Civil Engineer - Energy

Civil Engineer | Energy | Hybrid

VHB's growing Energy Evolution Practice | VHB reflects our commitment to supporting the global transition to clean, sustainable energy solutions. VHB supports clients throughout the project lifecycle with their generation and delivery needs, bringing decades of experience in the assessment, engineering and design, permitting, mitigation, and compliance services associated with energy infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

• Primary duties will include preparation of engineering drawings, calculations, analyses, reports and civil design in support of electrical substations (low, medium and high voltage) and substation systems.
• Work within a team of professionals in developing site civil engineering plans, reports, and specifications for electrical substations, solar facilities, transmission line right-of-way access, and various utility related land development projects.
• Civil engineering for substation expansions and replacements including siting, grading and drainage design, utility design, interior circulation layout, and exterior access design.
• Civil engineering for transmission line permanent and temporary gravel road access to support construction and long-term operations and maintenance including development of plans and access road profiles, stormwater management, work pads, pull pads, and alternative/innovative solutions for challenging locations that require safe access.
• Preparation and/or reviewing design criteria, drawings, and specifications.
• Preparation and/or reviewing permitting, design, and construction documents.
• Reviewing geotechnical and reports.
• Coordinating with other project disciplines including structural and electrical.
• Project task financial performance, and management of small to medium projects.
• Engagement in business development and client relations.
• Technical and design report writing.
• Attending meetings with clients, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders to establish their needs and discuss design/permitting issues.

Skills & Abilities

• Expertise in site planning and layout, utility coordination and design for site substation and transmission line projects including foundations, grading and drainage design, hydraulic analysis, permitting, specifications, and construction administration of civil site infrastructure components.
• Understanding of substation design and associated plans including one-line diagrams, general arrangements sections, grounding & conduit plans, foundation plans, and bill of material (BOM) lists.
• Ability to oversee designers and CADD technicians in the development of drawings in accordance with national design standards, safety codes, and client specific project specifications and requirements.
• Strong project management skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Self-motivated with ability to think critically.

Qualifications

• BS in Civil Engineering or equivalent field of study
• 5-8 years of professional site/civil/electrical engineering experience
• Professional Engineering License
• AutoCAD Civil 3D and HydroCAD / StormCAD experience preferred
• Experience with GIS Systems a plus
• Experience with PLS-CADD software a plus
• Experience with Microstation software a plus
• Solid understanding of the typical land entitlement process in New England including permitting at the local and state level preferred

Our best estimate of the salary range for this position located in Boston/Watertown, MA is $120,000-140,000. The final compensation will be based on a variety of factors such as individual qualifications, education, and experience.

Building what's next, together. Our people make the difference. We foster a technology-empowered, people‑driven, future‑ready culture where agility, innovation, and collaboration shape how we work every day.

When you join VHB, you'll find:

• Meaningful work on complex projects with real community impact
• A collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity and shared success
• Support to grow your skills and lead through change
• Learning and development supported by evolving tools and technologies, including AI
• Best-in-class benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.