Graduate Engineer - Power

HDR; Manchester; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Graduate Electrical - Power to join their UK Power Sector team in September 2027. You will work with experienced engineers on electrical distribution, substations, and renewable projects, supporting design and delivery across the project lifecycle.

You will gain hands-on experience, work in a collaborative, employee-owned environment, and develop toward chartership while participating in design Reviews and client meetings.

Qualifications

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Power Systems, or related.
• Be working toward or interested in Chartered status.
• Basic understanding of electrical systems design, including one-line diagrams, cable sizing, earthing and protection schemes.
• Familiarity with IEC, IEEE, ANSI standards and tools like AutoCAD, ETAP or DigSILENT is a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Ability to start in September 2027.

Responsibilities

• Assist Senior Engineers with detailed design tasks and drawing production.
• Support the design and engineering of high-voltage substations and power delivery projects from concept through detailed design.
• Prepare technical documentation including reports, specifications, drawings and calculations.
• Collaborate with civil, structural and protection engineers to integrate solutions.
• Participate in design reviews, quality checks and client meetings with senior staff.

Skills

Chartered status pursuit

MS Office proficiency

Electrical systems design basics

Industry standards awareness

Education

Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering or related

Tools

AutoCAD

ETAP

DigSILENT

Job description

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?

Watch Our Story: https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story

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 centres to modernising transmission systems, our industry-recognised 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.

As a member of the HDR Power Sector, you will contribute to transforming power infrastructure around the world, helping to shape a low carbon future for many years to come. Our diverse portfolio of projects will give you opportunities to grow and innovate. You will work under the guidance of experienced engineers to gain hands-on experience across the project lifecycle. This is a growth-focused role designed for early-career professionals who are keen to learn, contribute, and build the foundation for a rewarding engineering career.

About The Role

Working alongside experienced engineers and project teams, you will contribute to the design, analysis, delivery, and maintenance of power engineering solutions across a range of projects. You will gain hands-on design experience supporting the development of electrical power distribution, substations, renewable energy projects and network infrastructure. As a Graduate Electrical - Power, you will be part of an organisation that is 100-percent employee owned, that supports and creates many opportunities for you to advance, succeed and fulfil your career aspirations. The position is for a September 2027 start.

About You

We are seeking a graduate who is personable self-starter with the ability to project a positive ‘can do’ professional attitude at all times maintaining good working relationships. Someone who enjoys working collaboratively across disciplines being able to establish excellent working rapport within the team, business and with clients, with the ability to work under pressure, handle a varied workload and keep to tight deadlines whilst maintaining the highest level of technical excellence.

Responsibilities

• Assist Senior Engineers with detailed design tasks and drawing production.
• Support the design and engineering of high-voltage substations and power delivery projects from concept through to detailed design.
• Assist in preparing technical documentation including reports, specifications, drawings, and calculations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including civil, structural, and protection engineers to integrate solutions.
• Participate in design reviews, quality checks, and client meetings with the support of senior staff.
• Help interpret and apply relevant design codes, standards, and client specifications (e.g. IEC, IEEE, ANSI).
• Engage in internal learning opportunities to develop technical expertise and progress toward chartership.
• Promote safe design practices and support compliance with CDM regulations and ISO quality standards.
• Be personable and a proactive positive attitude.
• Be clear, concise, professional and personable when communicating with clients, colleagues and suppliers.
• Have the ability to project a positive and professional attitude at all times.
• Be able to establish rapport and good working relationships within the project team and Clients.
• Be able to work as part as a team and collaboratively and co-operatively.

Skills & Experience

• Hold a Bachelors degree in a relevant engineering topic (Electrical Engineering, Electrical Power Systems, or related).
• Be working toward or interest in obtaining Chartered status.
• Have a basic understanding of electrical systems design, including one-line diagrams, cable sizing, earthing, and protection schemes.
• Be familiar with industry standards (IEC, IEEE, ANSI) and design tools (e.g., AutoCAD, ETAP, DigSILENT or similar) is a plus.
• Be proficient in Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Have a basic understanding of electrical systems design, including one-line diagrams, cable sizing, earthing, and protection schemes.
• Familiarity with industry standards (IEC, IEEE, ANSI) and design tools (e.g., AutoCAD, ETAP, DigSILENT or similar) is a plus.
• Ability to start in September 2027

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 Kingdom-Scotland-Glasgow

Other Locations: United Kingdom-England-London, United Kingdom-England-Manchester

Industry: Power

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Regular

BusinessClass: Substation Engineering

Job Posting: Aug 17, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer (https://www.hdrinc.com/equal-employment-opportunity-employer). We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.