Design Manager (Substation Engineering)

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Design Manager (Substation Engineering) to lead technical execution of high voltage substation projects within our Power Delivery practice. You will partner with the Project Manager to deliver scope, schedule, and budget while guiding engineers and CAD staff.

The role demands strong leadership, communications, and extensive experience in substation design, with a preference for candidates active in industry groups and with licensure. Full-time on-site work is expected.

Qualifications

• Professional Engineer licensure is required.
• Experience with engineering consulting firms is preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the Power Market Sector.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical execution of substation design projects from concept through construction.
• Develop and implement project execution plans for the technical scope.
• Mentor and train Project Engineers, EITs, and CAD staff.
• Coordinate quality checks per HDR QMS and ensure high-quality deliverables.
• Manage multiple projects concurrently across different locations.

Skills

Professional Engineering licensure

Team leadership

Power market experience

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

AutoCAD

PLS CAD

Plant 3D

AutoPipe

Revit

Job description

Design Manager (Substation Engineering) - ( 192202 )

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.

Primary Location

Industry

Power

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

BusinessClass : Substation Engineering

Job Posting

Mar 31, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employe r. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

Ready to learn more? Let's work together to make great thingspossible.

We design solutions to the world's greatest challenges. We'realways looking for great talent to join our global teams.