Substation Project Engineer

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

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Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We believe electricity powers modern life. As part of our Power sector, you’ll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted and delivered as global energy demands grow. From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry-recognized engineers and scientists have been at the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century. You’ll work side-by-side with these experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive infrastructure forward, power innovation and leave your mark on our energy future.

The primary duties of the Substation Project Engineer include responsibility for knowledge and execution of the technical aspects and deliverables of projects assigned and is an experienced, competent engineer who generally understands and can complete all technical requirements of projects of basic to moderate complexity.

Job duties include:

• Developing design deliverables including substation physical layouts, material lists, conduit and cable sizing/routing, substation grounding, and major equipment wiring diagrams
• Preparation of engineering drawings, calculations, analyses, reports, and designs for electrical substations (Low, Medium and High Voltage).
• Prepare equipment specifications for procurement and/or factory acceptance testing.
• Coordinating design activities with other departments (Civil, Structural, Transmission Line, etc.).
• Assigns tasks and provides guidance to junior team members, and coordinates QC reviews for work performed by junior level engineers and/or designers.
• Work with Senior Engineers and the Business Class Leader to identify and develop specific technical expertise and will attend training and seminars focused on further development and understanding of complex concepts related to their discipline.
• Responsible for quality control reviews of projects from other teams on an as needed basis.
• Works independently and may direct, mentor, train, and/or supervise efforts of less-experienced EIT's and/or Designers.
• Performing site visits during the design, construction, and as-built phases of projects.

Perform other duties as needed.

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Keywords: Substation Project Engineer, electrical engineer, electrical engineering, substation physical layouts, substation layouts

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Architectural Engineering with an Electrical emphasis
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in substation design
• Specific experience performing aspects associated with substation design including substation layouts, plans, sections and details, grounding, lightning protection, control building arrangements, conduit plans and details, auxiliary AC/DC power systems, and associated bills of material.
• Strong computer skills, AutoCAD, Microstation, Microsoft Office and electrical design software (e.g., CDEGS).
• Previous experience with an architectural/ engineering or engineering consulting firm desired.
• Some travel may be required.
• Preference will be given candidates local to the Irvine, CA area.
• Prior experience consulting or working for an electric utility considered a plus.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering
• Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license
• Previous experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector.
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office as well as standard Power Market Sector design software. (examples include PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, AutoPipe, and Revit)
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location

United States-California-Irvine

Industry

Power

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

BusinessClass : Substation Engineering

Job Posting

Jul 24, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employee.

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

We design solutions to the world's greatest challenges. We'realways looking for great talent to join our global teams.