Substation BIM 3D Designer

HDR, Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Disability insurance (short & long)

Life insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Retirement plan with employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

HDR, Inc. seeks a Substation BIM 3D Designer to join our growing Power Delivery team.

You will provide 3D designer support for substation projects, creating detailed models and drawings using AutoCAD and MicroStation, while coordinating with engineers on assignable tasks and design deliverables. The role offers growth opportunities, exposure to large and small projects, and collaboration with seasoned professionals in a national engineering firm.

Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree in drafting or Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology, or a high school diploma and 3+ years drafting coursework or equivalent.
• 3+ years of Substation design experience.
• Advanced knowledge of 2D/3D AutoCAD and MicroStation, plus raster CAD.
• Electrical utility or similar design experience preferred.
• Preference for local candidates.
• Experience with HV substation design including One Line Diagrams and BOM.

Responsibilities

• Perform 3D modeling and design of Substation projects using 3D AutoCAD and MicroStation.
• Develop design drawings, material lists and documents for simple to moderate projects.
• Work with engineers on design tasks and field reviews.
• Incorporate vendor information into design deliverables and follow client standards.

Skills

3D design

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Associate's Degree in drafting

Bachelor's in Engineering Tech

Tools

AutoCAD 3D

MicroStation

Raster CAD

3D Coordination tools

MS Office

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 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.

HDR Engineering is looking for a Substation Building Information Modeling (BIM) 3D Designer to join our growing and nationally ranked team of Power Delivery professionals in our Substation group.

The successful candidate will be a part of a team that provides 3D designer support for large and small scale substation engineering projects. This is an excellent growth opportunity for a self-directed individual who wants to learn and take on new challenges.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform 3D modeling and design of Substation projects, utilizing 3D AutoCAD and MicroStation software.
• Perform substation design tasks, CADD design, develop design drawings and documents, prepare material lists, and other tasks for simple to moderately complex projects.
• Perform most design responsibilities with assistance, guidance, and input from engineers on simple to moderately complex projects
• Work independently with little to no guidance on simple projects, and will work independently while performing CAD work and functions.
• Other duties include, but are not limited to interpreting and incorporating vendor information into design deliverables, performing field reviews and walk downs at client facilities, and applying client standards related to the work.

Preferred Qualifications

• An Associate’s Degree in drafting or Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology, or a high school diploma and 3 or more years drafting course work or equivalent technical experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.
• 3+ years of Substation design experience.
• Advanced knowledge of 2D and 3D AutoCAD and MicroStation software and raster CAD.
• Electrical utility or similar design experience preferred.
• Preference given to candidates in the local area.
• Experience in both the Protection and Control (Indoor) and Physical (Outdoor) aspects of High Voltage (HV) Substation design.
• Experience with substation design including One Line Diagrams, General Arrangements Sections, Material Lists (Bill of Materials/BOM), Lightning Stroke Shielding Plans, Conduit, Electrical Connection & Grounding Plans & Details, Control Building Equipment, Cable Tray, & Lighting Plans, Foundation Plans, Relay and Control Systems Schematics and Wiring Diagrams.
• Independently make design and engineering decisions for low to moderately complex projects with minimal oversight.
• Ability to work directly with clients and strong communication skills.

Required Qualifications

• Technical degree or a minimum of 3 years related industry experience
• Technically qualified with 3D design software and document management infrastructure
• Competency of Microsoft Office products and communication tools
• Experience with 3D Coordination tools
• Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and organizational traits are essential
• Intermediate understanding of engineering or architectural concepts

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.

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes 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. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.) Washington: $22.44-32.06 Nevada: $26.55 - $37.94 California: $29.21 - $41.73 Hourly

Primary Location: United States-Idaho-Boise Other Locations: United States-Arizona-Phoenix, United States-Washington-Spokane, United States-Arizona-Tucson, United States-Idaho-Coeur d'Alene, United States-Nevada-Las Vegas Industry: Power Schedule: Full-time Employee Status: Regular BusinessClass: Substation Engineering Job Posting: Nov 6, 2026

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