Substation Project Structural 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.

Substation Project Structural Engineer

HDR Engineering is looking for a Substation Project Structural Engineer to join our growing and nationally ranked team of Power Delivery professionals.

Responsibilities

• Execute structural engineering tasks for a variety of substation structural members such as rolled steel shapes, lattice steel framing, and folded plate tubular steel shapes. Engineering duties include detailed design, calculations, and detailing for fabrication or development of loading and concept drawings for submittal to a steel fabricator.
• Execute foundation design tasks for substation structures, including drilled piers, spread footings, driven piles, and potentially other types, using industry standard software.
• Prepare and/or review specifications for construction & materials.
• Assign project tasks to EITs and provide technical guidance to non-structural project team members.
• Coordinate and/or perform quality checks and reviews for project deliverables per the HDR Quality Management Systems (QMS) requirements, processes, and procedures to deliver a world‑class quality product to the client. Perform quality checks and/or reviews of projects from other teams on an as‑needed basis.
• Collaborate with other engineers to develop and maintain standards.
• Work independently and mentor and train one or more EITs and Designers.
• Ability to execute multiple projects concurrently, collaborating with teams in different locations.
• Participate in project reviews as needed.
• Some travel may be required.

Preferred / Desired Qualifications

• Technical design experience with 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 and Mathcad Prime, AutoCAD or MicroStation.
• Minimum 5 years of technical design experience with high voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects, including foundation and steel structural design.
• Working knowledge of the latest AISC‑360, ASCE‑7, ACI‑318, and other industry standards.
• Experience using industry standard design software, including STAAD, RISA, MFAD, L‑Pile, or equivalent.
• Self‑starter with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong conceptual, organizational, problem‑solving, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered (e.g., Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng)).
• Previous structural engineer experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, RISA, Staad, SAP, Tedds, RAM, ETABS, SAFE or similar.
• Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must.

Benefits & Compensation

The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. The targeted salary range for this position (based on experience and location) is $90,682 – $145,990.

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, health, performance and success, which includes 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.

Primary Location

United States – North Carolina – Charlotte

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Status

Regular

Schedule

Full‑time

Business Class

Substation Engineering

Industry

Power

Job Posting

Nov 24, 2025

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.