Substation CAD/BIM Design Lead

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Substation CAD/BIM Design Lead to head a team of designers and CAD staff on Detailed Design projects in the Power sector. You will mentor BIM staff, coordinate with electrical, structural and civil disciplines, and drive BIM/CAD model development to construction documents.

The role requires strong leadership, extensive experience with 3D design tools, and a deep understanding of industry standards. Join HDR to contribute to reliable, resilient power systems.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years related industry experience.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, AutoCAD Plant 3D, MicroStation and Revit.
• Experience with architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firms.
• Knowledge of industry standards and discipline codes.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of multi-disciplinary designers and CAD staff on detailed design projects.
• Train and mentor BIM staff in detailing and plans production.
• Develop and oversee BIM/CAD models and produce construction documents.
• Develop BIM Execution Plans detailing execution processes, software, standards and team roles.
• Coordinate with engineers and designers across disciplines.

Skills

CAD Technician

AutoCAD

AutoCAD Plant 3D

MicroStation

Revit

Leadership

Communication

Industry standards

Education

Technical degree

Tools

3D design software

3D Coordination tool

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.

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.

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

Primary Location: United States-California-Irvine

Industry

Industry: Power

Schedule

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status

Employee Status: Regular

BusinessClass : Substation Engineering

Job Posting

Job Posting: Aug 14, 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 things possible.

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