Substation Project Structural Engineer

We are looking for a Substation Project Structural Engineer to join our growing and nationally ranked team of Power Delivery professionals. The role focuses on the structural design components of high voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects up to 500kV, including steel structure and foundation analysis & design. The engineer works closely with project managers and teams across multiple office locations to execute structural engineering and design components of substation projects, and may also train, mentor, and guide EITs across the practice and help senior engineers & technical leaders in the development and implementation of best practices.

• 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 to design and fabricate.
• 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.
• Co‑ordinate 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.

• 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 Micro Station.
• 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.

• 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) license).
• Previous structural engineer experience.
• 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.

HDR is committed to building on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day, fostering a collaborative culture that encourages trust and connection with clients and communities.

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 support a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment for all employees.

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, health, performance, and success, including 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. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location.

United States—North Carolina—Charlotte

Power

Full‑time

Regular

November 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.