Data Center/Substation Owner’s Representative

Position Overview

At HDR, our employee-owners create a welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone’s unique perspectives help change the world. We are seeking a Data Center Substation Owner’s Representative (OR) to join our nationally ranked Power Delivery team. In this role, you will serve as the Owner’s representative—working closely with the Owner, local utilities, internal discipline leads, and end users—to deliver utility power infrastructure projects (including high voltage substations, medium voltage feeders, switchgear, etc.) for large-scale data centers using DBB or EPC models. HDR’s culture is built on inclusion and employee ownership. We value diverse ideas and authentic contributions from every team member.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Project Owner with the utility interconnect process by reviewing applications, load letters, RFIs, scheduling utility meetings, responding to data requests, and facilitating planning meetings with the Owner, EPC Contractor, and Utility.
• Assist with EPC Contractor RFP development and bid selection.
• Oversee HDR engineering disciplines for responses to design RFIs and submittal reviews.
• Interface with project stakeholders—including the Owner, utilities, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), and EPC Contractor—throughout project development and execution.
• Represent the Owner in meetings with local gas and electric utilities and various partners.
• Review and report on permitting application packages to ensure compliance with local authority requirements and the Owner’s contract conditions.
• Monitor design deliverables and provide peer reviews at milestones (30%, 60%, 90%, Issued for Construction, and jurisdictional submissions), advising the Owner of any potential issues.
• Oversee scope and schedule while assisting with budget management.
• Review the EPC Contractor's Construction, Site Logistics, Health & Safety, and Quality Plans prior to construction.
• Monitor the performance of the EPC Contractor during construction.
• Support project risk management and scheduling efforts.
• Represent HDR to support marketing and proposal development for power delivery opportunities.
• Travel for business development and project execution as required.
• Perform additional duties as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience.
• At least 2 years of project management experience.
• Proven ability to interact with diverse design teams with excellent organizational and communication skills.
• A commitment to actively contributing to an employee-owned culture.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, PMP, and/or DBIA certification highly desired.
• Experience in substation design up to 500kV.
• Prior experience as an Owner's Representative or Owner's Engineer on Data Centers/Substations.
• Strong technical knowledge of substations and the energy industry.
• Project management experience with design-bid-build and EPC delivery models for substation projects.
• Experience with energy utilities and interconnect processes on mission-critical projects.
• Experience in reviewing EPC contract terms and managing scope change processes.
• Proactive, responsive, and an effective communicator.
• Willingness to travel to project sites for in-person meetings and site visits as needed.

Benefits & Perks

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Short and long-term disability and life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program and paid time away, including parental leave and paid holidays.
• Retirement savings plan with employer match; employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement.
• Compensation: The expected compensation range depends on skills, experience, education, and geographical location. Ranges include: Northern California: $122,045.00 - $198,125.00; Baltimore, Maryland: $116,498.00 - $166,425.00; Washington, DC: $133,140.00 - $190,200.00; Bellevue, Washington: $133,140.00 - $190,200.00.