Design Manager (Substation Engineering)

HDR, Inc.; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life insurance

Parental leave

Paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

HDR, Inc. is seeking a Substation Design Manager to lead technical teams on high voltage substation projects within the Power Delivery practice in Sacramento. You will partner with a PM for scope, schedule and budget while driving technical execution and quality across deliverables.

You will mentor engineers and CAD staff, oversee task assignments, and develop execution plans while contributing to industry-level design excellence and client satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field.
• 5 years related experience.
• Ability to interact with design teams and strong communication skills.
• Active participant in our employee-owned culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical team and execution of project deliverables.
• Develop project execution plans and assign tasks.
• Support scope, schedule, and budget with risk and change management.
• Mentor Project Engineers and CAD staff.
• Perform quality checks per HDR QMS and ensure world-class results.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

PLS CAD

AutoCAD

Plant 3D

AutoPipe

Revit

Microsoft Office

Job description

life insurance, parental leave, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement

Aug 19, 2026

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 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.

As a Substation Design Manager in an established Power Delivery practice, you'll draw upon your broad technical knowledge and experience in design and construction of high voltage substation projects to lead, guide, and advise clients, projects, and teams. Having previously performed a leading technical role on increasingly complex substation projects, you'll be ready to undertake greater challenges and responsibilities. You will develop a partnership with the Project Manager (PM), whereas the PM is responsible for scope, schedule, budget, and overall client management, you will be responsible for technical execution of the project.

In the role of Substation Design Manager, we'll count on you to:

Develops a partnership with a PM, whereas the PM is responsible for scope, schedule, budget, and client management, and the Design Manager is responsible for leading the technical team and execution of the project deliverables.

Develops and implements a project execution plan for the technical aspect of projects.

Assigns project tasks and provides technical guidance to project team members.

Supports the technical aspect of scope, schedule, and budget, including proposal development, work breakdown structure development and implementation, progress assessment, risk assessment/mitigation, change management, and schedule management.

Works independently and will direct, mentor, and/or train, one or more Project Engineers, EIT's, or CADD/Designers.

Coordinates and/or performs quality checks and reviews for all project deliverables per the HDR Quality Management Systems (QMS) requirements, processes, and procedures to deliver a world class quality product to the client. Performs quality checks and/or reviews of projects from other teams on an as needed basis.

Ability to lead multiple projects concurrently, utilizing teams in different locations.

Works with senior engineers and technical leaders to identify and develop specific technical expertise and will attend training and seminars focused on further development and understanding of complex concepts related to their discipline.

May also assist with developing technical papers and/or presentations that showcase HDR's technical capabilities at industry conferences or other events.

Work with Project Manager and Project Controller on project reviews with management as needed.

Perform other duties as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Professional Engineering licensure

Previous experience with an engineering consulting firm

Willingness to have a strong in office presence 4-5 days a week

Interest in engaging in technical and industry groups (IEEE, NAPE, EPRI, etc.)

Takes initiative and is flexible with embracing change in order to accomplish project goals

Extensive experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector

Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office as well as standard Power Market Sector design software (examples include PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, AutoPipe, and Revit)

A minimum of 10 years of experience

Thrives in a team environment and has strong communication, organizational and problem solving skills.

*LI-MO1

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• 5 years related experience
• Must have the ability to interact with various design teams, have excellent organizational, project management and communication (both written and verbal) skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

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.

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 States-California-Sacramento