Substation Project Structural Engineer

Join the Substation Project Structural Engineer role at HDR
, a leading engineering consultancy focused on power delivery. We’re looking for a structural engineer with strong experience in high‑voltage switchyard and substation design to enhance reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems.

As a key member of our national team, you will collaborate closely with project managers and multidisciplinary teams across multiple office locations to execute the structural engineering and design components of substation projects up to 500 kV. In addition to hands‑on design, you will mentor entry‑level engineers, help develop best practices, and contribute to our quality delivery process.

• Execute detailed design, calculations and detailing of substation structural members (rolled steel shapes, lattice framing, folded plate tubular shapes).
• Lead foundation design tasks for substation structures, including drilled piers, spread footings, driven piles and other support systems.
• Prepare or review construction and materials specifications.
• Assign engineering tasks to EITs and provide technical guidance to non‑structural project teams.
• Perform quality checks and reviews for project deliverables per HDR Quality Management System requirements.
• Collaborate with other engineers to develop and maintain design standards.
• Mentor and train EITs and designers.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects with teams in different locations.
• Participate in project reviews as required.
• Travel may be required as projects demand.

• Technical design experience in high‑voltage switchyard and substation projects of varying complexity.
• Familiarity with NESC, NEC, IEEE, ANSI, ASCE‑113 and other industry standards.
• Proficiency with design software (PLS‑Tower, Mathcad Prime, AutoCAD or Micro Station).
• Minimum 5 years of technical design experience in high‑voltage switchyard and substation projects, including foundation and steel structural design.
• Working knowledge of AISC‑360, ASCE‑7, ACI‑318 and related standards.
• Experience with STAAD, RISA, MFAD, L‑Pile or equivalent.
• Strong written and verbal communication, problem‑solving and collaboration skills.
• Self‑starter capable of working independently and as part of a team.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• Professional Engineer license recognized in the location of the position (PE or P.Eng).
• Previous structural engineering experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, RISA, STAAD, SAP, Tedds, RAM, ETABS, SAFE or similar.
• Prior experience with an architectural/engineering or consulting firm.
• Commitment to HDR’s employee‑owned culture.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, health, performance and success, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance, paid time off, parental leave, paid holidays, retirement savings plan with employer match, referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The compensation range for this position is $90,682 – $145,990 (based on skills, experience, education and location).

Primary location:
Charlotte, North Carolina. Multiple additional sites across the United States are available.

HDR is committed to the principles of employment equity and is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants regardless of criminal history, arrest or conviction records.