Substation CAD/BIM Design Lead

HDR; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee benefits package

Retirement plan with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Employee referral bonus

Job summary

HDR, a leader in Power sector engineering, seeks a Substation CAD/BIM Design Lead in Irvine, CA. You will guide a multi-disciplinary CAD/BIM team and drive detailed design to construction documents, coordinating with electrical, structural and civil disciplines.

The role requires 5+ years in CAD/engineering, strong leadership, and knowledge of AutoCAD, Plant 3D, MicroStation, and Revit. Join HDR to influence resilient power systems and mentor staff.

Qualifications

• A technical degree or equivalent with at least 5 years CAD/engineering experience.
• Proficiency in 3D design software and document management.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of industry standards and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of CAD designers on detailed projects.
• Train BIM staff in detailing and plans production.
• Coordinate platform locations for equipment and piping for access and operations.
• Develop BIM and CAD models and construction documents.
• Direct preparation of drawings and supervise BIM staff as needed.
• Develop BIM Execution Plans detailing software, standards, deliverables and roles.
• Collaborate with engineers across disciplines throughout projects.
• Review designs with client or contractor representatives using BIM models.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Technical degree

Tools

AutoCAD

AutoCAD Plant 3D

MicroStation

Revit

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.

In the role of Substation CAD/BIM Design Lead, we'll count on you to:

• Lead a team of multi-disciplinary designers and CAD staff on detailed design projects.
• Train and mentor BIM staff in detailing and plans production.
• Coordinate the location of platforms to equipment and piping elements to allow access for operations and maintenance and will be familiar with space requirements for both operations, maintenance and construction requirements.
• Coordinate with engineers and designers of other disciplines like electrical, structural, and civil design practices throughout the course of the project.
• Develop and oversee the production of BIM and CAD models, ultimately resulting in construction documents.
• Independently create and oversee development of design models under broad direction from the project team or Project Manager.
• Direct preparation of drawings by other BIM Technicians of lesser experience or directly supervise BIM staff as needed.
• Develop BIM Execution Plans detailing the plan for executing the work and addressing items such as software, standards, deliverables, approach, and team member roles/responsibilities.
• Complete projects with distinctive design features differing significantly from BIM Technician precedents as needed.
• Work with client or contractor representatives using the BIM model for review purposes.
• Perform Redline corrections and develop design drawings from initial sketches
• Take responsibility for drawing layout
• Perform other duties as needed.

Keywords: Substation CAD/BIM Design Lead

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years related industry experience as a CAD Technician
• Thorough knowledge of AutoCAD, AutoCAD Plant 3D, MicroStation, and Revit.
• Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm.
• Knowledge of industry standards and practices, along with discipline codes and specifications.
• Excellent communication skills, attention to detail and organizational traits are essential.
• Leadership and mentoring skillsets.

Required Qualifications

• Technical degree or a combination of education and related industry experience
• A minimum of 5 years related industry experience
• Advanced skillset of 3D design software and document management infrastructure
• Advanced skillset of 3D Coordination tool
• Competency of Microsoft Office products and communication tools
• Advanced understanding of engineering or architectural concepts
• Knowledge of industry standards and practices, along with discipline codes and specifications
• Excellent communication skills, attention to detail and organizational traits are essential

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 is $81,000 - $110,000 and 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.) Primary Location:United States-California-Irvine Industry:Power Schedule:Full-time Employee Status:Regular BusinessClass:Substation Engineering Job Posting:Aug 14, 2026

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