Substation Project Structural Engineer

About HDR

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected. We foster a culture of inclusion and ask ourselves how we impact the world. We believe electricity powers modern life and, as part of our Power sector, we help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted, and delivered to meet growing global energy demands.

The Substation Project Structural Engineer works with the structural design components of high voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects up to 500 kV, including steel structure and foundation analysis & design. The engineer coordinates with Project Managers and teams across multiple office locations, mentors staff, and contributes to best‑practice development in the discipline.

• Execute structural engineering tasks for various substation structural members such as rolled steel shapes, lattice steel framing, and folded‑plate tubular steel shapes—detailed design, calculations, and drafting for fabrication or concept drawings.
• Perform foundation design tasks for substation structures including drilled piers, spread footings, driven piles, and other types using industry‑standard software.
• Prepare and/or review specifications for construction and materials.
• Assign project tasks to EITs and provide technical guidance to non‑structural team members.
• Coordinate quality checks and reviews for project deliverables per HDR Quality Management Systems (QMS) requirements.
• Collaborate with other engineers to develop and maintain standards.
• Work independently and mentor/train one or more EITs and designers.
• Execute multiple projects concurrently, collaborating with teams in different locations.
• Participate in project reviews as needed.
• Travel may be required.

• Experience with physical/outdoor design of high voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects.
• Familiarity with NESC, NEC, IEEE, ANSI, ASCE‑113 and other standards.
• Proficiency in design software such as PLS‑Tower, Mathcad Prime, AutoCAD, Micro Station, STAAD, RISA, MFAD, L‑Pile or equivalents.
• Minimum 5 years of technical design experience with high voltage switchyard and substation projects, including foundation and steel structural design.
• Knowledge of AISC‑360, ASCE‑7, ACI‑318 and other applicable codes.
• 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.
• Professional engineering license recognized in the location of the position (e.g., PE or P.Eng).
• Prior structural engineering experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, RISA, STAAD, SAP, Tedds, RAM, ETABS, SAFE or similar.
• Experience with an architectural/engineering or consulting firm.
• Commitment to participation in an employee‑owned culture.

Charlotte, North Carolina, United States

Range: $90,682 – $145,990

Medical, dental, vision, short‑ and long‑term disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, paid time off, parental leave, holidays, retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus, and tuition reimbursement.

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.