoring and training one or more EITs and Designers.
• Manage multiple projects concurrently and collaborate with teams in different locations.
• Participate in project reviews as needed.
• Travel as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• Professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position (e.g., Professional Engineer (PE) or P.Eng license).
• Previous experience as a structural engineer.
• Proficiency with 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 in the physical/outdoor design of high voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects of varying complexity.
• Familiarity with the latest NESC, NEC, IEEE, ANSI, ASCE-113, and other industry standards.
• Experience using industry standard design software, including PLS-Tower, Mathcad Prime, AutoCAD, or MicroStation.
• A minimum of 5 years of technical design experience with high voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects, including both foundation and steel structural design.
• Working knowledge of AISC-360, ASCE-7, ACI-318, and other relevant industry standards.
• Experience with design software such as STAAD, RISA, MFAD, L-Pile, or equivalent.
• A self-starter with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong conceptual, organizational, problem solving, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team.

Benefits & Perks

• Salary: $90,682 - $145,990 per year
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus, and tuition reimbursement.